Varkala is a beautiful coastal town located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India. With dramatic red cliffs meeting the blue Arabian Sea, serene beaches, and spiritual vibes from its ancient temples and ashrams, Varkala has become a favorite destination for both domestic and international travelers. Unlike more crowded beaches like Kovalam, Varkala offers a tranquil experience, ideal for wellness retreats, beach vacations, and cultural exploration.
If you’re planning to visit Varkala and wondering how to get there, this comprehensive travel guide outlines all the best routes and travel options — whether you’re coming by air, train, road, or even planning to combine your journey with other Kerala attractions.
Where is Varkala Located?
Varkala lies along the southwestern coast of Kerala, approximately 40 km from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) — the state capital. It’s perched on a stretch of red laterite cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, offering both natural beauty and easy connectivity.
- Coordinates: 8.7379° N, 76.7163° E
- Nearest City: Thiruvananthapuram (40 km)
- Popular Nearby Places: Kollam, Kovalam, Alleppey, Trivandrum
Reaching from Varkala by Air
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
The fastest way to reach Varkala is by flying into Trivandrum International Airport, which is just about 40 km (1 hour) away from Varkala.
- Domestic Connectivity: Regular flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi.
- International Flights: Direct connections from Gulf countries, Singapore, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
💡 Travel Tip:
- After landing, you can either hire a prepaid taxi, book an Uber/Ola, or take a bus/train to Varkala.
- Taxi fare from the airport to Varkala is approximately ₹1,500–₹2,000.
Alternative Airport: Kochi International Airport (COK)
If you’re entering Kerala from the north or planning a longer Kerala trip, you can also consider landing at Kochi and traveling about 170 km south to reach Varkala.
Reaching from Varkala by Train
Nearest Railway Station: Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK)
Varkala has its own railway station, well connected to major cities in Kerala and across India. The station is about 2 km from the main beach area.
Major Train Routes:
- From Trivandrum: 1-hour journey, frequent trains available.
- From Kochi (Ernakulam): ~3.5 hours
- From Bangalore: Overnight trains available (~15 hours)
- From Chennai: Trains like the Anantapuri Express connect Varkala to Chennai (~15 hours)
- From Mumbai: Netravati Express or Kerala Express (~24 hours)
- From Delhi: Kerala Express (~48 hours)
💡 Travel Tip:
- Book train tickets in advance via IRCTC during tourist season (October to March).
- For comfort, opt for 2AC or 3AC classes on long-distance trains.
- Varkala station has good facilities, including cloakrooms and pre-paid auto stands.
Reaching from Varkala by Road
Varkala is easily accessible by road via National and State Highways connecting it to nearby cities like Trivandrum, Kollam, Kochi, and even Bangalore.
By Car/Taxi:
- From Trivandrum: 1 to 1.5 hours (40 km via NH66)
- From Kollam: 1 hour (35 km)
- From Kochi: 4.5 to 5 hours (170 km)
- From Bangalore: 12–13 hours (approx. 690 km)
By Bus:
- Kerala State RTC runs frequent buses from Trivandrum, Kollam, and Kochi to Varkala.
- Choose Super Deluxe or AC Volvo services for a more comfortable ride.
- From Trivandrum, local buses depart every 30–60 minutes.
💡 Travel Tip:
- If driving yourself, the coastal road from Kollam to Varkala is scenic with sea views.
- Avoid night driving during monsoon months (June–August) due to slippery coastal roads.
