How To Reach Varkala
How to Reach Varkala
Varkala, a coastal town in Kerala, is known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and spiritual significance. Whether you’re visiting for its natural beauty, historic sites, or the vibrant culture, getting to Varkala is the first step in your adventure. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Varkala, covering all major transportation options, along with distances, travel times, and estimated costs.
By Air: The Quickest Way to Varkala
The nearest airport to Varkala is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located about 45 kilometers away. This airport is well-connected to major cities across India and international destinations, making it the most convenient way to reach Varkala by air.
- From Delhi: The flight to Trivandrum covers about 2,760 km and takes around 3 hours 15 minutes. Airfares typically range from ₹3,500 to ₹12,000, depending on the season and airline.
- From Mumbai: Covering approximately 1,500 km, the flight takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000.
- From Bangalore: The 675 km flight takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, with fares between ₹2,500 and ₹7,000.
- From Chennai: The journey of around 705 km takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, with airfares ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹8,000.
After landing at Trivandrum, a taxi ride to Varkala will take approximately 1 hour.
By Train: A Scenic and Comfortable Journey
Varkala has its own railway station, Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK), which is well-connected to many major cities in India. Traveling by train to Varkala offers a chance to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Kerala along the way.
- From Delhi: The train journey covers about 2,880 km, taking around 50-52 hours. Ticket prices range from ₹1,000 to ₹4,500, depending on the class.
- From Mumbai: Covering around 1,675 km, the train takes 28-32 hours. Fares range from ₹700 to ₹3,800.
- From Bangalore: The 670 km journey takes around 12-14 hours, with tickets priced between ₹400 and ₹2,500.
- From Chennai: Covering about 755 km, the train journey takes 13-15 hours, with fares between ₹500 and ₹2,800.
By Road: A Scenic Drive to Varkala
Varkala is well-connected by road, offering travelers a scenic journey through Kerala’s lush landscapes. National Highway 66 (NH 66) is the primary route leading to Varkala.
- From Bangalore: The drive via NH 44 and NH 66 covers about 670 km, taking approximately 11-12 hours. Fuel costs range from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000, depending on the vehicle. Buses range from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 for an AC Sleeper or Semi-Sleeper.
- From Chennai: Driving via NH 32 and NH 66 covers around 750 km in 13-14 hours, with fuel costs between ₹5,500 and ₹7,500. Bus fares range from ₹1,500 to ₹3,500.
- From Mumbai: The journey via NH 66 spans approximately 1,675 km, taking 28-30 hours, with fuel costs ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹14,000. Bus fares range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000.
- From Trivandrum: A short drive of about 45 km takes roughly 1 hour, with fuel costs ranging from ₹300 to ₹500.
By Sea: A Unique and Adventurous Route
Varkala’s proximity to the Arabian Sea makes it accessible by sea, though this is more of an adventurous and less common route.
- Cruise Ships: Trivandrum’s nearby port sometimes welcomes cruise ships, from which you can travel to Varkala by road. This offers a unique way to arrive in Varkala, though it’s not a regular option.
- Local Ferries: While long-distance ferries aren’t available, local ferry services within Kerala provide a scenic way to explore the backwaters once in the region.
Travel Tips
- Advance Booking: Peak seasons, especially during the winter months and festive periods like Christmas and New Year, see a surge in visitors, so book your travel tickets early.
- Weather Awareness: Varkala experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season (June to September), which might affect travel plans, especially by road.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Varkala is a place of spiritual significance, especially around the Sivagiri Mutt and Janardhana Swamy Temple. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting these sites.
Varkala is a destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and relaxation. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to choose the best route to reach Varkala, considering all the factors like distance, travel time, and cost. Whether by air, rail, road, or sea, your journey to Varkala promises to be as enriching as the destination itself.
Best Seller Package Kerala
Explore More About Kerala
To reach Kerala, you have several options depending on where you’re starting from. Here’s an overview:
1. By Air
- Kerala has four main international airports: Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) in Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut International Airport (CCJ) in Kozhikode, and Kannur International Airport (CNN).
- Direct flights are available from major cities in India and international destinations like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe.
- From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to your final destination within Kerala.
2. By Train
- Kerala has a well-connected railway network with major train stations in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Ernakulam (Kochi), Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kannur.
- Book tickets through IRCTC or at local railway stations. Major trains from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad connect to Kerala.
3. By Road
- Kerala is well connected by road with neighboring states: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- You can take a long-distance bus run by KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) or private operators, which are frequent from Bangalore, Chennai, and other South Indian cities.
- Alternatively, you can self-drive or hire a cab for a road trip into Kerala.
4. By Sea
- Kochi has a major port, and some luxury cruises and boats stop here on certain international and domestic routes.
- You can explore options for cruises from destinations like Mumbai.
5. Local Transport within Kerala
- Once in Kerala, travel between cities is convenient via trains, state-run buses, and private taxis.
- For shorter distances, you can also consider auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing services.
If you need specific guidance based on your starting location, let me know!
The best time to visit Kerala largely depends on what you want to experience, but generally, the ideal time is from October to March. Here’s a breakdown:
October to March: This is the peak tourist season. The weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures and low humidity, making it perfect for sightseeing, backwater tours, and beach activities.
April to June: These months are hotter and more humid, which can make outdoor activities less enjoyable. However, this is a good time to find deals on accommodations and visit less crowded places.
July to September: This is the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall. While it’s not the most popular time to visit, the lush greenery and fewer tourists can be appealing. It’s also a great time for Ayurvedic treatments, as the weather is believed to enhance the effectiveness of these therapies.
If you’re interested in specific activities like wildlife watching, festivals, or cultural experiences, those can also influence the best time for your visit.
If you are coming through Train or Flight then you need to reach By reaching Ernakulam Railway station or Cochi airport.
You want to visit then July to Junauary will be the proper time to visit Kerala. If you want to avoid high cost then don’t come in holiday dates.
You can explore Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Vagamon Varkala Kovalam Trivandrums.
To visit 5 days 4 nights is the best plan in which you can explore Alleppey Vagamon Varkala Kovalam Trivandrum.
Houseboat Experiences by Carnival Tours, Alleppey.
In companies account on the 1st day only
Depends upon the Package you have taken.
Depends upon the Package you have taken.
Yes, Kerala is generally safe at night, especially in tourist areas, but remain cautious and avoid isolated places.
God’s Own Country: Kerala is often referred to as “God’s Own Country” due to its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and natural beauty, including backwaters, hills, and beaches.
High Literacy Rate: Kerala boasts one of the highest literacy rates in India, at over 96%. This is attributed to the state’s strong focus on education and social welfare.
Unique Festivals: The state is famous for its vibrant festivals, such as Onam and Vishu, which showcase traditional music, dance, and feasting. The snake boat races during Onam are particularly popular.
Ayurveda Hub: Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments and wellness tourism. The state has numerous Ayurveda resorts and practitioners, making it a leading destination for holistic healing.
Backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala, particularly in places like Alleppey and Kumarakom, are a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals that offer houseboat experiences and are a major tourist attraction.
Diverse Wildlife: Kerala is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Periyar National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can see elephants, tigers, and various bird species.
Cultural Melting Pot: The state has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and art forms.
Spice Capital: Historically, Kerala was a major spice trading center, earning the nickname “Spice Garden of India.” It produces a variety of spices, including black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Hill Stations of Kerala, including the Western Ghats, have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Women Empowerment: Kerala is known for its progressive gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives, which are reflected in higher participation of women in education and the workforce compared to many other Indian states.