How to plan a Varkala trip, a complete travel guide?
Best things to do in Varkala
Varkala is a beautiful coastal city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The beach city is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning beaches and ancient Hindu temples. It’s a place where hills meet the ocean and the Varkala Cliff which is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. In this Varkala travel guide, we will talk about how to reach here, what to see in the town, and where to stay.
The cool breeze and mesmerizing view of the mighty Arabian Sea from the Varkala Cliff is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Varkala Cliff is also famous for its beautiful resorts and hotels facing the beautiful Arabian sea. Varkala is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kerala and is popular for its beaches, ayurvedic massage, parasailing, and paragliding.
The spellbinding city of Varkala attracts millions of domestic and international tourists every year. They come here to experience its unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and modern amenities. It is also a popular tourist destination for its Ayurvedic treatments, traditional atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife.
Things to know
Time zone: IST (GMT+5:30)
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR), (Current exchange rate)
Languages: Hindi
Country calling code: +91
Police, Medical helpline: 100
How to reach Varkala?
Varkala is one of the major tourist destinations in Kerala and is well-connected by road, train, and air. It’s very close to Trivandrum and Kochi, the two big cities in Kerala. Let’s find out the best way to reach Varkala from your city.
By road: The most convenient way to reach the town is to hire a cab/car from Trivandrum to Varkala. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala and the distance from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala is just 50 Km. The distance can be covered in 1 hour and 30 minutes and the taxi cost start from Rs. 1400.
Trains to Varkala: The city has its own railway station and it’s well connected with all the major cities in South India. Trivandrum Express, Kanyakumari Express, and Trivandrum Mail connect the coastal city from Bangalore, Mangalore, Trivandrum, Kochi, and Coimbatore with regular train services.
By flight: Trivandrum airport is the nearest airport to Varkala which is located at a distance of 50 Km from the city. Kochi airport is another major airport situated at a distance of 170 Km from Varkala. These two airports are well connected with all airports in India and the Middle East countries.
Online ticket booking websites in India
Flights: Makemytrip
Bus: Redbus
Train: IRCTC
What is the best time to visit Varkala?
Winters are the best time to visit Varkala, October to February is the peak tourist season in Varkala. Summers are very hot and humid in the town and usually start in March and last till May. You can visit Varkala throughout the year and can enjoy the Varkala Cliff and Varkala beach in the evening, evenings are mostly pleasant in Varkala.
Best budget resorts and hotels near Varkala beach.
There are several resorts and hotels available near Varkala beach, these hotels and resorts are available for all budgets. Varkala cliff is the most preferred spot to stay in the city from where you can see the Arabian sea from your resorts. There are many multi-cuisine restaurants and shopping places available in this locality.
West Bay Varkala
Address: North Cliff Road Near black beach, Varkala, India (location)
Novella Concept Hotel & Cafe
Address: Varkala Helipad Road 1/531, Paravila Puthen Veedu, Varkala, India (location)
LE COCO beach resort varkala beach
Address: Helipad Varkala beach, Varkala, India (location)
Best beaches in Varkala
Varkala, a popular beach destination in the southern part of India, is also known for its scenic cliff-lined beautiful coastline and numerous beaches. It’s one of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists, you’ll find tourists performing yoga at the various beaches of Varkala. Some of the best beaches in Varkala include:
Papanasham Beach (Varkala Beach): A pristine white sand beach with a holy aura and breathtaking views of the mighty Arabian Sea. (location)
Black Beach: A secluded and very less crowded beach, ideal for a peaceful day watching the blue water. (location)
Edava Beach: A serene and calm beach, known for its shallow waters and stunning golden sunsets. (location)
Odayam Beach: Away from the crowd, the beach is surrounded by lush green hills, this beach is an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. (location)
Janardhanaswamy Temple Beach: A quiet and spiritual beach with a Hindu temple near the beach, which offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. (location)
Hindu temples in Varkala
The coastal town of Varkala is well known for its beaches but very few people know it has also significant as a Hindu pilgrimage site. Sivagiri Mutt and the 2000-year-old Janardana Swamy temple are the most visited temples in Varkala. These temples are considered to be sacred by devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and you must visit these temples to see the religious side of the town.
- Janardana Swamy Temple (location)
- Sivagiri Mutt (location)
- Anjengo Beach Temple (location)
- Papanasam Beach Temple (location)
- Sri Narayana Temple (location)
- Sri Krishna Temple (location)
- Dakshinamurti Temple (location)
- Chilakkoor Sri Chandanamari Amman Temple (location)
- Sree Dharmasastha Temple (location)
- Sri Durga Devi Temple (location)
Water activities in Varkala, Kerala
Varkala is a popular beach destination in the Indian state of Kerala, known for its scenic beauty, serene atmosphere, and adventure activities. There are many options available for water activities. You’ll find multiple local tour operators near the beach offering these activities, they also provide the equipment. It is highly recommended to check the weather and sea conditions before going to any water activity.
Surfing: With its calm waves, Varkala is one of the best places for beginner surfers to learn and improve their surfing skills.
Snorkeling: The shallow waters of the Arabian sea offer great opportunities for snorkeling and exploring underwater life.
Kayaking: Rent a kayak from local vendors and paddle along the coastline, taking in the views of the Arabian Sea and the lush palm trees.
Swimming: With its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, it is a great place for swimming and soaking up the sun.
Fishing: Go fishing in the Arabian Sea and try your hand at catching some of the local seafood.
Parasailing: Parasailing is one of the most popular activities in Varkala and you can book the activity near the Varkala Cliff Helipad/Parking area.
Important apps to download
Redbus online bus booking
MakeMyTrip Online hotel and flight booking
Uber app-based taxi
Swiggy app-based food delivery
IRCTC, train booking app
Google translate
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