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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Ask Questions For Kerala
There are three ways to reach Ladakh:
- The best way to travel to Ladakh is by flight. Leh Airport is well-connected with major cities like Delhi, Jammu, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and many other places through direct and connecting flights.
- If you are traveling by road then there are two different routes lead to Ladakh – one from Srinagar and another from Manali. If you are traveling from Manali then you will cover the distance of 474 kilometers to Leh via Keylong with a night stopover. On the other hand, Srinagar to Leh will take you through Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh, and Lamayuru. You will cover 434 km on this journey. All the roads remain open from May to October.
Distance Between Delhi to Ladakh 1023 kms.
The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.
Leh has four ATMs owned by Axis Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank and State Bank of India.
Yes, the credit card is accepted in a few hotels and restaurants but a service tax is charged.
The Best time to visit Ladakh is during the summer season from the month of April to July during this time Ladakh temperature is between 15 to 30 Degree Celsius.
Leh is known for its stunning scenic locales, Buddhist temples and pristine environment.
Leh is the district headquarters of Ladakh and its main town. It is a quaint town and has a very cosmopolitan vibe to it. The markets are quite colourful and full of life.
Is Ladakh safe to visit?Ladakh, in general, is considered relatively safe for travelers, including women.