Varkala Kerala, India Travel Guide
24-Hour Layover Highlights: For a quick time, focus on core attractions. Morning (Sunrise to 10:00 AM): Witness sunrise from North Cliff. Breakfast at a cliffside cafe. Walk the promenade, browse shops. Day (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM): Visit Janardanaswamy Temple (dress code!). Descend to Papanasam Beach for a swim or relax. Consider a short Ayurvedic massage. Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Come back to the cliff for sunset. Fresh seafood dinner at a Cliffside restaurant, immersing oneself in the atmosphere.
Weekend Getaway (2-3 Days): A weekend allows for checking out and wellness. Day 1: Cliffside Charm and Beach Bliss. Arrive, settle into accommodation. Papanasam Beach for a swim or relax. Sunset plus fresh fish dinner. Day 2: Culture, Wellness, and Uncrowded Beaches. Morning yoga or Ayurvedic treatment. Janardanaswamy Temple and Sivagiri Mutt. Afternoon: Odayam or Black Sand Beach for tranquility, or a surf lesson. Evening: Live music or peaceful dinner. Day 3: Historical Discovery and Departure. Morning trip to Anjengo Fort and Not heavyhouse, or Kappil Lake. Final dip or souvenir shopping before departure.
Tailor your Varkala itinerary to your specific activities you enjoy for a more focused and fulfilling trip.
In Varkala: Explore the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple, the spiritual Sivagiri Mutt, and the colonial Anjengo Fort. Combine with day trips to Trivandrum and a multi-day extension to Kochi.
Focus on Varkala's fresh seafood barbecues on the Cliff and sample traditional Kerala thalis in Varkala Town. Take a cooking class to learn Kerala cuisine firsthand. Explore local markets to discover spices, fresh produce, and unique local snacks.
Prioritize surfing lessons, paddleboarding, and swimming at Papanasam Beach (during the dry season). Enjoy long strolls or bike rides along the Varkala Cliff and quieter roads along the coast. Look for boat trips to spot dolphins.
Emphasize beach time, building sandcastles, and safe areas for swimming (in non-monsoon). Choose resorts with swimming pools. Consider short boat trips and trips to the Varkala Lighthouse for fun views. Ensure restaurants cater to children's spice preferences.
Tailor your trip to specific passions.
Limited in Varkala beyond traditional temple architecture. Best explored in Trivandrum (Napier Museum, palaces) and especially Kochi (colonial architecture, street art, galleries).
Focus on daily Ayurvedic treatments/consultations. Engage in yoga and meditation workshops or a retreat. Visit Sivagiri Mutt and Janardanaswamy Temple. Spend time at the natural mineral spring.
The Hour after sunrise or before sunset shoots at the cliff. Kappil On the lake for estuary landscapes. Explore less-frequented beaches for one-of-a-kind coastal shots. Opportunities for bird plus ocean life photography.
Varkala accommodates a wide range of budgets. Here is a general breakdown of daily costs:
Daily cost approximately ₹1,500 - ₹3,000. Stay in hostel dormitories (Zostel, Soul & Surf Hostels). Eat street food, local thalis, budget cafes. Go by auto-rickshaws, local bus, walking. Activities: Beach, free going to temples, sunset views.
Mid-range: ₹3,000 - ₹6,000 daily. Guesthouse/mid-range hotel (Magnolia, Marine Palace). Mid-range Cliffside restaurants. Auto-rickshaws, occasional taxi. Activities: Yoga classes, surf lesson, Ayurvedic massage. Luxury: ₹8,000+ daily. Boutique resort (Gateway, Inda Hotel). Fine dining, fresh seafood BBQ. Private taxi, hired car. Activities: Spa treatments, private yoga, bespoke tours.
Your itinerary also shapes itself beside the season you visit.
All activities are available, and the weather is ideal for beach and outdoor pursuits. Book well in advance because of high demand. Expect higher prices for accommodation and certain services.
Plan your trip around specific cultural happenings such as the Sivagiri Pilgrimage (December 30 - January 1) or the Varkala Temple Festival (March/April) for an unique cultural immersion. Be prepared for larger more people and higher costs during these times.
During monsoon, the sea becomes rough. Swimming may be unsafe or prohibited. Respect area warnings.
For high season and festivals, book all accommodations and popular activities well in advance to avoid disappointment and higher last-minute prices.
