Kerala is a state of India which is very rich in culture. It has many cultural places to visit and Varkala is one of them. Varkala is a municipal district in the southern state of Kerala. It is an increasingly popular tourist destination among for people all over the world. There is a lot of best places to visit in Varkala, it ranges from ancient religious monuments to stunning viewpoints.
Here’s a look at the various places to visit in Varkala:
Varkala Beach
It is the premier tourist destination in Varkala. This beach is away from crowd and a sight to behold. It located only 10 km from the city centre. The beach has a variety of activities, like parasailing and paragliding. All these activities amke this beach a place to visit. Here, in this beach you can relax and go on thrilling adventures at the same time. You can use public transport such as auto rickshaws, cabs, or buses to reach the beach.
Varkala Cliff
Varkala cliff is the most photogenic place in Varkala. If you love photography or love getting clicked by camera then it is the place for you. It has been declared a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India for its unique formation. The view of sunset from the top of this cliff is a sight to behold .
You can reach the cliffs in the same way you would to the beach by using public transport such as buses or autos.
3.Varakala Mangrove Forest
Mangrove forests are beautiful and quite adventurous. It located at a distance of 18 km from Varkala at Nedungolam near Varkala. You should visit this place as it can be a highlight of your trip.
The distance of 18 km from the city centre can be covered using the wide array of public transport such as buses, cabs, or autos.
4.Edava beach
Edava beach is one of the cleanest and most offbeat beaches in the Varkala. It is an excellent place to relax and take time to reflect on your life. If you search for the peace of mind ,then you should visit Edava beach.
This beach is located just 5 km from the city centre of Varkala, where you can easily reach using public transport, or if you are up for it, a brisk walk.
5. Janardhanaswamy temple
It is an ancient temple located close to Varkala that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is one of the most beautiful examples of ancient architecture in Varkala. You should visit the temple in the months of March and April to experience the temple in all its glory. During that period, an eight-day long grand celebration is organised at the temple for a local festival known as the Arattu festival.
This temple is located less than a kilometre from the city centre of Varkala, so you can easily get to and from the temple on foot.
6. Thiruvambadi beach
Black sand beaches, lush coconut groves, and away from the crowds of commercial beaches, this is just a glimpse of what you can experience at Thiruvambadi beach. This beach is located close to the Thiruvambadi road. Here, in this beach you can relax at this location without the rush of crowds.
7. Sarkara Devi temple
This important Hindu religious spot is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. It is located 12 km away from the city centre of Varkala. It is a fantastic example of ancient architecture in Kerala. Every year in the month of March, a major festival is organised at this temple which is known as Kaliyoot festival. This 10 day-long festival attracts thousands of tourists from across the country every year.
8. Kappil lake
The Kappil lake is the location where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea. It is a beautiful backwater lake in Varkala that is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow stretch of land. In this lake, you can see the exact spot where the backwater meets the sea from a nearby bridge. This gorgeous lake is located just 6 km from the city centre of Varkala so, you can easily reach this tourist destination with public transport such as buses or autos.
9. Darjeeling Cafe
It is one of the most popular cafes in Varkala, with its superb location close to the beach. You can try out many local delicacies that served in an authentic local style. It is one of the best places in Varkala for you to try out the local cuisine. This cafe is located only 2 km from the city centre of Varkala, so you can easily get here by using autos or cabs.
Things to do in Varkala:
1. Water Sports: Be Thrilled
Water sports are the best things to do in Varkala’s beaches. Varkala is the only place in the entire South India where the sea is accompanied by the mountains, this site will literally mesmerise each and every visitor. Jet skiing, banana boat rides and parasailing are some of the most exciting things to do in Varkala for a lifetime experience.
Time required: 3 hours
How to reach: The best way to reach the sporting facilities is by taking a cab or bus to the nearby station.
Timings: Opens from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM
Price: Depends on the activity you choose and it usually ranges from INR 300/- to INR 1000/-
2. Varkala Culture Center
Varkala is a place where both traditional and modern culture maintains its individual authenticity.The traditional culture and art forms represent the history of Kerala. Exploring this culture is one of the most interesting things to do in Varkala, Kerala.The entire experience will transport you to a never known before world
3. Lighthouse: Witness The Serenity Around
The lighthouse is a significant 18th-century structure with the signature architectural style of the Europeans. It is one of the main tourist attractions of the place.
Time required: 1 hour
How to reach: The best way to reach the lighthouse is by taking a cab or auto from your residence or from the central town square. You can also take the local bus to the nearby bus stand.
Timings: Open from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM every day of the week
Price: There is no entrance fee
4. Ponnumthuruthu Island: Explore Wildlife
It is one of the most beautiful Island . It has an area of about 5 hectares. You must count it in our list of top things as relaxing by turquoise waters and lakes is perfect for the quiet souls. Its exotic migratory birds, rare water birds and other wildlife makee. It is the ideal spot for the bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Time required: 1 hour
How to reach: The best way to reach the Ponnumthuruthu Island is by taking a local bus. If you want to make your journey fast and convenient, hire a cab or taxi which can directly take you to the island but will cost you more than the average rate.
