- Distance
- About 65 km by road
- Drive time
- 1.5–2 hours one way
- Pickup
- Poovar
- Destination
- Varkala, Kerala
- Trip type
- Same-day return possible
- Vehicles
- Sedan, SUV, tempo traveller, coach
About the trip
Varkala is the only place in south Kerala where red laterite cliffs drop straight to the sea. A footpath along the cliff top is lined with cafes, and steps lead down to Papanasam beach, where Hindus perform rites for ancestors. The 2,000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple is close by. From Poovar the car goes up through Trivandrum and along the coast.
What to see in Varkala
- North Cliff walk
- Papanasam Beach
- Janardhana Swamy Temple
- Sivagiri Mutt
- Kappil Beach and backwaters
- Varkala lighthouse
On the road
Bypass Trivandrum and take the coastal road via Kadinamkulam or NH 66 via Attingal. Arrive by afternoon and stay on the cliff for sunset.
A same-day plan
- 10:00 amLeave Poovar and bypass Trivandrum
- 12:00 pmJanardhana Swamy Temple
- 1:00 pmLunch at a cliff-top cafe
- 2:30 pmPapanasam beach and Sivagiri Mutt
- 4:00 pmKappil Beach where the backwater meets the sea
- 6:00 pmSunset on the North Cliff, then drive back
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.
