Varkala

Varkala Photos & Images

About Varkala

  • AttractionsBeach, Cliff

  • Best SeasonAugust to February

  • Ideal Duration3

  • LanguagesMalayalam

Varkala is a beautiful coastal town 51 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram, on its northern side. Well known for the Varkala Beach and naturally abundant, Varkala Tourism has the charm and potential to attract tourists from all over the world and Varkala with its high cliffs with mineral springs is ranked by Discovery Channel as one of the best beaches in Kerala and top 10 beaches in the world. The beach is quite popular among foreigners as its tourism offers many exciting pursuits such as sun bath, boat riding and Ayurvedic rejuvenation.

Varkala also has a shade of culture to it and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre with the memorial of Sree Narayana Guru, at Sivagiri which is frequented by Hindu pilgrims from South India. Varkala also offers the picturesque papanasham beach surrounded by cliff and sea, together with destinations- Sivagiri, Anchengo Fort & Light House, Janardhana Swami Temple.

Varkala Kerala has a naturally beautiful setting that has allowed it to grow into Kerala’s most popular backpacker hangout.

Sightseeing in Varkala is about a wonderful beach location looking over high cliffs with a fascinating combination of spiritual and modern values covered into one small town endowed with temples and covered with shacks in seashore.

Places to visit in Varkala

If you are planning a trip to God’s own country, there is an array of places to visit in Kerala that will make your trip memorable.

Varkala Kerala is a beautiful coastal town where the hills come close to the sea. The uniqueness of the place is the merging of cliffs with the Arabian Sea.

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the best that Kerala has to offer, Varkala Kerala is where you should come to.

Varkala Beach: Counted as one of the top ten seasonal beaches in the world by the discovery channel, Varkala Beach has the stunning beauty of landscapes, brown sand and sea. Swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, and striking sunset views are the best things to do in Varkala. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Varkala.

Anchuthengu and Anjengo Fort: Old and full of history, this fort tops the list of tourist attractions in Varkala Kerala. Walking through the streets, it is easy to feel like you have stepped in the past.

Janardana Swami Temple: 2,000 years old and still standing strong, Janardana Swami Temple is one of the worship places to visit in Kerala for followers of Vishnu. Often referred to as the Varanasi of the South, it is located on a hill at the road of Varkala Beach.

Odayam Beach: Located at a distance of few kilometers from Varkala Kerala, Odayam Beach is a pure stretch of soft lands between the beautiful Thiruvambadi beach and the Cliff beach. Letting the travelers explore the peaceful side of this coastal town, Odayam Beach is one of the best places to visit in Varkala. Swimming and boating are some of the most fun-filled things to do in Varkala.

Kappil Beach: Known as one of the best kept secrets of Varkala Kerala, this beach is a gorgeous place to spend a day. Viewing the glittering waters of the Arabian Sea from the untouched sandy waters of Kappil is one of the most calming and soothing things to do in Varkala.

Varkala Aquarium: Sandwiched between the Black Beach and Odayam Beach, Varkala aquarium is one of the best places to visit in Varkala with your loved ones away from the tourist thronged destinations. Visiting the aquarium can be one of the most interesting things to do in Varkala with your loved ones.

From historically important forts to the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, Varkala Kerala truly offers the best of everything.

Plan your trip to Varkala Kerala with us and explore the places to visit in Varkala in the most efficient manner possible.

 

Popular Questions About Varkala

Why is Varkala Beach famous?

Counted as one of the top ten seasonal beaches in the world by Discovery channel, Varkala beach is for its long winding stretch of cliff that expands over the Arabian Sea. This beach is also famous for spa, mineral springs and ayurvedic centres offering the best treatments and therapies.

What is the best time to visit Varkala?

October to February (Winters) are the best time to visit Varkala as the temperatures are relatively low and weather is pleasant.

What are the top attractions to visit in Varkala?

Varkala Beach, Anchuthengu and Anjengo Fort, Janardana Swami Temple,Odayam Beach, Kappil Beach and Varkala Aquarium are the top attractions in Varkala.

What are the best things to do in Varkala?

Getting blessings at Janardana Swami Temple, witnessing amazing views at Kappil Beach, enjoying adventurous sports, relaxing at Varkala cliff and shopping in the streets of Varkala are the best things to do in Varkala.

Best time to visit Varkala

Plan your trip during best season to experience the best of this stunning destination
  Best time to visit Climate Accessories/Seasonal Clothing Festivals
JANUARY New Year
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL Easter
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER Onam
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER Xmas

Varkala is a perfect location for Ayurveda, rejuvenation, and quiet contemplation, and while Kerala is sunny and warm all year round, humidity levels and prices vary.

The monsoon season spans from June through to October. Although torrential rain and widespread flooding make this an imprudent time to undertake outdoor adventure activities, monsoon season is also known as Ayurveda season. The intense humidity creates the perfect conditions for you to get the most out of your Ayurveda treatments. If it's quiet contemplation and Ayurveda you're after, monsoon season is the one for you! It's also the perfect time to take advantage of off-season prices. Varkala is firmly on the beaten path, especially amongst beach-going backpackers, so this is an excellent chance to enjoy a quieter, more contemplative holiday here. 

