Sports Cities: The Ultimate Road Trip For A Great Adventure

BY  Sibashree Jan 28, 2026

South India has been my go-to place whenever I lacked clarity about “What is Next?” After exploring the beaches in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, I wanted to continue my journey, and my destination was the Western Coast of India.  The quiet Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach with dramatic cliffs won me over.  With golden sands, blue waters, and gentle waves, Varkala Beach is therapeutic. No wonder that it is such a popular place for outdoor Yoga practices.  Furthermore, being a west-facing beach, it offers dramatic sunset views.  Here is more about the  Location of Varkala Beach How to reach Varkala Beach Best beaches in Varkala Where to stay in Varkala Beach When is the best time to visit Varkala Beach Best things to do in Varkala Beach Places to eat and drink Is Varkala Beach worth it?  About Varakala Beach Let me introduce the Varkala Beach to you with some quick answers.  ⁍ Where is Varkala Beach? Varka Beach is in Varkala. It is a coastal town on the southwestern coast of India. ⁍ In which state is Varkala Beach situated? Varkala Beach is situated in the southern state of Kerala in India.  ⁍ Varkala Beach, in which district? The Varkala Beach is in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.  ⁍ Varkala Beach distance: It is located at a distance of 40 km from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala.  Varkala Beach is the place where spirituality, wellness, religious fervor, and coastal recreation meet. It is also known as the Papanasam because people believe that taking a dip here washes away all your sins.  In fact, the mineral-rich water of the Arabian Sea here has healing properties.  Furthermore, the beach stretch is long, a little over 6 kms and it is the middle ground between the red cliffs and the blue waters.  However, there are two things I did not like about the Varkala Beach. Firstly, all the eateries and shops lining the red cliffs obstruct the views.  The more alarming thing is the amount of trash and plastic on the beach. There were food wraps and food wraps everywhere. Now, this shows a lack of maintenance and the absence of civic sense.  Does The Varkala Beach Have A Shade? No, the Varaka Beach does not have any designated or constructed shade. Also, naturally, there is rarely any shaded spot with very few trees around.  Furthermore, there are some lizards in the sand here. They don’t bother anyone, but it was a big issue for me.  Finally, I rented a shade and a chair from a clifftop cafe.  However, be ready get heavily tanned as the Sun here is so strong that no amount of sunscreen can protect you.  How Safe Is Varkala Beach?  Varkala Beach is a safe place, and it is one of the best destinations for a solo trip in India. It has a laid-back vibe, typical of the coastal areas of South India.  However, I could not find any lifeguards for the longer stretch of the beach. So, swimming here is something you need to do at your own risk.  Also, the current here is very strong. So, if you have plans to swim with kids, you have to be very careful.  How To Get To Varkala? The Varkala Beach is closest to the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). The distance is around 45 kilometers. Furthermore, the nearest railway station, Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station, is a little over 4 km away.  However, the Trivandrum Central (TVC) is at a distance of 1 hour, and the Kollam Junction (QLN) Railway Station is around 40 minutes away. Both these stations have frequent train options from different parts of India.  1. How To Get To Varkala Beach From Trivandrum Airport I booked an Uber to reach the Varkala Beach from the Trivandrum Airport, and the charge was INR 1160. This is the safest option if you are new to the place.  Local cabs and other online car rentals are also available. However, if you cannot negotiate, they will charge you between INR 1500 and INR 1600.  Furthermore, the cheapest option to travel from Trivandrum to Varkala is to take a bus run by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Buses are available every 15 minutes.  However, the KSRTC bus stop is around 15 km away from the beach. So, from there, you will again have to take a local bus or taxi.  2. How To Travel From The Varkala Railway Station To Varkala Beach?  You can take a local taxi to reach the beach from the Varkala Railway Station. Local buses are also available. What Are The Best Beaches In Varkala? The Varkala Beach is the main attraction in the town of Varkala. However, it has many other beaches, such as the Black Sand Beach, Odayam Beach, Kappil Beach and Beach Park, Edava Beach, and Thiruvambadi Beach.  