Best Places to Visit in Varkala

Varkala is Kerala's most distinctive beach town, not for wide stretches of sand, but for its dramatic red laterite cliffs that rise 15–25 metres directly above the Arabian Sea. Unlike the busy beaches of Kovalam or Goa, Varkala has retained an unhurried, meditative quality that draws yogis, backpackers, and families looking for something quieter.

The main Varkala Beach (also called Papanasam Beach) sits at the base of the cliffs, while the Cliff Path above is lined with cafés, guesthouses, Ayurvedic massage centres, and shops selling everything from sarongs to spices. Beyond the beach, Varkala holds one of Kerala's oldest temples (Janardanaswamy, over 2,000 years old), serene backwater lakes, and a hillside ashram dedicated to the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

The best time to visit Varkala is from October to March, when the sea is calm for swimming, and the monsoon rains have cleared. Plan at least 3 days to experience the beaches, temples, and lake areas without rushing.

Why Visit Varkala?

Varkala is not like other beach places in Kerala. It is special because of its big red cliffs that stand next to the sea. You can sit on top of the cliffs and see the wide ocean. This view is not found in many places in India.

Varkala tourism is also known for its peaceful feel. It is not too crowded, so you can relax, enjoy nature, and feel calm. There are yoga centres, small cafes, and local shops that make the place more fun.

Temples and natural springs add to the charm. If you read any Varkala travel guide, you will see how people love it for both fun and peace. Varkala is a great mix of beauty, culture, and quiet.

From peaceful beaches to thrilling water sports and ancient temples, discover the best things to do in Varkala.

How to Reach Varkala: Distances & Transport Options

Starting Point	Distance to Varkala	Best Option	Duration
Trivandrum (TRV) Airport	51 km	Taxi or pre-booked cab	1 hour
Trivandrum Railway Station	54 km	Train to Varkala Sivagiri Station	45 min
Kollam Railway Station	37 km	Train to Varkala Sivagiri Station	30 min
Kochi (Ernakulam)	160 km	Train (Ernakulam–Kochuveli trains stop at Varkala)	3 hours
Within Varkala (Cliff to Beach)	2 km	Walk down the steps or auto-rickshaw (₹50–80)	10–15 min

Top 15 Places to Visit in Varkala

Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is one of the best places to visit in Varkala. It has golden sand, clean water, and big red cliffs next to the sea. The waves are gentle, so many people like to swim here. The beach is also known as Papanasam Beach, where people believe that a dip in the water can wash away sins. You can see the sunset and enjoy snacks from small shops nearby. Many tourists come to relax and enjoy the peaceful view.

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fee: None
What to Do / Unique Features: Swimming, sunset watching, snacks, and peaceful walks.

Varkala Cliff

Varkala Cliff is a tall, red rock that stands above the beach. From the top, you can see the big blue sea. The cliff is lined with small cafés, shops, and guest houses. People love walking here to enjoy the sea breeze and tasty food. It’s a great place to take photos and buy gifts. At night, the cliff lights up with music and fun. You can also sit and enjoy the sound of the waves below.

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Entry Fee: None
What to Do / Unique Features: Eat at cafés, shop, take photos, and enjoy sea views.

Janardanaswamy Temple

Janardanaswamy Temple is a very old and famous temple in Varkala. It is over 2,000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has a beautiful tower and many small carvings. People come here to pray and take part in special rituals. During festivals, the temple becomes colorful and lively. It is near Varkala Beach, so many visitors come here after enjoying the sea. The temple is peaceful and full of history.

Best Time to Visit: March and April (festival time)
Entry Fee: Free (but donations are welcome)
What to Do / Unique Features: Pray, attend festivals, see old carvings, enjoy peace.

Sivagiri Mutt

Sivagiri Mutt is a holy place built in memory of a great saint called Sree Narayana Guru. It is on top of a small hill and has white buildings and peaceful gardens. Many people visit this place to learn about his teachings. The view from the top is very beautiful. Every year in December and January, there is a big festival here. The place is quiet and one of the best places to visit in Varkala for those who want to relax and think peacefully.

