How to Reach Varkala from Bangalore and Kochi: Complete Travel Guide

Introduction to Reaching Varkala

Perched dramatically atop striking red laterite cliffs that overlook the Arabian Sea, Varkala is one of Kerala's most captivating coastal havens. Unlike many beach destinations in India, Varkala offers a unique blend of geological wonders, bohemian cliff-top cafes, pristine golden sand beaches, and ancient spiritual heritage centered around the 2,000-year-old Janardhanaswamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt. Whether you are traveling from Bangalore for a long weekend surfing getaway or making your way south along the Malabar Coast from Kochi (Cochin), reaching Varkala is straightforward thanks to its dedicated railway station, proximity to Trivandrum International Airport, and well-connected highway network.

Before packing your bags, take a look at our guide to the best cliff view resorts in Varkala near the helipad, and explore our active adventure rundown on surfing in Varkala and the Soul and Surf guide.

How to Reach Varkala from Bangalore

Bangalore is located approximately 680 kilometers north of Varkala. Travelers have several reliable options depending on budget, time constraints, and travel style.

1. Reaching Varkala by Train from Bangalore (The Most Popular Option)

The train journey from Bengaluru to Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (Station Code: VAK) is widely considered the most comfortable and scenic option for backpackers and leisure travelers. Varkala Sivagiri station is located just 3.5 kilometers (a 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride) from the North Cliff promenade.

• Kanyakumari Express (Train No. 16526): Departs Bangalore City (SBC) daily at 8:10 PM, passing through Whitefield, Salem, Coimbatore, Ernakulam, and Kottayam, arriving at Varkala Sivagiri by 12:45 PM the next afternoon.
• Island Express / Kanyakumari Express (Train No. 16381): Runs daily from KSR Bengaluru / SMVT Bengaluru, passing through Hosur, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Palakkad, and Kollam before halting at Varkala.
• Kochuveli Superfast Express & Vande Bharat options: You can also take high-speed overnight trains to Kochuveli (KCVL) or Kollam Junction (QLN), both of which are under 35 km from Varkala, and take a quick 30-minute passenger train or cab ride to the cliff.

2. Reaching Varkala by Flight via Trivandrum (TRV)

For travelers short on time, flying is the fastest mode of travel:

• Arrival Airport: Book a direct flight from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to Thiruvananthapuram / Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). Flight duration is just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express operate multiple non-stop flights daily.
• Airport to Varkala Cliff Transfer: Trivandrum Airport is located roughly 45 kilometers south of Varkala.
  • Prepaid Taxi: Available at the airport arrival terminal. A standard AC sedan costs approximately ₹1,600 to ₹2,000 and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes via the Kazhakkoottam - Attingal highway.
  • Train from Kochuveli / Trivandrum Central: Take a short auto-rickshaw ride (5 km) from the airport to Kochuveli Railway Station or Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC), where local suburban and express trains depart every 30 to 45 minutes for Varkala (journey time: 35 to 45 minutes, ₹15 to ₹45).

3. Reaching Varkala by Bus from Bangalore

Multiple government and private operators run daily overnight AC sleeper and multi-axle semi-sleeper buses from Bangalore to Attingal or Kollam (the nearest major bus hubs to Varkala):

• Operators: Kerala State RTC (SWIFT Garuda), Karnataka KSRTC (Airavat Club Class), Kallada Travels, and SRS Travels.
• Boarding Points: Madiwala, Electronic City, Silk Board, Kalasipalayam, and Satellite Bus Stand.
• Drop Point: Book tickets to Attingal Bypass (14 km from Varkala Cliff) or Kallambalam (12 km from Varkala). From Kallambalam or Attingal, frequent local KSRTC shuttle buses and autorickshaws (₹250 - ₹350) run directly to Varkala Temple Junction and the Cliff Helipad. Total travel time is around 12 to 14 hours.

How to Reach Varkala from Kochi (Cochin)

Kochi sits approximately 160 kilometers north of Varkala along the southwestern coast of Kerala. Traveling between these two destinations is effortless and scenic.

