- Distance
- About 55 km by road
- Drive time
- 1.5 hours one way
- Pickup
- Kovalam
- Destination
- Varkala, Kerala
- Trip type
- Same-day return possible
- Vehicles
- Sedan, SUV, tempo traveller, coach
About the trip
Varkala is known for its dramatic red laterite cliffs rising above the Arabian Sea, with cafes and shops lining the clifftop path. Papanasam beach below is considered holy, and the 2,000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple stands nearby. Sivagiri, where Sree Narayana Guru rested, draws many visitors. From Kovalam the drive goes north past Trivandrum and Attingal.
What to see in Varkala
- North Cliff and Papanasam beach
- Janardhana Swamy Temple
- Sivagiri Mutt
- Kappil beach and backwaters
- Anchuthengu Fort
- Varkala lighthouse (Edava)
On the road
Drive via Trivandrum bypass, Kazhakootam and Kallambalam. Leave around 7 am and plan to stay for the sunset from the cliff.
A same-day plan
- 8:00 amPick-up in Kovalam
- 9:30 amJanardhana Swamy Temple and Papanasam beach
- 11:00 amWalk the North Cliff path
- 1:00 pmLunch at a clifftop cafe
- 2:30 pmSivagiri Mutt
- 4:00 pmKappil beach and backwaters
- 6:30 pmSunset, then drive back to Kovalam
Timings are a guide — tell us when you want to leave and what you want to see, and the driver will work around it.
Choose your vehicle
Airport runs, couples and small families on short trips.
The usual pick for family trips, ghat roads and long days on the highway.
Extra room and comfort for special occasions and senior guests.
Extended families, pilgrimage parties and office outings.
Weddings, school trips and temple tours with a big party.
Every car is air-conditioned and comes with an experienced driver. Our quote is all-inclusive — fuel, tolls, parking, interstate permit and driver batta — and is confirmed in writing before you book.
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Send us the date, pickup point, number of people and whether you need a return. We reply with the vehicle and a single all-inclusive price.