Best Time to Visit: December to January (festival time)
Entry Fee: Free
What to Do / Unique Features: Learn about Sree Narayana Guru, attend the festival, and enjoy hill views.

Kappil Beach

Kappil Beach is a quiet and clean beach in Varkala. What makes it special is that the sea is on one side and a calm lake is on the other. You can enjoy both water views at once! It is not very crowded, so it’s great for peaceful walks and taking photos. You can also go for a boat ride in the nearby Kappil Lake. The road to the beach has coconut trees and looks very pretty.

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fee: None
What to Do / Unique Features: Walk on the beach, boat ride on the lake, enjoy peaceful views.

Edava Beach

Edava Beach is a hidden gem near Varkala. It is very quiet and has beautiful rocks, clean sand, and blue water. Not many tourists come here, so it’s perfect if you want to enjoy nature without noise. You can sit and watch the waves or take lovely pictures. There is also a canal nearby where you can see small boats and birds. It is a great place to feel calm and peaceful.

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Entry Fee: Free
What to Do / Unique Features: Relax, take photos, and see the canal and the birds.

Anjengo Fort

Anjengo Fort is an old fort built by the British many years ago. It is near the sea and has strong stone walls and big gates. You can walk inside and see the history all around you. There are tall trees, and you can also see the beach from the top of the fort walls. People who like history and quiet places will enjoy visiting here. It’s also great for taking photos.

Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
What to Do / Unique Features: Walk inside the fort, take photos, learn history.

Ponnumthuruthu Island

Ponnumthuruthu Island is also called the Golden Island. It is in the middle of a quiet lake and can be reached by a small boat. The island is green with trees, birds, and a small temple. It feels like a secret place full of peace and nature. People come here to relax, watch birds, or visit the temple, and it's one of the top places to visit in Varkala. The boat ride is fun and makes the visit even more special.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Boat fee (₹100–₹200 approx)
What to Do / Unique Features: Boat ride, birdwatching, and visit the island temple.

Odayam Beach

Odayam Beach is one of the peaceful places to visit in Varkala Kerala. It is less crowded and has soft sand, rocks, and gentle waves. Many people come here for morning walks or yoga on the beach. You can watch fishermen working and even talk to friendly locals. There are small cafes nearby where you can enjoy snacks while watching the sea. It’s a great spot to relax with fewer people around.

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fee: Free
What to Do / Unique Features: Yoga, morning walk, meet locals, enjoy quiet time.

Chilakoor Beach

Chilakoor Beach is a calm and quiet beach near Varkala. It is surrounded by coconut trees and soft sand. Not many tourists visit here, so it’s perfect if you want peace and space. The beach is long and clean, and the sunsets here are very beautiful. You can see local people and fishermen in the evening. It is a nice place for families to relax or for couples to walk by the sea.

Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
What to Do / Unique Features: Watch sunset, take a walk, and enjoy peaceful nature.

Varkala Aquarium

Varkala Aquarium is one of the most fun places to visit in Varkala. It has big tanks with many kinds of colorful fish and sea animals. You can learn about underwater life and see fish up close. There are also boards with fun facts about sea creatures. It’s not a very big aquarium, but it is clean and well-kept. It is a nice break from the beach and great for a short visit.

Best Time to Visit: All year round
Entry Fee: ₹30–₹50
What to Do / Unique Features: See sea creatures, learn about fish, fun for kids.

Kappil Lake

Kappil Lake is a peaceful and pretty place near the beach. It has calm waters, and you can see coconut trees all around. You can ride a boat on the lake and enjoy the quiet nature. The best part is that it meets the sea nearby, which looks beautiful. It is a great spot for taking photos and relaxing with family or friends. Birds and soft winds make the place feel magical.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free (boating extra ₹100–₹200)
What to Do / Unique Features: Boat rides, enjoy views, relax near water.

Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach is special because the sand is dark and different from other beaches. It is a quiet and peaceful place with soft waves. Not many tourists come here, so you can enjoy nature in peace. The black sand looks beautiful with the blue sea. You can sit, relax, or take nice photos. It’s a great place for evening walks and watching the sunset.

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fee: Free
What to Do / Unique Features: Unique black sand, sunset views, quiet and peaceful.

