News Desk

10 January 2026, 11:06 PM IST

Kochi’s newest stay option, Kochi Pods, brings Japanese-style capsule hotels to the city, offering private, tech-enabled pods for solo travellers, couples, and families.

Japan-style sleeping pods arrive in Kochi: Is this how travellers will sleep next?

In Kochi, a futuristic take on travel stays is here. Kochi Pods, a new facility near Ernakulam South railway station, is introducing Japanese-style capsule hotels to Kerala.

Instead of traditional hotel rooms, guests get compact, self-contained sleeping pods designed for privacy, efficiency, and digital convenience. Each pod comes with USB ports, adjustable lighting, air-conditioning controls, and a vanity mirror. Guests access their pod via card entry, solving common security concerns.

The concept grew out of pandemic challenges faced by hotelier Shanaz Salahuddin, who first tested capsule hotels in Thiruvananthapuram and expanded to Kochi. Floors are segregated for solo men, solo women, and families or couples, with common lockers, washrooms, and seating areas.

Kochi Pods also breaks the traditional check-in cycle. Guests can “pay for what they stay,” choosing 4, 12, or 24-hour stays starting at ₹499. The pods target travellers seeking privacy, comfort, and convenience, especially those on short trips or transit. With its tech-forward design and flexible model, Kochi Pods is redefining how the city sleeps.

The 10,000-square-foot facility brings a blend of Japanese capsule hotel efficiency and Kerala-friendly customisation. The futuristic, white interiors evoke a spacecraft-like ambience, emphasising privacy and connectivity over space. Solo travellers, families, and couples have dedicated floors, while shared areas include seating, washrooms, and secure luggage lockers. Guests can adjust ambient lighting via touch sensors, and pods are equipped with modern necessities for work or relaxation.

The pay-as-you-stay model allows flexible check-ins and durations, catering to the growing demand for short-stay and transit-friendly accommodations. Rates begin at ₹499 for 4 hours, making it a practical alternative to conventional hotels. Kochi Pods is part of a wider expansion of capsule hotels by Salahuddin, following successful operations in Thiruvananthapuram and other cities, signalling a shift toward tech-savvy, efficient, and private lodging in India.

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AloJapan.com