Destination · Kerala
Varkala and Kovalam: Kerala’s Southern Coast
A cliff-top village and a resort beach near Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the relaxed way to end a private Kerala journey. Two or three nights, then a short drive to the airport.
Setting
Southern Kerala coast
Recommended stay
2–3 nights
From the backwaters
Varkala approx. 3–3.5 h · Kovalam approx. 4 h
Airport
Thiruvananthapuram: Kovalam approx. 30–45 min · Varkala approx. 1.5 h
Overview
Two beaches, two moods
Kerala’s southern coast is where a journey winds down. Varkala is a village on a red laterite cliff above a long beach, with cafés, small hotels and yoga studios along the cliff path and a slower, more independent feel. Kovalam, 50 km further south, is a pair of crescent beaches below a lighthouse, with resort hotels and easy access to the city and airport at Thiruvananthapuram.
Both suit two or three nights of doing little after the hills and the backwaters. Varkala is the choice for couples and travellers who like to wander; Kovalam for families, seniors and anyone who wants a full-service resort and a short airport transfer on the last morning.
Why visit
Why end on the coast
A proper rest
After a week of touring, days with no itinerary at all.
An easy departure
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport serves both beaches, with flights to the Gulf, Sri Lanka, Singapore and across India.
Open-jaw routing
Arrive at Kochi, leave from Thiruvananthapuram: no backtracking and a different landscape every day.
Key experiences
Varkala, Kovalam and the city
Days here are unplanned by design; this is what is around you when you want it.
Also worth considering
- Poovar island and the estuary south of Kovalam, by boat
- Kanyakumari, approximately 2.5 hours from Kovalam, where the three seas meet, as a long day or an onward stop into Tamil Nadu
- Kappil beach and backwaters just north of Varkala
- Ayurvedic programmes of several days, for which the coast is well known; we will advise on reputable centres
Planning your visit
Planning your visit
When to go
November to February is the driest and the sea is calmest. March to May is hot and humid. The south-west monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and rough seas, and some cliff-side businesses in Varkala close; October sees the coast reopen with showers. Swimming conditions change with the season and the lifeguards’ advice should be followed.
How long to stay
Two nights give a full day of rest; three allow the city or Kanyakumari as a half-day and still leave time to do nothing. Choose the hotel for the beach you prefer rather than moving between the two.
Getting there and away
Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours from Alleppey to Varkala and 4 hours to Kovalam. Kovalam is 30–45 minutes from the airport, Varkala about 1.5 hours; we plan the last morning around your flight.
How the coast fits into a journey
The southern coast is the alternative finish of Kerala Classic: backwaters, then Varkala or Kovalam, then Thiruvananthapuram airport. It can also follow Alleppey and Kumarakom on any custom route, or lead on to Kanyakumari and Madurai for travellers continuing into Tamil Nadu. For a short trip, the 5-night version of Kerala Backwaters & Beach ends with three nights on this coast.
Private vehicle options
A sedan, an Innova Crysta or similar MPV, or a Tempo Traveller for groups. Your chauffeur stays for the coast days if you want excursions, or the vehicle-only arrangement can end on arrival with a separate airport transfer on the last morning.
For transport only, see car with driver.
Relevant journeys
Journeys that can end on the southern coast
Kerala Classic offers this finish as its alternative; the two Karnataka-to-Kerala routes end at Marari or Kochi and can be extended south.
Senior and family considerations
Kovalam is the easier of the two for anyone who finds steps difficult; Varkala’s cliff path has stairs down to the beach.
- Kovalam’s resorts are level with their beaches and the airport is close
- Varkala’s cliff involves steps and uneven paths; the views are from the top
- Sea conditions vary; follow lifeguard flags and hotel advice, especially with children
- Two or three nights with no transfers is a good way to end for seniors
Tell us who is travelling and we will recommend the beach and the hotel style.
Questions
Varkala and Kovalam: your questions
Planning a South India Trip or Need a Vehicle?
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