Papasnanam Beach

Papasnanam Beach is a holy beach near the Janardanaswamy Temple. People believe that bathing here washes away sins. The beach is clean and has soft, golden sand. Many people come to take a dip in the sea. The waves are gentle, and the beach has a calm feeling. It is good for a spiritual visit or a quiet walk. Local shops also sell snacks and souvenirs nearby.

Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
What to Do / Unique Features: Holy beach, peaceful bath, near the temple.

Nedungolam’s Mangrove Forest

Nedungolam’s Mangrove Forest is a hidden nature spot near Varkala. It is full of small water trees called mangroves. You can take a boat ride or walk around the peaceful area. The forest is home to many birds and small animals. It is a great place to learn about nature and enjoy green views. The water is calm and the air feels fresh. Counted among one of the most popular places to visit in Varkala, it’s perfect for people who love the outdoors.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free (boating ₹100–₹150)
What to Do / Unique Features: Boat ride, watch birds, enjoy fresh air.

How to Reach Varkala

Varkala is easy to reach from cities like Trivandrum and Kochi. If you are coming by train, you can get down at Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station, which is very close to the beach. From Trivandrum (about 40 km), you can take a bus, taxi, or train. From Kochi (about 160 km), trains and buses are the best options.

If you are flying, the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport. From there, take a taxi or train to Varkala. Roads are also good, so you can drive by car or bike.

So, if you are wondering how to reach Varkala, don’t worry—there are many simple and easy ways to get there!

Best Time to Visit Varkala

The best time to visit Varkala is from October to March. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for beach fun and sightseeing. The skies are clear, and the sea is calm for swimming and water sports.

If you like festivals, plan your trip during the Sivagiri Mutt Annual Festival in January. It is a big event with music, prayers, and celebrations, showing the local culture and traditions. Another good time is during Christmas and New Year, when Varkala has a lively vibe with many tourists and fun parties.

Avoid visiting during the heavy monsoon season from June to September, because it rains a lot and the sea can be rough. So, for a great experience, visit Varkala in the cool and dry months when you can enjoy everything peacefully.

Also, check out the detailed best time to visit Varkala to enjoy a hassle-free trip.

Travel Tips for Varkala

Dress Modestly at Temples: When visiting places like Janardanaswamy Temple or Sivagiri Mutt, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to show respect.
Respect the Environment: Keep Varkala clean by not littering on the beach or streets. Use dustbins and avoid plastic as much as possible.
Try Local Foods: Don’t miss tasting fresh seafood, Kerala sadya (a traditional meal), and snacks like banana chips. The beach shacks serve yummy dishes that are easy on your pocket.
Stay Hydrated: Carry water with you, especially if you explore during the daytime.
Use Local Transport: Rickshaws and bikes are good ways to get around Varkala easily.

Food & Dining Recommendations

Varkala's cliff road is lined with restaurants catering to international and domestic visitors. Don't miss:

Kerala fish curry and rice - order at any of the cliff-top restaurants; the red fish curry with matta rice is unmissable.
Fresh seafood BBQ - many restaurants let you pick your fish (kingfish, pomfret, red snapper) from ice boxes and have it grilled with masala or butter-garlic.
Chakka (jackfruit) dishes are seasonal (March–June), but when available, jackfruit curry and chips appear on local menus.
Banana pancakes and fresh juices - a backpacker staple at every cliff café.

Top Restaurants on the Cliff: Coffee Temple (good breakfast and smoothies), Darjeeling Café (popular for fresh seafood), and Restaurant N (multi-cuisine with sea views). All are non-alcoholic; alcohol is served at selected beachside restaurants only.

Wondering about the Varkala trip cost? Plan smart with our guide and enjoy Varkala without overspending!

Experience the Magic of Varkala with Us!

Varkala is a beautiful beach town with amazing cliffs, peaceful temples, and lovely beaches. It offers a unique mix of nature, culture, and relaxation that makes it special compared to other places. Whether you want to enjoy the sea, explore history, or try local food, Varkala has something for everyone. Plan your trip with our Varkala tour packages and experience the magic of this wonderful place!