Timings: Open from 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM every day
Price: There is no entry fee
5. Varkala Beach : Explore the beach
One of the fun things to do in Varkala is definitely enjoying the beaches here. The Varkala Beach runs for 20 km.The locals belived that the beaches have places of holy waters that can cure many ailments. You can swim and involve in fishing in beach or take a dip in the natural spring which is nearby to offer you unlimited excitement and fun. The beach has the serene surroundings that will calm your mind and relax your body.
Time required: 2 hours
How to reach: The best way to reach the beach is by taking the local bus to
Timings: It is open 24 hours.
Price: There is no entry fee.
6. Kappil Beach: Relish The Views
In Kerala, Kappil Beach is one such place where you can involve in various activities. You can take a dip in the gittering water, take a soothing walk, or have some fun picnic time. It is the perfect place to watch the day roll by. It has white sands and a hill close by, from where you can enjoy the spectacular views.
Time required: 2 hours
How to reach: The best way to reach this beach is by taking an autorickshaw from Varkala or one of the local buses to Kappil.
Timings: Open from 12.00 AM to 12.00 PM every day of the week, except Sundays.
Price: There is no entry fee.
7. Yoga: Rejuvenate Yourself
Yoga and dabbling are very much popular activities in Varkala in Kerala. There are several popular ashrams here in Varkala where you can attend their yoga sessions. Here, you can learn yoga from the masters. In fact, they offer avenues for the tourists to get the best of the Yoga sessions. Experience it for a lifetime memory.
Time required: 2 hours
How to reach: Depending upon the location of your session; you can use both public and private transport to reach the spot.
Timings: Depends on the ashram or studio you choose.
Price: Varies with the respective schools.
8. Varkala Aquarium: Marine Life At Your Feet
This is a must-see place if you are visiting Varkala with kids . This aquarium is situated between Black beach and Odayam beach, which makes it even more exciting to visit. One of the fun things to do in Varkala is to witness the various species of fishes like scorpion fish, angelfish , koi, and more.
Time required: 1 hour
How to reach: The best way to reach this aquarium is by taking a bus to the nearest station in Thiruvambadi beach and take a short walk from there.
Location: Odayam Hatchery, Thiruvambadi Beach, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Timings: 10am – 6:30pm
9. Janardhana Swami Temple: Find Inner Peace
If you are looking for a peaceful place where you can sit at ease and just give rest to both your mind and soul, then Janardhana Swami temple is for you. It is one of the most famous places in Varkala. Apart from seeking blessings at the temple, you can marvel at the structure of the temple.
Time required: 1 hour
How to reach: The best way to reach this location is by taking a private auto or cab.
Location: Varkala, Kerala 695141
Price: N/A
10. Varkala Cliff: Picnic Done Right
If you are ready to soak in the beauty then please head to Varkala cliff. It is surrounded by lush greenery and natural charm. It is located a few kilometers away from the city and provides for a nice picnic spot.
Time required: 2 hours
How to reach: The best way to reach the Varkala Cliff is by taking a bus to the nearest station and walking up to the cliffs from there.
Price: N/A
11. Varkala Lighthouse: An Old-World Charm
Varkala Lighthouse is among the most prominent structures in the district. Visiting the lighthouse is one of the most fun and exciting things to do in Varkala. This colonial architecture is bound to take you to the good old days.
Time required: 1 hour
How to reach: The best way to reach the lighthouse is by hiring a private taxi directly to the destination.
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Price: There is no entry fee.
12. Local Cuisine: Treat Your Tastebuds
The two places to experience the cuisines of Varkala are the Café Del Mar and God’s Own Country Kitchen. Café Del Mar is an interesting place where you can try international cuisines with some Varkala twists. But if you are craving for the South Indian cuisine and complete Kerala cuisine experience then you should head to God’s own Country Kitchen. It is so authentic that they served food wrapped in banana leaves . Simply try some.
Time required: 2-3 hours
How to reach: You can reach the above mentioned location by both public and private transport.
Timings: Café Del Mar – 8.00 AM to 11.00 PM
- God’s Own Country kitchen – 8.00 AM to 10:30 PM
- Café Del Mar – Ranges from INR 190/- to INR 400/- for two people
- God’s Own Country Kitchen – Ranges from INR 150/- to INR 450/-
Varkala is a beach town of Kerala which is a great tourism place to visit for rejuvenation. The scenic beach here offer an ideal ambience for relaxing and spending evening hours on the cliffs, looking up to the magnificent sunset. These are the best places to visit in Varkala. It is a place which is rich in culture, which you should add in your bucket list and you should visit in your Lifetime atleast once.
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