Getting There & Away: Varkala

Air Travel

Main Airports

This is the closest and most convenient airport for Varkala.

Trivandrum International Airport TRV

Located approximately 45-55 kilometers (28-34 miles) south of Varkala.
Drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Direct connections mainly to Middle Eastern cities and some Southeast Asian routes.

Alternative Airport

While further away, COK serves a greater number of international routes.

Cochin International Airport COK

Located about 180 kilometers (112 miles) north of Varkala.
Travel from COK to Varkala takes 4-5 hours by road or 3-4 hours by train.
Broader international connectivity, including Europe.

Global Connections

No direct flights from North America or Europe directly to TRV or COK. Travelers typically connect via major Middle Eastern airline hubs or through major Indian cities.

Flight Price Trends

Flight prices are highest during Varkala's peak tourist season (December to March) and during major Indian festivals. Lower fares during the monsoon season (June to September).

TRV Facilities

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) provides standard facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, shopping, dining, pre-paid taxi counters, and Wi-Fi. Terminal 1 is for domestic, Terminal 2 for international flights.

Airport Transfers

From Trivandrum International Airport TRV

Taxi: Most convenient option. Pre-paid taxi counters inside terminals. Journey: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: ₹1800-₹2500.
Train: Economical option. Auto-rickshaw to Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. Journey: 45-60 minutes. Cost: ₹40-₹150.
Bus: Cheapest but longest. Local bus to Thiruvananthapuram KSRTC Bus Stand, then another bus to Varkala.
Recommendation: Use pre-paid taxis to avoid negotiation and potential overcharging upon arrival.

From Cochin International Airport COK

Taxi: Long journey (4-5 hours), expensive (approx. ₹5000-₹7000).
Train: Most practical public transport. Taxi/auto-rickshaw to Angamaly or Aluva station. Journey: 3-4 hours.
Consider Shared Cabs: For cost-sharing on longer routes if available.
No Direct Public Transport: A combination of taxi and train/bus for the full journey.

Local Connectivity

Pre-Booked Taxis

Mainly for longer distances like airport transfers or day trips. Book through your hotel or local travel agents.

Auto-Rickshaws

Most common and convenient local transport in Varkala. Readily available for short distances between the Cliff, town, and railway station.

Rental Scooters

Popular rental option for independent exploration. Widely available around the North Cliff area.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK) is well-connected to major cities in Kerala and other parts of India.

Train Services

Serves as a stop for many trains, linking Varkala to cities like Kochi, Kollam, Trivandrum.
Indian Railways offers various classes of travel: Sleeper (SL), AC Chair Car (CC), 3-tier AC (3A), 2-tier AC (2A), and 1st Class AC (1A).
Booking train tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for AC classes and popular routes.

Long-Distance Buses

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates an extensive network of buses throughout Kerala.

Bus Network

These buses connect Varkala to nearby towns and cities like Kollam, Trivandrum, and Kochi.
Generally economical, but can be slower than trains.
Private bus companies offer services, often with more comfortable air-conditioned buses and direct routes.

Self-Driving

Driving in India can be very challenging due to chaotic traffic and unpredictable movements from other vehicles, pedestrians, and animals.

Considerations

International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid national driving license.
Road conditions vary; local roads can be narrow, congested, and uneven.
Self-driving is not advised for first-time visitors to India. Hiring a car with a driver is a safer alternative.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Scooters and motorcycles are widely available for rent in Varkala, specifically around the North Cliff area.

Information

Officially, an International Driving Permit for motorcycles is needed.
Daily rental costs for a scooter/small motorcycle: typically ₹350 to ₹600.
Helmets are legally mandatory and useful for your safety. Always wear one.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major national and state highways are generally well-maintained.
Smaller district roads and local lanes can be narrow, congested, and have uneven surfaces.
Night driving carries higher risks due to poor street lighting and undisciplined driving.

Unpredictable movements from other vehicles, pedestrians, and animals.
Exercise caution, whether driving yourself or traveling by bus or taxi.
Horn usage is frequent; it often signifies "I am here."

Sea/River Arrivals

Coastal Access

Varkala is a coastal town, but its direct sea and river transport options are limited for general travel.

Ferry & Cruise

No major ferry services or cruise ship ports directly serve Varkala.
International cruise ships typically dock at larger ports like Kochi.
Varkala does not have river transportation options for arrival or departure.

Backwater Cruises

While Kerala is famous for its backwaters, Varkala is mainly a coastal destination.

Tourism Focus

Backwater cruises are tourist activities available in nearby areas like Kollam or Alappuzha.
These cruises are not a means of reaching Varkala itself.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable to Varkala.

No Ferry Services

There are no major ferry services directly serving Varkala.

No River Transport

Varkala does not offer river transportation for arrival or departure.

No Seaport Immigration

Varkala does not feature an international seaport for passenger arrivals, so related immigration procedures do not apply.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

There are no specific exit fees or taxes typically levied for departing travelers from India.

Timing Recommendations

International Flights (TRV): Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Domestic Flights (TRV): Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.
Train/Bus Departures: Arrive at station 30-45 minutes before departure to locate platform/bus.

Airport Facilities

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) offers standard facilities for departing travelers.

TRV Services

Check-in Counters: Clearly marked for various airlines.
Security Screening: Standard checks for all passengers and baggage.
Immigration (International): Dedicated counters for passport and visa checks.

Additional Departure Amenities

Waiting Areas

Comfortable seating areas before boarding.

Restrooms

Accessible facilities.

Food & Retail

Options for snacks, beverages, meals, and duty-free items (international terminal).

Smooth Departure

Ensure all documents are in order and allow ample time at the airport for a stress-free departure. Consider using services like AirHelp for flight compensation assistance if delays occur.

Getting There & Away