Varkala is well connected to India by Rail and road. KSRTC(Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) and private bus ply to and fro the city of Kerala.
If you want to visit Varkala, then you can get there by Air, Road and Rail.

1. By Air.

There is no direct flight to Varkala. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram. You have to reach there first. After reaching airport, you can hire taxi from the airport to Varkala. Varkala is around 36 km from Thiruvananthapuram airport.

2. By Rail.

Varkala has a good connectivity of rail to the rest of India. Varkala has its own railway station named as Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station which is connected to cities such as Trivandrum, Kochi, Mangalore, Coimbatore and Bangalore and it is also connected to all major cities of Kerala. Taxi and autirickshaws are available outside the railway station.

2. By Road.

If you want to take a road trip to Varkala, then you have two options, On first option you can reach Varkala by your private car or hired cab. Second option is that you have to reach kochi first. After reaching Kochi, you have to take a bus to Thiruvananthapuram and get down to Attingal to catch a connecting bus to Varkala. The State-government runs KSRTC plies bus on a regular basis.

1. Kappil Lake.

Kappil Lake is just 6 km away from Varkala town. It is one of the top places to visit in Varkala. Adventure seekers can explore the beautiful waterway of Kappil lake by renting a boat. Department of Tourism has arranged a boat club where peoples can hire boats for exploring Kappil lake. You can also walk on bridge that's built across the lake and watch the scenic beauty of Kappil lake.
Bordering of Kappil lake with coconut groves and trees gave a magnificent look to it.

2. Ponnumthuruthu Island.

Ponnumthuruthu Island is at a distance of around 20 km from Varkala.This Island is also known as Golden island. It is one of the perfect destination to visit in and around Varkala. This island is perfect for nature walks, bird watching and sight-seeing.
This island contains the temple of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Vishnu.
The only way to get here is to hire a boat from Nedunganda Village and reach this island. You can also enjoy the water rides around the island.

3. Varkala Lighthouse.

Varkala Lighthouse is the best place to see and a famous landmark in the beach town of Varkala. It was built by britishers in 1684 to navigate ships coming from Britain.
Standing tall at 130m high, the lighthouse offers a beautiful and magnificent view of the sea. People came here to spend a beautiful evening here.
Visiting time for Varkala lighthouse is from 3 PM to 5 PM.

4. Odayam Beach, Varkala.

Odayam Beach is around 2kms away from the Varkala beach and lies between Thiruvambadi beach and Cliff beach. It is a small oasis with more spectacular view than Varkala Beach. There are lots of resorts and places close to the beach where peoples can stay. Odayam beach let the travellers explore peaceful side of coastal town.

5. Chilakoor Beach, Varkala.

Chilakoor beach is located 15 km from Varkala. A drive to this beach will refresh your mind and give you a relaxing feel, if you ever getting bored of roaming in other beaches of Varkala. Even the sceneary of road to this beach is quite magnificent.
The spectacular journey through the village will make you want to stay here forever.