September, at the tail end of the monsoon season, is an exceptional time to visit. Prices are still off-season, but the mountains, forests and waterfalls are at the peak of their luscious green beauty. The coconut groves Varkala is known for will be in full flowering. Furthermore, around the August/September period Keralites celebrate the Onam Harvest Festival with Snake Boat Races, in a tradition dating back to paddy-field workers showing off their skills in the water as they harvested the rice. Today, villagers emulate them by competing against each other in beautifully handcrafted boats.  

The weather is cooler and drier between October and February, with pleasant temperatures reaching highs of 30 degrees. While this is the perfect time to visit Varkala, beware of the peak season prices from December to January, as well as larger crowds. 

Between March and May, Kerala's summer hits its peak, with sweltering and humid weather, making conditions less than ideal for anything but doing nothing. If you enjoy hot, wet heat, take advantage of the off-season prices, and enjoy luxurious Ayurveda treatments and lush nature. 

For the best Ayurveda conditions and off-season prices, avoid the masses and visit during monsoon season, but winter (December to February) is when conditions are ideal for enjoying the beach and the outdoors. 

How to Reach Varkala

Trains are the best way to travel around Kerala, and India in general, as they are highly affordable but more comfortable than buses, and the rail networks are extensive. You can purchase your tickets online or in-person at the station booths, and enjoy a relaxing, scenic journey.

 

However you can reach Varkala in flight and buses as well

  Distance By Air By Road By Train
Varkala to Trivandrum 44 KMs 20 Minutes 20 Minutes 72 Minutes
Varkala to Kovalam 57 KMs NA NA 84 Minutes
Varkala to Alleppey 117 KMs 2 Hours 2 Hours 2 Hours 20 Minutes
  • By Flight

    The nearest airport to Varkala is Trivandrum Airport, which serves various international and domestic flights from the Middle East, South East Asia and major cities in India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi. A pre-paid taxi service can be booked from Trivandrum to Varkala. However, if you're feeling adventurous, the Varkala Cliff helipad is ready to reception helicopters at a moment's notice

  • By Train

    Although Varkala has a train station, the nearest major railway centre is at Trivandrum, from where a taxi can deliver you to your destination. Nevertheless, there are regular train routes to Varkala from Trivandrum, Coimbatore, Kochi and Kollam. Note that Varkala Junction is two kilometres from Varkala itself, so you'll need to arrange travel between the two.

  • By Bus

    State-owned KSRTC and local buses, as well as auto-rickshaws, frequently travel between Varkala town and Trivandrum or Kochi, making this a convenient, if more uncomfortable, way to travel. Buses are likely to be very crowded, and if you are loaded with luggage or uncomfortable in close quarters, this isn't the way to go.

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Questions on Varkala

M
Asked by Madhu from, India, April 1, 2023 08:13: AM

3 days Trip to Munnar

I wish to know about a trip for 3 days to Munnar for 3 people, with pickup and drop from Kochi

Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), April 1, 2023

3 days is a good enough time to visit Tourist Attractions in Munnar. Please share your details through a request

B
Asked by B Kasiviswanathan from, India, February 19, 2023 20:01: PM

Wish to book boathouse for family

Wish to have separate executive boat house for family trip for a day and night. How much is the charge ?

Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), February 19, 2023

Can you please send us a request and we will share the package, photos of houseboat and other details with you

R
Asked by Rajendra Magar from, Maharashtra , February 5, 2023 20:20: PM

Will Oyo houseboat be a good option at Alleppey?

From where should I book houseboat? Is online booking authentic?Which one?

Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), February 5, 2023

You can look at online reviews and decide on which houseboat to book in Alleppey. We would advise to optimise for experience rather than the cost and opt for a private houseboat instead of a shared houseboat. You can book houseboats from any recognized tour operator in Kerala

E
Asked by Ere Santos from, Canada, February 5, 2023 19:56: PM

Which Treehouse will be a part of this package ?

This is the best honeymoon package that I came across among all the Kerala Travel Websites. Can you let me know which Treehouse will be a part of this package.

Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), February 5, 2023

Thanks for letting us know that this is among the best Kerala Honeymoon Packages that you came across. We have multiple treehouse partnerships and would suggest the best option available as per the availability on your travel dates and the arrangements you are looking for.

J
Asked by Johnny from, US, February 5, 2023 19:38: PM

Kerala's Switzerland

Which place is known as Kerala’s Switzerland?

Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), February 5, 2023

Perched at an astounding height of 1,100 m above sea level, Vagamon is known as Kerala’s Switzerland. The temperature lies between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius and the hill station has a cool climate throughout the year that attracts tourists.

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Our tours are consistently recognized by prestigious organizations across the travel industry and TripAdvisor. We have won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence from 2014 till 2022 consecutively for 9 consecutive years. We design our unique tours based on extensive knowledge of Kerala tourist destinations strives to offer personalized top-notch service.