1. Black Sand Beach View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nat Geo Traveller India (@natgeotravellerindia) The Black Sand Cliff is close to the north cliff. If the Varkala Beach is overcrowded, you can consider this one as an alternative.  2. Odayam Beach Odayam Beach is perfect if you want to enjoy a long stroll along the waters early morning or late in the evening.  It is located at the north of the main cliff.  3. Kappil Beach And Beach Park The Kappil Beach and Beach Park are further north of the Varkala town. It is the place where you will have a bit of the famous Kerala backwater experience.  Also, it is the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Kappil River.  4. Edava Beach The Edava Beach is cleaner. Also, this quaint beach offers a delightful cultural experience. Here, you can meet the fishermen.  Though language was a barrier sometimes, a few of them knew English. Also, I must say, after the rich cultural experience in Jaffna, this was another culturally enriching moment for me.  5. Thiruvambadi Beach It is the most secluded beach in Varkala. It has black and dark sand. Also, it has a calm environment, allowing you to just relax and introspect.  Where To Stay In Varkala? You can visit the Kerala Tourism website to find out where to stay in Varkala. It has Varkala beach resort options such as the Coconut Cove Beach Resort, the Pulari Gardens Tourist Resorts, and the nearest Karthika Plaza Resort Pvt. Ltd.  Furthermore, there are hotels near Varkala Beach, such as InDa Hotel, the Lost Hostels, and Maison Sangham.  I stayed at the Bougainvillea Homestay, which is very close to the Varkala beach cliffs.  When To Visit Varkala? October to March, or the winter and spring seasons, are ideal for visiting Varkala.The rainfall is minimal in these months, and the temperature hovers around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.  Furthermore, less rain and moderate weather conditions are ideal for watersports such as jet skiing and paragliding.  However, during my visit in February, I found the water current to be quite strong for swimming. So, check with the locals and the fishermen around before getting into the water.  What Are The Best Things To Do In Varkala Beach? The Varkala Beach is a welcome relief if you are exploring South India. It is not a place if you are planning an action-packed holiday.  However, try these watersports.  Surfing At Varkala Beach You will find places such as Soul and Surf here to camp and learn surfing. Furthermore, the ideal surfing condition for a visitor depends on their expertise level.  For Beginners: November to February For Sufers of Intermediate or Advanced Levels: October to March Advanced Surfers: The Monsoon Season or June to August  Paragliding Varkala Paragliding is the most adventurous thing you can try at Varkala Beach. You can have a hawk-eye view of the water and the golden sand by flying from one end of the cliff to another.  Also, paragliding feels magical during sunset. Varkala Beach Nightlife  The bars, restaurants, and rooftop cafes of the North Cliff are the epicenters of a happening nightlife in Varkala.  These places are ideal for candlelit dinners and enjoying a lively vibe with DJs and live acoustic music performances. What Are The Places To Visit Near The Varkala Beach? Varkala is an ideal place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, many religious and spiritual travelers combine a Varkala beach trip with a visit to Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt.  The Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple is a 2000-year-old Vishnu shrine. It is associated with the legends of Lord Brahma and Narada Muni.  On the other hand, the Sivagiri Mutt is home to the saints and sanyasins of the order started by Sree Narayana Gurudev. His primary teaching was “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man.” Established in 1904, this Mutt practices inclusiveness.  What Are The Places For Eating And Drinking In Varkala? There are many cafes and restaurants in Varkala. I chose a humble, local place for lunch and dinner.  However, to experience the cafe culture here, I chose a few upscale places.  1. Lunch At Vinayaka Vegetarian Restaurant I ordered a veg Keralan thali at the Vinayaka Vegetarian Restaurant. The rice grains were thick, and they were filling. Furthermore, they served the rice with five types of sides, pickle, and papad. It only cost me INR 90.  2. Dinner At Chimney Restaurant At the Chimney Restaurant, it was a continuation of my great seafood experience in Jaffna. The staff here suggested that I try a Kerala fish curry.  The fish was fresh, and the curry was sharp and spicy (a little less than Jaffna). It was a perfect balance to the acidic element of rice.  