Reaching from Varkala from Major Cities
From Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram):
- By Road: Taxi or bus via NH66 (1–1.5 hrs)
- By Train: Frequent trains in under 1 hour
- Airport to Varkala: Prepaid cabs, ride-hailing apps, or local buses available
From Kochi:
- By Train: 3.5 to 4 hours
- By Road: Via NH66, approx. 5 hours by taxi or self-drive
- By Bus: KSRTC Superfast or private AC buses available
From Bangalore:
- By Train: Overnight trains (14–15 hours)
- By Bus: Private buses (SRS, Kallada, etc.) take about 13–14 hours
- By Flight: Direct flight to Trivandrum + 1-hour drive to Varkala
From Chennai:
- By Train: Anantapuri Express or Mail trains (~15 hours)
- By Air: Chennai to Trivandrum flights + cab to Varkala
Getting Around Varkala Locally
Once you arrive, exploring Varkala is quite easy:
On Foot:
- Most beachside attractions like Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach, and cafes are walkable.
By Scooter:
- Scooters can be rented at ₹300–₹500 per day.
- Great for exploring nearby places like Kappil Beach, Anjengo Fort, and Edava.
By Auto Rickshaw:
- Fixed-rate autos for nearby sightseeing.
- Always confirm prices before boarding.
Nearby Attractions from Varkala
Make your trip more memorable by exploring these destinations:
- Kappil Beach & Backwaters (6 km): Great for boat rides and sunsets.
- Janardanaswamy Temple (2 km): 2,000-year-old spiritual landmark.
- Sivagiri Mutt (3 km): Pilgrimage site founded by social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
- Anchuthengu Fort (12 km): 17th-century British fort with coastal views.
Best Time to Travel to Varkala
- October to March: Peak tourist season, pleasant weather, perfect for beach fun.
- April to June: Hot but less crowded, suitable for budget travelers.
- July to September: Monsoon magic; ideal for Ayurvedic retreats, though some outdoor activities are limited.
Suggested Itineraries Including Varkala
- Kerala Spiritual Trail: Kochi – Alleppey – Varkala – Trivandrum
- Beach & Wellness Trip: Varkala – Kovalam – Poovar – Kanyakumari
- Romantic Escape: Munnar – Thekkady – Varkala – Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey
Travel Tips Before You Go
- Carry cash for small eateries and tuk-tuks; digital payments are not universal.
- Respect local traditions, especially at temples and during religious festivals.
- Book accommodations early during December–January.
- Keep sunscreen and mosquito repellent handy.
- Avoid swimming during rough tides – lifeguards may restrict access.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a spiritual seeker, or a couple seeking a peaceful beach vacation, reaching Varkala is both simple and scenic. With flexible travel options via air, rail, and road, and easy connectivity from major cities, planning your journey becomes stress-free.
Now that you know how to reach Varkala and get around, all that’s left is to pack your bags and let the calming cliffs and the ocean breeze welcome you to this hidden jewel of Kerala.
Read Also:
- Top 10 Tourist Destinations to See in Varkala
- Varkala Beach, Kerala: A Complete Travel Guide
- Places to See in Kerala in June 2026
- Kerala Travel in July 2026 for Best Places
- Places in Kerala to Visit in August 2026
- Kerala Places to See in September 2026
- October Visit in Kerala for Famous Destinations
FAQs – How to Reach Varkala
Q1. What is the fastest way to reach Varkala?
A1. The quickest route is by air to Trivandrum International Airport followed by a 1-hour taxi ride or train to Varkala.
Q2. Does Varkala have an airport?
A2. No, Varkala doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest one is in Trivandrum (40 km away).
Q3. How far is Varkala from Alleppey?
A3. Approximately 110 km. It takes about 3–4 hours by road or train.
Q4. Can I reach Varkala directly by train from Mumbai or Delhi?
A4. Yes. Long-distance trains like the Netravati Express and Kerala Express stop at Varkala.
Q5. Are buses to Varkala comfortable?
A5. KSRTC and private Volvo buses offer good comfort, especially for routes from Kochi, Bangalore, and Trivandrum.
Q6. What’s the best way to get around in Varkala?
A6. Walking, scooters, or local autos are the most convenient options.
Q7. Is self-driving to Varkala safe?
A7. Yes, road conditions are good, but avoid night driving during monsoon season.
