Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is a sacred city located on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh. Kerala, a southern state known for its backwaters and greenery, is far south of Kashi. Many travelers from Kerala visit Kashi for pilgrimage, culture, and heritage.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Kerala to Kashi. You will learn about trains, buses, flights, and driving options. It also includes step-by-step travel planning and practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Kerala to Kashi – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for those who want an economical and scenic journey. Kerala has several major railway stations connecting to Varanasi Junction, the main station in Kashi.

• Trains like the Kerala Express run directly from Thiruvananthapuram or Ernakulam to Varanasi, covering about 2800 km in 40 to 45 hours, with fares ranging from ₹700 (sleeper) to ₹2500 (AC 3-tier).

• Trains depart daily or several times a week from major Kerala stations such as Ernakulam, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram, offering various classes and catering options.

• Train travel can be crowded during festival seasons like Diwali and Navratri; booking tickets early via IRCTC is essential to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Food options on trains vary; it is advisable to carry some snacks and bottled water, especially for long journeys crossing multiple states.

• Rest stops occur at major junctions like Chennai, Nagpur, and Allahabad, where you can stretch and buy fresh food from station vendors.

Bus

Bus travel from Kerala to Kashi is less common due to the long distance but possible via multiple state transport services. It suits travelers on a budget who prefer road travel.

• Direct buses are rare; you may need to take buses from Kerala to cities like Bangalore or Hyderabad, then connect to long-distance buses heading to Varanasi.

• State transport corporations like KSRTC and UPSRTC run buses on segments of this route, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹2500 depending on bus type and distance.

• The total journey by bus can take 48 to 60 hours, depending on connections and road conditions, making it a tiring option for most travelers.

• Road conditions vary; NH44 and NH19 are major highways on this route, but monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery roads.

• Frequent stops at highway dhabas and rest areas provide food and restroom facilities, but it is advisable to carry your own water and light snacks.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kerala to Kashi is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore along the way. The distance is about 2800 to 3000 km depending on the route.

• The most common route follows NH44 through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, taking approximately 45 to 50 hours of driving time.

• Plan for multiple overnight stops in cities like Bangalore, Nagpur, and Jabalpur to avoid fatigue and ensure safety during the long journey.

• Toll plazas are frequent on national highways; budget around ₹1500 to ₹2500 for toll fees one way.

• Fuel stations are widely available, but it is wise to refuel in major towns to avoid long stretches without services, especially in central India.

• Monsoon season can cause waterlogging and slippery roads; avoid driving during heavy rains and check weather forecasts before departure.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Kerala to Kashi. Varanasi has an international airport with good connectivity to major Indian cities.

• Kerala has three main airports: Kochi (Cochin International), Thiruvananthapuram, and Calicut, offering daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, which connect to Varanasi.

• Direct flights from Kerala to Varanasi are limited; most travelers take connecting flights via Delhi or Mumbai, with total travel time including layovers around 6 to 10 hours.

• Flight fares vary widely, typically between ₹3500 and ₹8000, depending on the season and how early you book.

• Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operate on these routes, offering frequent flights and good service quality.

• From Varanasi airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach the city center, which is about 25 km away.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is for first-time travelers from Kerala to Kashi. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common issues.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Flights are fastest, trains are economical, and driving offers flexibility.

• Step 2: Book tickets early. Use IRCTC for trains, official airline websites or apps for flights, and trusted bus operators for road travel to secure your seat and get better prices.

• Step 3: Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank. Carry a printed or digital copy of your tickets and ID proofs.

• Step 4: Reach your departure point early. For trains and flights, arrive at least 1-2 hours before departure to complete check-in and security procedures without stress.

• Step 5: During travel, stay hydrated and take breaks if driving. Use local apps like Ola or Uber for last-mile connectivity in Kashi to avoid haggling with local taxis.

• Step 6: On arrival, confirm your accommodation and plan local sightseeing or pilgrimage with help from hotel staff or trusted guides for a hassle-free experience.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Always use prepaid or app-based taxis in Kashi to avoid scams. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places like railway stations and markets.

• Food and Water: Drink only bottled water and eat at clean, popular eateries. Kerala travelers may find local food spicy; carry some digestive aids if needed.

• Booking Strategy: Book train tickets as soon as the reservation window opens on IRCTC, especially during festivals when demand is high.

• Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common in Kashi for short distances; agree on fares before starting or insist on the meter.

• Luggage: Pack light and use sturdy bags. Keep valuables and important documents in a carry bag during travel to avoid loss or theft.

• Seasonal Warnings: Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July-September) due to heavy rains causing delays and roadblocks, especially if driving or taking buses.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kerala to Kashi depends on weather and festivals. Winters (October to March) offer pleasant temperatures in Kashi, making sightseeing and pilgrimage comfortable.

Monsoon season can cause travel delays, especially on roads and railways. Summer months are hot in Kashi but manageable with proper hydration and early morning travel.

• Avoid peak festival times like Diwali and Dev Deepawali in Kashi, as trains and flights get crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Fog in northern India during December and January can delay trains and flights; plan extra time if traveling in winter.

• Early morning departures from Kerala airports or railway stations help avoid city traffic and catch connecting transport smoothly.

• Traveling during weekdays is preferable to avoid weekend rush on trains and flights.

Arrival at Kashi & What to Expect

On arrival at Varanasi Junction railway station or Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, you will find several transport options to reach your accommodation. Prepaid taxi counters are available at both locations for safe and fixed fares.

Local transport includes auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber. Popular areas to stay are near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Cantonment, and Godowlia, offering easy access to temples and river ghats.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kerala to Kashi offers multiple options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Flights provide the quickest journey, while trains offer an economical and scenic route. Driving is ideal for those seeking adventure and flexibility.

Plan your trip well in advance, especially during festival seasons, and use trusted booking platforms like IRCTC and airline websites. With proper preparation and awareness of local travel conditions, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from Kerala to the holy city of Kashi.