r2i forum

I know there have been similar posts, but most of them are old and I am not sure if things have changed since. Hence starting a new one, hope people will comment with help.

I am exploring an opportunity to r2i through internal transfer to my company's office in Kochi. I am from Pune and have never been to Kerala. Needless to say, don't know the language, culture and anything about Kochi and Kerala (other than some exposure to working colleagues). I will be r2i'ing after 16 years in US (11 for wife) with 2 year old daughter.

Several doubts/questions come to mind before I commit to this:
1. Will lack of local language be an issue? Can you get through the day to day life without Malayalam?
2. The office is in Infopark, Kakkanad. What are the best areas to live? Are there good nursery schools around that?
3. Are there good rental options for 4BHK apartments? Is there such thing like "cosmopolitan" area to live?
4. Is the living cost lower/similar/higher than Pune?

Anyone with a similar experience?

Please help.

Several doubts/questions come to mind before I commit to this:
1. Will lack of local language be an issue? Can you get through the day to day life without Malayalam?

Not at all- English is widely spoken, Hindi understood- albeit with a strong dash of the Mallu accent.
2. The office is in Infopark, Kakkanad. What are the best areas to live? Are there good nursery schools around that?
Rajagiri, Choice, assissi Vidyaniketan, etc should be accesible plus some other I dont know.
3. Are there good rental options for 4BHK apartments? Is there such thing like "cosmopolitan" area to live?
Plenty
4. Is the living cost lower/similar/higher than Pune?
Similar, I would think

Thanks Sumachechi. I just saw your profile and realized that you are from Kochi!

Are there any specific areas you would recommend for us to rent?

Looking at the google maps, it seems that Kakkanad is outside the city limits. Is that correct? Any +/- living in city vs outside?

Kakkanad itself will be fine to rent. Tripunithura is also easily commutable. The distances are not much, just the traffic within city limits will be considerable. I stay in Tripunithura and prefer staying outside the limits.