Varkala Sivagirivarkala
Gateway to Heritage
Overview
Prominent railway station serving as a gateway to iconic attractions like the Varkala cliffs and the revered Sivagiri Mutt.
What To Expect?
A bustling yet well-maintained railway station featuring traditional Kerala-style architecture. Expect essential passenger amenities including ticket counters, waiting rooms, and small food stalls. The station is uniquely positioned close to major heritage sites, making it the primary entry point for international and domestic backpackers.
Tips
- Pre-paid taxi and auto-rickshaw stands are located at the entrance; it is advisable to check the fixed rate card before boarding.
- The station has basic refreshment stalls, but for proper meals, explore the town area just outside the station premises.
- If you are arriving during peak season, try to book your outward tickets in advance as trains to Kochi and Bangalore fill up quickly.
- Porters (Sahayaks) are available to help with heavy luggage; ensure you agree on the fee beforehand.
- The Sivagiri Mutt is just a short 10-minute rickshaw ride away from the station.
Exploring Varkala Sivagiri
More About Varkala Sivagiri
Varkala Sivagiri (VAK) is a prominent railway station in the Southern Railway zone. It serves as the vital gateway to the iconic Varkala cliffs, the holy Papanasham Beach, and the revered Sivagiri Mutt, which is the final resting place of the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
The station's name is a tribute to the spiritual significance of the area. It is one of the busiest stations in the region, connecting Varkala to major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Mumbai, and Bangalore via the scenic Konkan and Southern rail routes.
Exploring a destination...
The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.
Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally.
How to reach Varkala Sivagiri
The station is centrally located in Varkala town. It is approximately 3 km from the Varkala Cliff and Papanasham Beach. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available 24/7 just outside the main exit.
Tips for Visiting Varkala Sivagiri, varkala
- Pre-paid taxi and auto-rickshaw stands are located at the entrance; it is advisable to check the fixed rate card before boarding.
- The station has basic refreshment stalls, but for proper meals, explore the town area just outside the station premises.
- If you are arriving during peak season, try to book your outward tickets in advance as trains to Kochi and Bangalore fill up quickly.
- Porters (Sahayaks) are available to help with heavy luggage; ensure you agree on the fee beforehand.
- The Sivagiri Mutt is just a short 10-minute rickshaw ride away from the station.