You must also try the village-style chicken curry here. It is a family-friendly restaurant.  3. Cafés I was at Cafe Trip is Life during sunset. The view was amazing, and I loved the grilled prawns and mojitos there. A bit pricey, but worth it! Another café I loved here was Café Sarwaa. I was impressed with the Bohemian decor the moment I entered the place. I tried some samosas and banana pancakes there.  However, you can eat here the whole day. Their paratha and Kerala beef curry are the most famous.  Is Varkala Worth It? Should I Just Go To Goa? The only similarity between Varkala and Goa beaches is the bohemian vibe. However, both beaches offer different experiences.  Varkala is more nature-focused with the landscape of the Varkala Beach and a view of the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, it is more about relaxation and wellness thanks to the Yoga centers frequently found here.  However, despite watersports and adventure facilities such as paragliding and surfing, Varkala is not as happening as Goa. Goa offers a wider range of watersports.  Moreover, the nightlife of Goa is more vibrant.  So, if you want a spiritual and wellness retreat and some quiet beach time, Varkala is the best. The 2000-year-old Vishnu temple is an added attraction here.  For a vibe and a high-energy experience, choose Goa.  Varkala Beach: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Varkala Beach.  1. Varkala Beach Or Kovalam Beach, Which Is Best? I cannot pick a favorite between the Varkala Beach and the Kovalam Beach. The Varkala Beach, with a bohemian vibe, is more laid-back and nature-focused. On the other hand, the Kovalam Beach has the iconic crescent beaches, and it offers a diverse range of watersports and a vibrant nightlife. 2. Which Beach In Varkala Has Bioluminescence? The Varkala Beach has bioluminescence. You can especially notice the bioluminescence near the cliff and along the northern stretch of the beach. Here, tiny marine organisms emit blue and green light due to a chemical reaction. When the wave is disturbed, these organisms get scattered, and it looks like the water is glowing. Furthermore, from September to November is the best time to see the bioluminescence of the beach.  3. What Is The Varkala Beach From Bangalore Distance? The distance between Varkala Beach and Bangalore is around 670 km. You can travel by road, which takes around 14 hours. So, the easiest way to travel is to take a train from Bangalore Cantonment to Varkala. The travel time is around 13-15 hours. Furthermore, if you want to take the fastest way to travel, you must take a flight from the Bangalore Airport to the Trivandrum Airport and then take a bus or taxi to Kovalam.

BY  Sibashree Mar 13, 2026

The “Mile High City,” Denver, can be a wonderful base if you are traveling to Colorado Springs. Both are wonderfully blessed by the Rocky Mountains and beautiful waterfalls. Furthermore, for adults, the things to do or the fun activities in Denver are diverse. Nevertheless, this time, it is about seeing beyond the hot springs in Denver and the Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, it’s time to plan a trip from Denver to Colorado Springs, home to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Garden of the Gods, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Furthermore, with a distance of less than 100 miles, these two cities are well-connected by bus, air, shuttle services, and smooth driving roads. Keep reading to know how to travel the distance. What Is The Denver To Colorado Springs Distance?  The distance between Denver and Colorado Springs is around 70 miles or 110 km. Traveling this distance by road via I-25 S takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, you can also take a city-to-city bus or a bus shuttle. Moreover, you can fly from the Denver Airport to the Colorado Springs Airport. So, here is a summary of the travel time based on the modes of transport. Denver to Colorado Springs Modes of Transport Travel Time (Approx) Denver to Colorado Springs by City to City Bus 1 Hour and 15 Minutes Denver to Colorado Springs Shuttle Bus Service 1 Hour and 15 Minutes Uber or Lyft Services 1 Hour and 30 Minutes By Car 1 Hour and 10 Minutes By Flight (Excluding the Airport Transfers) 45 Minutes  So, taking a bus or a private car rental is the best way to travel from Denver to Colorado Springs. Thus, you can strike a balance between the travel time and budget. How To Travel From Denver To Colorado Springs? Have you decided to take a flight from Denver to Colorado? Or, have you booked an Uber service for the trip?  Know the best choices before preparing your itinerary. 