Alappuzha (Alleppey) to Varkala
Your options
Ways to make the journey
3 h
The coastal highway runs south through Ambalappuzha, Haripad, Kayamkulam and Kollam to Varkala. We stop at Ambalappuzha for the Krishna temple and its milk payasam, and at Kollam for lunch or a short look at the Ashtamudi lake. The road is busy with frequent towns, so we leave after the houseboat lands in the morning.
2.5–3 h
Trains run from Alappuzha to Varkala Sivagiri, some direct and others via a change at Kayamkulam. The journey is comfortable in air-conditioned class, but timings are limited. We send luggage ahead by car if you take the train.
8 h + 1 h car
A long day cruise through the canals and lakes from Alappuzha to Kollam has long been popular with independent travellers, passing coir villages and the narrow canals of the coast. Services and timings vary; check current status before you travel. From Kollam, Varkala is about an hour by car.
Worth a stop
- Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
- Karumadi Buddha statue (detour)
- Kollam and Ashtamudi lake
- Paravur beach
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Varkala from Alleppey?
About 120 km by road along the coastal highway, roughly 3 hours by car with a short stop. Trains take about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the service and connections. We usually break the drive at Ambalappuzha or Kollam for a temple visit or lunch.
Is there a boat from Alleppey to Kollam?
A long-distance backwater cruise between Alappuzha and Kollam has operated for many years, taking around eight hours through lakes and canals. Services, timings and operators change, so check current status before you travel. From Kollam, Varkala is about an hour by car.
What can we see between Alleppey and Varkala?
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple with its famous payasam, the ancient Buddha statue at Karumadi, the town of Kollam on Ashtamudi lake and the quiet coast near Paravur. We plan one or two stops to break the drive. Lunch in Kollam works well.
Should we go to Varkala or straight to Kovalam?
If you enjoy cliff walks, sunsets and a relaxed scene, stop in Varkala for two nights first. If your priority is a luxury beach resort or Ayurveda, go straight to Kovalam, about 1.5 to 2 hours further south, and visit Varkala for a day.