Varkala to Kovalam
Your options
Ways to make the journey
1.5–2 h
The route follows the coast south past Anjengo and the airport area, then skirts Thiruvananthapuram to reach Kovalam. City traffic is the main variable, so we avoid rush hours. The drive is short enough to include a morning in the capital: the East Fort, Kuthiramalika palace or the museums, with lunch in town before continuing to Kovalam.
1.5 h
Trains from Varkala Sivagiri to Thiruvananthapuram Central take about an hour. From the station, Kovalam is about 16 km by car, around 30–40 minutes. This works if you want a taste of Kerala's railways, with luggage sent ahead by car.
Worth a stop
- Anjengo Fort and lighthouse
- Padmanabhaswamy temple and East Fort
- Napier Museum and Sree Chitra Art Gallery
- Shanghumukham beach
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Kovalam from Varkala?
About 60 km by road, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic in Thiruvananthapuram. By train, Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram Central takes about an hour, plus 30–40 minutes by car to Kovalam. Most guests combine the drive with a morning in Thiruvananthapuram, which lies between the two.
Can we visit Thiruvananthapuram on the way?
Yes, and we recommend it. The city lies directly between Varkala and Kovalam. A half-day for the Padmanabhaswamy temple area, Kuthiramalika palace and the Napier Museum fits easily, with lunch in town. Most museums are closed on Mondays. Your luggage stays safely in the car.
Is Varkala to Kovalam a good day trip?
Yes. Many guests staying in Kovalam visit Varkala for an afternoon and sunset on the cliff, returning after dark. The drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Leaving Kovalam after lunch gives time for a clifftop walk before sunset.
Which airport is closest to Varkala and Kovalam?
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is about 15 km from Kovalam and 45 km from Varkala. A journey that ends in Kovalam makes for a very short airport transfer on the final day. Cochin International Airport is about 170 km north of Varkala if you prefer it for flights.