1. Denver To Colorado Springs City-To-City Buses  Bustang is the best bus service from Denver to Colorado Springs. The Bustang buses start from the Denver Union Station, and the ticket price is just $13. Furthermore, these buses have free Wi-Fi and washroom facilities. Moreover, you can take the Flixbus services, and the ticket price starts from around $14. Unfortunately, the Regional Transportation District, or RTD, does not have a bus from Denver to Colorado Springs. 2. Bus Shuttles  Bus shuttle services are available from Denver to Colorado Springs. However, you must only opt for trusted options such as Grehound. Greyhound offers two bus shuttle services from Denver to Colorado Springs. Both buses depart from the Denver Union Station Bus Concourse and travel to Colorado Springs Tejon Park-N-Ride. One bus departs from Denver at 7 PM and reaches Colorado Springs at 8:30 PM. Furthermore, the ticket price is $35.98. On the other hand, the second bus departs at 8:10 PM and reaches Colorado Springs at 9:25 PM. The ticket price is $18.98. 3. Uber Or Lyft Services From Denver To Colorado Springs  If you are traveling from Denver to Colorado Springs for the first time, taking an Uber or Lyft service will be the safest option. An Uber ride to complete the trip takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the travel price is $135. On the other hand, a Lyft ride for this route will cost you between $120 and $165. With Lyft, you can make a booking 90 days in advance. Also, consider a 2% surcharge for airport pickups and drops. 4. Traveling From Denver To Colorado Springs By Car  A car drive or ride in a rented car from Denver to Colorado is beautiful. The journey via Interstate-25 takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, this route can have the most notorious traffic on certain days, and then the travel time will shoot up to 2 to 3 hours.  Furthermore, from March to May, hailstorms are common in the area. So, when traveling in these months, choose a 4WD or a vehicle that has tires to withstand extreme weather conditions. Moreover, the road expansion on Interstate-25 has made the ride bumpy. Nevertheless, a car rental for this journey will cost you between $70 and $120. Also, if you follow traffic updates and find the I-25 route busy, you can opt for alternatives such as Highway US-85/CO-105, Highway 83, and CO-67. However, these are longer routes and can stretch your travel time by an hour or so. 5. Fly From Denver To Colorado Springs  The Denver International Airport is located at a distance of around 23 miles from Denver. However, it is not just an airport that serves Denver. It is often the choicest airport for travelers from other countries due to its mid-continent location. Furthermore, the Colorado Springs Airport is located around 12 miles away from the city. The flight duration between these two airports is around USD 120 to 670. The fastest flight on this route takes 45 minutes to complete the journey. Moreover, private cars, Uber, Lyft services, and buses are frequently available for airport transfers. Traveling From Denver To Colorado Springs: Tips To Remember March to May and September to October, or the spring and autumn seasons, are ideal for a trip from Denver to Colorado Springs. Especially, Denver is one of the best places to visit in December in the USA. Furthermore, if you want to bypass the traffic on this route, you must plan a trip before 7 AM or after 7 PM. Also, Friday afternoons are the busiest. So, avoid a car ride in those hours and check the traffic conditions on platforms such as the COtrip website. Moreover, if you find the I-25 route to be busy, you can take Highway 83, which runs parallel and usually has less traffic. Traveling From Denver To Colorado Springs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers related to the Denver to Colorado Springs trip.  1. Is It Better To Fly Into Colorado Springs Or Denver?  The better option to fly into between Colorado Springs and Denver airports depends on the part of Colorado you want to explore. For example, if you want to explore the northern part of Colorado and have cheaper and more diverse flight options, the Denver International Airport will be a better choice. On the other hand, the Colorado Springs Airport is ideal for the Southern Colorado attractions. 2. How Much Is The Train From Denver To Colorado Springs?  No passenger train runs between Denver and Colorado Springs.  However, you can enjoy a scenic train ride in the Pikes Peak Area on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. This train passes through ethereal Alpine landscapes before it reaches its summit at 14115 foot. 3. Is There A Shuttle Between Colorado Springs And Denver? Yes, there is a shuttle service between Colorado Springs and Denver. Reputed names such as Greyhound offer shuttle bus services on this route. The travel time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the ticket price is around $18.98 to $35.98. 

