Bangalore, Karnataka to Varkala, Kerala from $4: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• On your journey from Bangalore to Varkala, you can enjoy catering services on some train lines like the Karnataka Express and Vibhuti Express, which offer meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner at designated times. It's advisable to book your meals in advance through the IRCTC website or app, as a selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available, ensuring a comfortable dining experience while traveling.

• When booking your tickets for the Bangalore to Varkala route, consider options like First AC, Second AC, Sleeper Class, and Third AC offered by operators such as Indian Railways. First AC and Second AC provide more privacy and comfort with air-conditioning and spacious seating, while Sleeper Class offers budget-friendly, basic accommodation for the journey.

• The main operators on the Bangalore to Varkala route include Indian Railways rail lines such as the Kerala Express, Karnataka Express, and Vibhuti Express. You can visit their respective websites for schedules and booking: Indian Railways (indianrail.gov.in), IRCTC (irctc.co.in), and Trainman (trainman.in). Additionally, here are some useful links for travel: Varkala local transport schedule - (keralastatebus.org;) Varkala station map - (indianrail.gov.in)

• Book your flight in advance with one of the carriers—Spicejet, Air India Express, or IndiGo Airlines—as these airlines frequently exchange pricing, which can impact your fare between $62 - $148.

• Upon arriving at Trivandrum Airport, expect a streamlined process; grab your luggage quickly on the ground floor and head to the prepaid taxi counter to avoid haggling; a taxi to Varkala typically costs around ₹1,500 ($18) and takes about 40-50 minutes.

• Consider checking the flight schedule on the respective airline websites (Spicejet: spicejet.com, Air India Express: airindiaexpress.in, IndiGo: (goindigo.in) for any changes or amenities available on board, especially if you have specific meal preferences or baggage needs.

• Book tickets in advance with reputable operators like KSRTC, SRS Travels, and VRL Travels to secure the best prices and avoid last-minute hassles; you can find their websites at ksrtc.in srsbooking.com and vrltravels.com

• Prepare for the long journey by packing snacks and water, as well as a travel pillow and warm clothing, since bus AC can get quite cold, especially during the night ride.

• Upon arriving at the Varkala bus station, familiarize yourself with the layout; it’s compact but can get busy; use the available auto-rickshaws or local taxis, and download the Ola or Uber apps for convenience in finding a ride to your accommodation.