Varkala, perched on the beautiful coast of Kerala, is a paradise in every sense of the word, with peaceful beaches, ancient temples and stunning cliffs, among others. Stunning sandy beaches and great beauty make this town an increasingly popular place for both domestic and international tourists. Varkala is more than a beach for you to relax at, it is the quintessence of South Indian culture in art, spirituality and natural beauty. So, pack your bags and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!
Journey to Varkala: Let’s Begin!
Traveling to Varkala is an interesting adventure on its own and various modes of travel are available depending upon your place of origin. Let us take a look at how to get to this lovely town from popular Indian locations.
From Delhi
In case you are flying in from the capital, you can take a direct flight to Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), the closest airport to Varkala, which is around 40 km away. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours by flight. After you arrive, you can take an approximately one-hour taxi or train (from Trivandrum) to Varkala. Or if you are the avid adventurous type, you can take a direct train from New Delhi to Varkala, and this will take you about 30 to 36 hours, depending on the train service you chose.
From Mumbai
Travellers can fly from Mumbai to Trivandrum in about 1.5 hours. It is a cakewalk to reach Varkala from Trivandrum! You can take a cab or a local train that will get you to your destination in an hour. A 26-hour journey on the Mumbai-Lokmanya Tilak to Varkala rail route is the most traditional route if you prefer the scenic route over the air route.
From Hyderabad
Hyderabad to Trivandrum has a direct flight of ~1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arriving at the airport, it is a relatively straightforward trip to Varkala, simply catching a taxi, or hopping on a local train. If you feel like a long train journey, the Hyderabad to Varkala trains could take around 30-35 hours but it’s a wonderful way to experience the changing landscapes of India.
From Bangalore
If you are based in Bangalore, do take the short hour flight to Trivandrum. It’s a mere taxi ride from Trivandrum to Varkala. If you prefer to drive or get on a bus from Bangalore, it will take approximately 12-14 hours via NH 44. The beautiful views through the route will most definitely raise your spirits!
From Chennai to Varkala
Hop from Varkala and in Chennai. A 1-hr flight will get you to Trivandrum, and a 1-hr taxi to Varkala. Alternatively, you can also catch a train from Chennai Egmore to Varkala which would take approximately 10-12 hours but can be pretty comfortable.
From Trivandrum
Once you are in the Trivandrum, it’s very easy to reach to the Varkala. You can go by taxi or regional train, both of which take about an hour to reach the destination. The trip of the local train is very famous, which provides a view of the local life of Kerala.
From Kolkata
The most convenient way to travel from Kolkata to Varkala is to reach Trivandrum by air, which will take you approximately 2.5 hours. Once you land you can either get the taxi or take the train to Varkala. You may also take a train from Kolkata to Varkala which might take about 28-30 hours.
From Bhubaneswar
If you’re starting your journey from Bhubaneswar, the best option you have is booking a flight to Trivandrum, which is approximately 2 hours flight away. The ride to Varkala takes about an hour by taxi or train.
How to Get the Most out of Your Varkala Trip
- Book in Advance: Book your tickets, whether flights or trains, at least 60–90 days in advance via MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, or EaseMyTrip, which will help you save money and get the best seat available.
- Explore Local Transportation: After reaching Varkala, you can make a renting a scooter or bicycle in that area to enjoy the beautiful cliffs and beaches. It is such a beautiful drive down the coastline!
- Savor Local Food: Do not leave Kerala without tasting the delectable Kerala goodies. From the fresh seafood to traditional Sadya to the local street food that will tickle your taste buds!
- Explore beyond the beaches: Take time out from the beaches to visit ancient Janardhana Swami Temple, or the peaceful Sivagiri Mutt, for a flavour of Varkala’s spiritual side.
- Stay Inspired: Get inspired with tips about Varkala on Trip Advisor, and curated experience ideas and guides on Thrillophilia.
Conclusion: Varkala, A Must-Visit Destination
Varkala offers so much more; it is where you can let your hair down, go exploring and create lifelong memories. So, what are you waiting for? Varkala calls out to you with its unspoilt beaches, magnificent cliffs and vibrant culture. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
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