BY  Arnab Aug 4, 2023

As a crucial step in corporate travel management, business travel booking impacts both business travel experience and business travel costs. Employees often increase business travel risks and experience stress by booking the wrong travel products. Also, they escalate costs by booking business travel products at market rates. Your company or startup can streamline the cost-intensive process by implementing a business travel booking platform. The self-booking software will allow your employees to book their choice of travel products. At the same time, it will help them save money using deals, offers, and discounts provided by travel suppliers. We are making it easier for you to automate travel booking in 2024 by discussing some of the widely-used online platforms. Overview of 10 Most-Preferred Business Travel Booking Platforms of 2024 1. ITILITE This cloud-based travel management system helps firms automate multiple steps in corporate travel management, including business travel booking. ITILITE's business travel booking platform facilitates self-booking by enabling employees to access an extensive travel inventory customized according to organizational travel policies. In addition to supporting multiple payment options, the software enables employees to book their choice of flights, accommodations, and car rentals in minutes. Also, employees can use the same tool to find the best deals, manage travel bookings, and generate automated expense reports. 2. Corporate Traveler Corporate Traveler simplifies business travel booking by deploying personal travel consultants. Employees can connect with a travel consultant 24 hours a day simply by making a phone call. The consultant helps employees make and refine travel plans. Also, he helps employees remain safe and stress-free by booking the right travel products. However, employees can book their preferred travel products at discounted rates using the self-booking tool provided by this business travel booking platform. 3. TravelPerk This travel management system boosts bookings by increasing the size of travel inventory. Employees can use the self-booking tool provided by TravelPerk to access the extensive travel inventory. Also, they can use the same tool to book their preferred travel products. At the same time, the software helps employees save money on travel booking by getting corporate rates. Also, employees can use the tool to cancel bookings two hours before the schedule by paying 10% as fees. Organizations can leverage the features and tools provided by TravelPerk to automate additional steps in business travel management. 4. Corporate Travel Management (CTM) Corporate Travel Management (CTM) speeds up business travel booking by providing an intuitive self-booking tool. The tool is developed using CTM’s proprietary technologies. CTM further boosts its performance by enabling users to integrate it seamlessly with third-party tools. In addition to allowing employees to access an extensive travel inventory, the tool enables them to complete business travel bookings in minutes. However, CTM, unlike other corporate travel booking platforms, does not help employees to save money while canceling or rescheduling bookings. 5. American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) The platform launched by a multinational financial service corporation comes with a one-stop solution. Employees can use the one-stop solution provided by Amex GBT to plan business trips, book travel products, and generate travel expense reports. While using this online platform, employees can access a large and diverse inventory of travel products. Employers can leverage the straightforward pricing model supported by this platform to enable employees to book travel products at negotiated rates. 6. Paxes This online platform streamlines corporate travel management using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It enhances travel choices and booking options by partnering with over 250 travel management companies. The self-booking tool provided by Paxes helps employees compare and book travel products in minutes. At the same time, employees can use the tool to book flights, hotels, and other travel products at discounted rates. Also, they can change bookings and manage itineraries using the software as a mobile app. Paxes helps employees manage travel challenges by sending real-time alerts. 7. Egencia This modern travel management platform meets the varying needs of enterprises by providing a slew of tools. Egencia simplifies business travel bookings by providing an easy-to-use online tool. The tool speeds up travel booking by synchronizing traveler data across devices. At the same time, it helps employees book their preferred travel products by accessing an extensive travel inventory. The exclusive rates provided by Egencia make it easier for employees to save money on business travel booking. 8. Concur Travel SAP Concur helps enterprises streamline corporate travel management by providing several online tools. Employees can use the online booking tool provided by this platform to book flights, rails, hotels, cars, and other business travel products in minutes. The tool enables them to book their choice of travel products. Also, it consolidates the booking data using a dashboard. The dashboard makes it easier for business travelers to access the relevant information on the go by accessing Concur Travel on mobile devices. 9. TripCase Unlike other corporate travel booking platforms, TripCase does not help employees book business trips. Instead, the mobile app focuses on helping employees manage and organize business trips. Employees can use the app to gather information about various travel brands. Also, they can use the mobile platform to access relevant itinerary information in seconds. The mobile alerts sent by TripCase help them manage itinerary changes and common travel risks like flight cancellations and delays. 10. Airbnb for Work Unlike older employees, millennial employees prefer homestays to hotels to experience the local culture and spend time with local people. The surge in demand for homestays led to the emergence of Airbnb for Work as a leading business travel booking platform. Airbnb for Work helps employees choose and book homestays and boutiques based on ratings and reviews of prior guests. Also, it enables them to make payments using a secure payment system. However, employees cannot use this platform to book flights, car rentals, and other essential business travel products. Conclusion While automating business travel booking in 2024, you have the option to choose from many digital services and online tools. But you can increase the ROI of business travel by prioritizing travel management software over travel booking platforms. In addition to facilitating self-booking, the software will help your firm streamline important steps in corporate travel management, like travel expense management and travel data management. Also, you can reduce the average business trip costs by implementing software provided by a travel management company. Read Also: How To Save Money On A Trip To Abu Dhabi 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg How To Use Videos To Drive Conversions In Travel Business