Getting to Varkala, sorted.
A friendly, no-fuss guide to reaching the North Cliff and finding your feet — how to get here, how to get around, and the little practicalities that make slow travel easy.
Getting to Varkala.
Varkala sits on Kerala's south coast, well connected by air, rail and road. Tell us your arrival time on WhatsApp and we'll help arrange a pickup.
Trivandrum (TRV) — ~50 km
Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by taxi from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
- Best for international arrivals
- Prepaid taxi ~₹1,200–1,600
- Airport → Varkala buses via Kallambalam
Varkala Sivagiri — ~2 km
The most relaxed way in. Frequent trains along the coastal line stop right here.
- Auto to the cliff ~₹100–150
- Connections from Trivandrum, Kochi, Kollam
- Book sleeper/AC early in peak season
KSRTC & taxis
State buses and private taxis reach Varkala town from across Kerala.
- Kochi ~4–5 hrs by road
- Kollam ~1 hr, Trivandrum ~1–1.5 hrs
- We can arrange a private pickup
Getting around & best time.
The cliff is walkable end to end. For everything else, autos and rented scooters are your friends.
On foot
The North Cliff promenade is best explored slowly on foot.
Auto-rickshaw
Short hops around town, ~₹100–150. Agree the fare first.
Scooter rental
~₹350–500/day. Carry a licence; wear a helmet.
Taxi & day trips
Best for Kappil backwaters, Kollam and longer excursions.
Warm, dry and sunny. The best beach weather — and the busiest. Book ahead.
Hotter and humid but quieter, with better rates and an easy pace.
Lush, dramatic and calm. Fewer crowds, occasional rough seas, great long-stay value.
Money, SIM & connectivity.
The practical bits, so you can sort them before you even unpack.
Money
- ATMs in Varkala town; carry some cash for the cliff
- UPI (GPay/PhonePe) widely accepted
- Cards work at larger cafés and hotels
- Rough daily budget: ₹1,200–2,500
SIM cards
- Jio and Airtel have the best coverage
- Bring your passport + photo to activate
- Buy in Trivandrum airport or Varkala town
- Activation can take a few hours
Connectivity
- High-speed Wi-Fi at Bunkmonk
- Most cliff cafés offer free Wi-Fi
- Mobile data is fast and reliable
- Carry a power bank for long days out
Safety, health & what to pack.
Varkala is laid-back and traveller-friendly. A few sensible habits go a long way.
- Swim near flagged areas — the sea can have strong currents
- Drink bottled or filtered water; refill where you can
- Use sunscreen and stay hydrated in the heat
- Keep digital + printed copies of your ID and tickets
- Respect local customs, especially near temples
- Save our WhatsApp for anything you need on arrival
Frequently asked questions.
The easiest option is a prepaid taxi from Trivandrum (TRV), around 1–1.5 hours. Share your arrival time with us on WhatsApp and we'll help arrange a pickup or point you to the best train.
We’re a message away.
Tell us your travel dates and arrival plans — we’ll help with directions, pickups and anything else you need before you get here.