Kochi, India 🇮🇳
#105
9.967427, 76.245443
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a major city in the Indian state of Kerala located on the southwest coast of India. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 in the city and about 2.1 million in the metropolitan area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps with local ISPs like ACT Fibernet and BSNL. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD. Major banks include State Bank of India, HDFC, and ICICI Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to consume bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D and M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea with affordable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and digital wallets like Paytm are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, OYO Rooms, and serviced apartments throughout Kochi. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless transactions are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and OYO Rooms offer many short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Zostel and budget hotels such as Hotel Fort Queen provide affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Kochi Startup Hub is a popular coworking space with great facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bharath Cafe and The Coffee Co. are known for their work-friendly environments. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and networking events are often arranged through platforms like Meetup.com at venues like Cochin Shipyard. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Kochi' host regular meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Ola operate efficiently in Kochi for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting bikes from Royal Brothers and Bounce is common among locals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cherai Beach is about 30 minutes away, famous for its sandy shores. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | IndiGo and Air India operate frequent flights from Kochi to other Indian cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air India, Emirates, and Qatar Airways connect Kochi to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include NH 66 that connect to other states. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kochi Railway Station is the primary train station serving the city. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Kocheri buses are available, with no specific pass system but nominal fares. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby cities like Ernakulam and Thrissur, and ferries operate between islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Lissy Hospital and Fortis Hospital are well-known healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Karma Yoga and AyurYoga are famed for their holistic wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Talwalkars are popular gym chains in Kochi. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; services like Dryclean Xpress offer convenient options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Swiggy and Zomato dominate the food delivery market. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish curry and appam are must-try traditional dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Saravana Bhavan and Kashi Art Cafe offer excellent vegetarian selections. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Famous Flavours and Cacao Bakery are popular for their desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marine Drive is a great place for affordable street food and local shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon India, Flipkart, and Myntra are widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BigBasket and Grofers offer convenient grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Downtown Kochi area and Fort Kochi come alive at night with bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Doolally Taproom is popular for craft beers in Kochi. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Spice Route is a renowned wine and cocktail bar. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The food stalls at Marine Drive and Mattancherry are famous for local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like Pai Dosa serve a mix of Indian and continental dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, and St. Francis Church are significant landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kochi-Muziris Biennale and Kerala Folklore Museum are must-visit cultural sites. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Kochi and Dutch Cemetery hold important historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Paradesi Synagogue and Santa Cruz Basilica are notable places of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Kochi Biennale, held once every two years, is a major art event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Fort Kochi boasts a vibrant mix of culture, art, and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Playhouse and Kerala Kalamandalam host cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Jew Town area is famous for antique shops and spice markets. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be enjoyed at venues like The Fort Kochi Heritage Museum. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The streets of Fort Kochi feature vibrant street art, especially during the Biennale. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes like those at the Kerala Culinary School offer hands-on experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery OED and Kashi Art Gallery showcase local and international artworks. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Indo-Portuguese houses in Fort Kochi are key architectural sites. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kerala's diverse heritage is celebrated through festivals and cultural exhibits. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the scenic backwaters in Alleppey, just an hour away from Kochi. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Silent Valley National Park are accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The scenic promenades along Marine Drive are great for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Fort Kochi offers stunning views of the harbor. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, about 50 km from Kochi, is a birdwatcher's paradise. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Cherai Beach allows for bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and India Post provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in MG Road provide mobile and electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many local gyms and community centers host table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Lingua World offer classes in English and local languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kochi Public Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cochin Arts & Science College organizes various community programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like AfterGlow offer PC and console gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino in Kochi offers a variety of table games and poker. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹1,600,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹1,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹2,700,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹1,920,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹3,040,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹2,240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate in India. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% for foreign residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | India has a worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals earning above ₹15 lakh. |
| 🧾 VAT | GST (Goods and Services Tax) rate varies, typically around 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, India has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on the estimated rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 7-10%, varies by state. |