How to Get to Kanayannur. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Essentials

Cochin International Airport COK

Also called Nedumbassery Airport, COK serves as the main air travel point for Ernakulam district, including Kanayannur taluk. It sits approximately 25-30 km north of Kochi city center.

Flight Options

Domestic airlines: IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Alliance Air connect Kochi to major Indian cities.
International airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Saudia, Oman Air, Gulf Air, Air Arabia, SriLankan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thai, Air India, IndiGo link Kochi to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and some European hubs.
Direct international flights (outside Middle East/Southeast Asia) are few. Many travelers connect via hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Indian metropolitan cities.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

COK terminals: Terminal 1 (Domestic), Terminal 2 (Executive/Business), Terminal 3 (International). Facilities include duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, car rentals, taxis, restaurants, cafes, lounges, medical aid, and free Wi-Fi.

Traveler Services

Transfer options: Pre-paid taxis and app-based taxis (Uber/Ola) are available 24/7. KSRTC buses run from the airport to Kochi and other cities.
Kochi Metro: Nearest station, Aluva, is reachable by bus or taxi from COK.
Flight pricing: Higher in peak season (Dec-Feb), lower during monsoon (Jun-Sep). Booking ahead is wise, especially for popular travel times. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Train Journeys

Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and Ernakulam Town (ERN) are Kochi's main railway stations. These stations connect well to all major cities across India and within Kerala.

Bus Travel

KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) operates extensive services. Private bus operators also offer comfortable sleeper and semi-sleeper buses. Main bus stations: Ernakulam KSRTC Bus Stand and Vytilla Hub.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license needed. India drives on the left. Traffic is chaotic. Defensive driving is a must. Rental cars available.

Road & Rail Navigation

Train Booking & Travel

Book tickets via Indian Rail (IRCTC), at stations, or authorized agents. Book ahead for popular routes and peak season.
Stations have waiting rooms, refreshment stalls, luggage trolleys.
No border crossing for Kanayannur.
Road conditions vary, generally good. Drive with caution due to mixed traffic. Use Google Maps for navigation.

Bus Stations & Services

Bus stations: Ernakulam KSRTC Bus Stand and Vytilla Hub.
Private bus operators offer AC/non-AC services.
Self-driving: IDP and home license needed. Road laws apply. Parking in designated spots.
Safety on roads: Be careful of aggressive driving, lack of lane discipline, poor night lighting, pedestrians, and animals.

Waterway Journeys

Cruise Port

Cochin Port on Willingdon Island hosts international cruise ships.

Ferry Services

Regular passenger ferries link Kochi's islands and localities (Fort Kochi, Vypin, Ernakulam mainland).

River Travel

Backwater ferries serve local transport and tourism. Houseboats/Shikaras rent for leisure.

Departure Information

Exit Formalities

No particular exit fees or taxes are usually charged directly to departing passengers at Cochin International Airport; these are generally included in airfare.

Departure Procedures

International Flights: Arrive at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure.
Domestic Flights: Arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure.
Procedures: Complete check-in, security screening, and immigration (for international flights) before boarding.

Airport & Station Facilities

Cochin International Airport features duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, currency exchange, baggage wrapping, and medical aid for departing travelers.

Terminal Services

Duty-free shopping and various retail outlets.
Comfortable lounges for relaxation.
Restaurants and cafes for dining.

Railway & Bus Station Services

Railway Stations (Ernakulam Junction/Town) present waiting rooms, refreshment stalls, luggage trolleys, and restrooms.

Station Amenities

Waiting rooms and seating areas.
Refreshment stalls for meals and drinks.
Luggage trolleys for easy transport of bags.

Security Measures

Expect strict security checks at airports. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must comply with regulations.

Security Guidelines

Adhere to baggage restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage.
Be equipped for thorough security screenings.
Follow all instructions from airport security personnel.

Last-Minute Checks

Ensure your passport and visa are readily accessible.
Reconfirm flight times and terminal information.
Double-check luggage for prohibited items.

Arrive at the airport with ample time before departure.
Have local currency for any last-minute purchases.
Keep emergency contact information handy.

Getting Around

Public Transit Overview

Kochi Metro: Modern elevated rail across major city parts. Buses: Extensive network of public (KSRTC) and private buses. Ferries: Connect islands and peninsulas to the mainland. No tram system.

Transit Options

Kochi Metro: Single journey tokens, Kochi One smart card, mobile QR tickets. Fares vary by distance. Operates from 06:00 to 22:30, every 7-15 minutes.
Buses: Conductors issue paper tickets onboard; cash payment. Fares are inexpensive and distance-based. Operate from 05:00-06:00 to 21:00-22:00, frequency varies.
Ferries: Purchase tickets at the jetty. Very low fares. Operate from 06:00 to 21:30-22:00, good frequency on main routes.

Navigation & Accessibility

Metro route maps are online and at stations; hubs include Aluva, Vytilla Hub. Bus hubs: Ernakulam KSRTC Bus Stop, Vytilla Hub. Ferry hubs: Ernakulam Jetty, Fort Kochi Jetty, Vypin Jetty.

Traveler Insights

Use Google Maps for public transport routes and timings.
For the metro, consider purchasing a Kochi One card for convenience if staying longer.
Accessibility: Metro stations are generally accessible. Buses are not easily accessible. Ferry access may be challenging.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed taxis (yellow/black roof or private cars) found at stands or via apps. App-based services (Uber/Ola) are popular. Insist on meter or agree on fare.

Rental Options

Car rentals (IDP, home license needed) and motorcycle/scooter rentals (license, IDP, Helmet) are available. Bicycle rentals in tourist areas. Auto-rickshaws are a main local transport.

Walking & Cycling

Fort Kochi is highly pedestrian-friendly for guided walks. Marine Drive is well-liked for strolls. Cycling not much infrastructure; caution needed due to traffic.

Specialized Transportation

Touring Services

KTDC and independent operators present local sightseeing tours by bus. Some exclusive companies offer hop-on-hop-off services in Kochi, mainly covering Fort Kochi and Ernakulam attractions.

Water Transport

Ferry services: Regular public ferries run within Kochi's backwaters, connecting various points as public transport.
Private Boats/Shikaras: Available for hire for leisure rides, especially around Fort Kochi and Marine Drive.
No cable cars or funiculars exist in Kanayannur.

Accessibility & Local Charm

Accessibility is limited but improving. Kochi Metro has relatively good accessibility. Newer hotels might have accessible rooms.

Traveler Considerations

Private car hire with a driver offers more flexibility for travelers with mobility needs.
Auto-rickshaws provide a quintessential local experience, ubiquitous and inexpensive.
Camping is limited directly within Kanayannur taluk due to its urban or semi-urban nature.

Public Transport Tips

Learn Phrases

Learn basic Malayalam phrases for directions if you use local buses.

Peak Hours

Be aware of peak hour crowds on buses and ferries to plan travel.

Taxi Negotiation

For auto-rickshaw fares, always insist on the meter or agree on a price before starting the journey.

How to Get to Kanayannur