1. Kochi to Varkala by Train (Fastest & Most Scenic)

Taking a train along the coastal rail corridor is by far the most convenient way to travel from Kochi to Varkala:

• Boarding Stations in Kochi: Ernakulam Junction (ERS / South) or Ernakulam Town (ERN / North).
• Frequency: More than 20 express and passenger trains run daily between Ernakulam and Varkala Sivagiri.
• Key Trains: Venad Express (Train 16301), Vanchinad Express (Train 16303), Jan Shatabdi Express (Train 12075), and Kerala Express (Train 12626).
• Duration & Cost: Express trains take between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes. Sleeper/General class fares start from ₹85 to ₹140, while AC Chair Car (CC) and 3AC tickets cost ₹350 to ₹600.

2. Kochi to Varkala by Road via NH66

Driving from Kochi to Varkala covers 160 kilometers along National Highway 66 (NH66) passing through coastal lagoons, backwater bridges, and charming seaside towns.

• Route: Ernakulam → Cherthala → Alappuzha (Alleppey) → Ambalapuzha → Haripad → Kayamkulam → Karunagappalli → Kollam Bypass → Parippally → Varkala Cliff (approx. 4 to 5 hours depending on highway widening construction).
• Scenic Detours: You can take the coastal road detour via Marari Beach and Thottappally spillway for picturesque Arabian Sea views.
• Taxi Hire: An AC one-way taxi from Kochi city or Fort Kochi to Varkala Cliff costs between ₹3,800 and ₹4,800.

3. Kochi Airport (COK) to Varkala

If arriving at Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery), note that the airport is located 35 km north of Kochi city, making it roughly 195 km from Varkala. You can take an airport taxi directly to Varkala (approx. 5 hours, ₹5,500), or take a feeder bus/metro to Aluva Railway Station (12 km from airport) and catch a southbound train to Varkala Sivagiri.

Local Commute: Getting from Varkala Sivagiri Station to the Cliff

Once you disembark at Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station:

• Auto-Rickshaw: Auto stands are located immediately outside the station exit. Fares to North Cliff (Helipad or Black Beach) are standardized around ₹100 to ₹150. Always confirm the destination landmark (e.g., Varkala Helipad, Temple Junction, or Odayam Beach).
• Two-Wheeler Rentals: Once at the cliff, you can easily rent automatic scooters (Honda Activa) or Royal Enfields for ₹350 to ₹600 per day to explore Kappil Beach, Edava backwaters, and Anjengo Fort.

Where to Stay in Varkala: Cliff vs Beachside

Choosing where to drop your bags depends on the vibe you are seeking:

• North Cliff (Helipad to Black Sand Beach): The vibrant cultural center lined with Tibetan handicraft shops, seafood shacks, yoga centers, and cliff-edge cafes. Check our top recommendations for the best backpacker hostels in Varkala Beach.
• South Cliff & Odayam Beach: Peaceful, quieter coastal strips surrounded by coconut groves, perfect for traditional wellness. Explore our curated selection of the best ayurvedic beach resorts in Varkala.
• Budget Traveling: Traveling across the state on a shoestring? Read our complete planner on how to plan a budget trip to Kerala under 12000.

Best Time to Visit Varkala and Travel Tips

• Peak Season (November to February): Pleasant temperatures (24°C to 30°C), calm seas, gentle offshore breezes, and vibrant evening nightlife along the cliff.
• Surfing Season (October to April): Ideal swell conditions for beginner and intermediate surfers at Black Beach and Edava.
• Monsoon (June to September): Heavy downpours, rough seas, and romantic lush greenery. Red cliff paths can become slippery; good grip footwear is recommended.
• Cliff Safety: Respect safety railings along the cliff walkway. The laterite cliffs are fragile geological formations prone to erosion; avoid venturing beyond marked barriers.

Conclusion

Varkala remains one of the most accessible and soul-stirring beach retreats in peninsular India. Whether you arrive via a tranquil morning train pulling into Varkala Sivagiri station, fly into Trivandrum and cruise along coastal coconut roads, or drive down the scenic NH66 corridor from Kochi, the sight of the sun dipping into the Arabian Sea from the dramatic North Cliff makes every kilometer of the journey worthwhile.