Varkala Car Travels from Chennai
Discover the majestic Varkala Cliff, pristine Papanasam Beach, ancient temples, and the tranquil backwaters — a perfect coastal getaway with a spiritual soul
Varkala: The Cliff Beach Paradise of Kerala
Varkala, a coastal town in Kerala, is renowned for its unique cliff that rises dramatically above the Arabian Sea. Unlike any other beach in India, the Varkala Cliff offers breathtaking views, a vibrant café culture, and a serene spiritual ambiance. The town is also a significant pilgrimage site, home to the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple and the sacred Papanasam Beach, where Hindus perform rituals for departed ancestors.
Varkala is often called the "Gateway to the Backwaters" and is a favorite among travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture. With our private car travel service from Chennai, you can explore the cliff, the beach, the temples, and the surrounding backwaters in complete comfort. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Varkala promises an unforgettable experience.
- Distance: Approx. 680 km (one way)
- Travel Time: 11 to 12 hours
- Route: Chennai → Madurai → Kanyakumari → Varkala
- Alternate Route: Chennai → Coimbatore → Thrissur → Varkala
- Pickup: Home / Airport / Railway Station
- Best Season: October to March (pleasant weather)
- Known For: Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Janardhana Temple, Backwaters
The Coastal Highway: Chennai to Varkala
The journey from Chennai to Varkala is a scenic drive through the southern tip of India. The route passes through the temple city of Madurai, the lush landscapes of Kanyakumari district, and then enters Kerala. The highways are well-maintained, and the drive offers glimpses of the Western Ghats and coastal plains. Our experienced drivers ensure a safe and comfortable journey with rest stops at clean and hygienic eateries along the way.
Why Travel with Karthick Travels to Varkala?
Varkala is a destination that offers everything — from spiritual solace to beachside fun. We provide private cars (Sedans, SUVs, Tempo Travellers) with well-maintained vehicles and courteous drivers who know the local roads. You can start from Chennai early, reach Varkala by evening, and witness a spectacular sunset from the cliff. We also offer multi-day packages covering Varkala, Kollam, and the backwaters of Kerala.
Perfect For:
Cliff views & pristine sands
Janardhana Temple & sacred beach
Romantic sunsets & cliff walks
Kollam & Ashtamudi Lake
Major Attractions in Varkala
- Varkala Cliff — The iconic 15-meter high cliff with a string of cafes and shops
- Papanasam Beach — Believed to wash away sins, famous for sunset views
- Janardhana Swamy Temple — 2000-year-old Vishnu temple, a major pilgrimage
- Varkala Backwaters — Serene backwater canals with houseboat cruises
- Anjengo Fort — Historic Dutch fort with lighthouse views
- Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah — A revered Muslim shrine
- Varkala Aquarium — Marine life exhibit near the beach
- Sivagiri Mutt — Headquarters of Sree Narayana Guru, a spiritual hub
Suggested Itineraries for Varkala
| Itinerary | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Days – Varkala Getaway | Day 1: Chennai → Varkala (check-in, cliff sunset). Day 2: Janardhana Temple, Papanasam Beach, backwater cruise → Return to Chennai. | Quick beach & temple tour |
| 3 Days – Varkala & Kollam Backwaters | Day 1: Chennai → Varkala (cliff & beach). Day 2: Drive to Kollam (80 km) → Houseboat on Ashtamudi Lake. Day 3: Return to Chennai. | Backwater + beach |
| 4 Days – Varkala with Trivandrum | Day1 Chennai → Varkala. Day2 Varkala sightseeing. Day3 drive to Trivandrum (60 km) → Padmanabhaswamy Temple, museums. Day4 return. | Heritage + coastal |
Varkala Cliff – The Jewel of the Arabian Coast
The Varkala Cliff is a unique geological formation where the laterite cliff meets the Arabian Sea. It is the only place in Kerala where you can walk along a cliff overlooking the sea. The cliff is lined with eateries, shops, and yoga centers, making it a vibrant hub for tourists. The sunset from the cliff is absolutely mesmerizing, with the sky turning shades of orange and pink over the endless ocean.
- Key Features: 15-meter high red laterite cliff, walking path, cafes, souvenir shops
- View: Panoramic sea views, ideal for photography and sunset watching
- Best Time: Early morning for tranquility, evenings for sunset
- Access: Walkable from most hotels and resorts
Located in North Varkala
Approx 2 km from the railway station
Papanasam Beach & Janardhana Swamy Temple
Papanasam Beach
Papanasam Beach, meaning "Destruction of Sins," is considered a sacred beach where Hindus perform ancestral rites. The beach is less crowded than the main Varkala Beach and offers a tranquil atmosphere. The waves are gentle, making it a safe spot for swimming.
- Evening sunset view is spectacular
- Small stalls offer local snacks and coconut water
- Visit early morning for a peaceful experience
Janardhana Swamy Temple
This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is believed to be over 2000 years old. The temple features a 30-meter-high Dhwaja Stambha (flagpole) and exquisite Dravidian architecture. The annual Arattu festival in March-April is a grand spectacle.
- Open from 4:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Traditional Kerala-style architecture
- Located near the Papanasam Beach
Backwaters & Spiritual Hub
Varkala Backwaters
The backwaters of Varkala are a network of canals, lakes, and rivers that offer a serene escape from the beach crowds. You can take a houseboat cruise or a shikara ride through the calm waters, surrounded by coconut palms and village life. The nearest major backwater hub is Kollam (80 km), but Varkala itself has beautiful canal rides.
- Explore the Edava-Nadayara backwater stretch
- Birdwatching opportunities
- Visit the nearby Kappil Lake
Sivagiri Mutt
Located about 3 km from Varkala town, Sivagiri Mutt is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham. It is the final resting place of the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The mutt has a peaceful ambiance and a beautiful temple dedicated to the Guru. The Sivagiri Pilgrimage in December-January attracts thousands of devotees.
- Open all days, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Architectural blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain styles
- Library and museum on site
Varkala Travel Essentials
Must-Know:
- Best Time: October to March (pleasant, less humidity)
- Start Early: Leave Chennai by 4 AM to reach by evening
- Beach Etiquette: No alcohol on Papanasam Beach
- Photography: Stunning cliff and sunset shots
- Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis available
Travel Tips:
- Stay Options: Beach resorts, cliffside hotels, homestays
- Food: Try Kerala seafood, appam, and fresh coconut water
- Carry: Sunscreen, hat, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes
- Shopping: Shell jewelry, coir products, and spices
- Connectivity: Good network and Wi-Fi at most hotels
Chennai → Madurai → Nagercoil → Varkala
Chennai → Coimbatore → Thrissur → Varkala
Kollam (80 km) | Trivandrum (60 km)
Explore More Around Varkala
Use Varkala as a base to explore these amazing destinations:
Local Specialties of Varkala
Fresh catch, grilled and curried
Fresh coconut, pepper, cardamom
Jewelry and decor items
Why Choose Karthick Travels for Your Varkala Trip?
Comfortable Rides
Sedan, SUV, Tempo Traveller
Flexible Itinerary
Stop as you wish
Safe Drivers
Experienced on long routes
No Hidden Charges
Transparent pricing
Plan Your Varkala Cliff & Beach Getaway Today
Experience the magic of the cliff, the spirituality of the temple, and the serenity of the backwaters. Book your private car travel from Chennai for a journey you'll cherish.
Book Your Varkala Car Now