Tucked away along Kerala’s stunning coastline, Varkala is a serene beach town that perfectly blends spirituality, wellness, and scenic beauty. Famous for its red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, vibrant beach cafés, and ancient temples, Varkala is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural depth.
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🏖️ 1. Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach)
Description:
This picturesque beach, framed by dramatic red cliffs, is the heart of Varkala. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or watching the sunset with a smoothie in hand, it’s perfect for laid-back travelers.
History 🏛️:
The beach is believed to have holy waters that wash away sins, hence the name “Papanasam”.
📍 Distance from Varkala Town: 2 km | ⏱️ 5 mins
☀️ Best Time: November to March
🚗 How to Reach: Easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from town or Varkala Railway Station
🍤 Must-Try: Seafood BBQ at Darjeeling Café
🎭 Culture: Daily rituals and offerings by pilgrims along the shore
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🛕 2. Janardhana Swamy Temple
Description:
This ancient Hindu temple, over 2,000 years old, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a major pilgrimage site, especially during Arattu festival.
History 🏛️:
Believed to be built by the Pandyan kings, it’s often called the “Benares of the South”.
📍 Distance: 2.5 km from town | ⏱️ 8 mins
☀️ Best Time: March-April during Arattu
🚗 How to Reach: Short auto or walk from the beach area
🍛 Must-Try: Temple Prasadam and nearby vegetarian thali from Arya Nivas
🎭 Culture: Arattu festival includes vibrant processions and cultural dances
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🌄 3. Varkala Cliff
Description:
A stunning natural wonder, this red laterite cliff stretches along the beach, lined with vibrant cafés, shops, yoga studios, and guesthouses. Sunset views here are unforgettable!
History 🏛️:
The cliffs are geologically significant and part of India’s only cliff-beach interface.
📍 Distance: Central Varkala
☀️ Best Time: October to March
🚗 How to Reach: Walking distance from Papanasam Beach
🍤 Must-Try: Tuna Steak at The Juice Shack
🎭 Culture: Frequent live music nights and fire shows
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💆♀️ 4. Sivagiri Mutt
Description:
Founded by the great saint and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, this spiritual center promotes education, equality, and peace.
History 🏛️:
The guru established the ashram in 1904 as a place for meditation and reform.
📍 Distance: 5 km from Varkala | ⏱️ 15 mins
☀️ Best Time: December (Sivagiri Pilgrimage)
🚗 How to Reach: Auto or cab from town
🍛 Must-Try: Simple vegetarian meals at ashram canteen
🎭 Culture: Annual pilgrimage in December attracts thousands
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🌊 5. Edava Beach
Description:
A quiet alternative to the main beach, Edava is ideal for solitude, nature walks, and watching fishermen at work. The nearby estuary adds to the charm.
History 🏛️:
The area has long supported a fishing-based livelihood and is rooted in coastal culture.
📍 Distance: 6 km from town | ⏱️ 20 mins
☀️ Best Time: November to February
🚗 How to Reach: Cab or scooter rental
🍤 Must-Try: Fresh fish fry from Edava Beach Snack Point
🎭 Culture: Observe daily fishing rituals and net hauling
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Varkala Tour Packages
🏞️ 6. Kappil Beach & Backwaters
Description:
A perfect blend of beach and backwater beauty, Kappil Beach is less crowded and offers a peaceful retreat. Take a backwater boat ride or walk along the bridge for spectacular views of where the sea meets the river.
History 🏛️:
Kappil was historically part of a fishing village that supported the local economy and remains largely untouched by commercial tourism.
📍 Distance from Varkala: 7 km | ⏱️ 20 mins
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚗 How to Reach: Local taxi, tuk-tuk, or two-wheeler rental
🍤 Must-Try: Kerala-style fried prawns from roadside stalls
🎭 Culture: The nearby village hosts boat races during Onam
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🧘♀️ 7. Yoga & Ayurveda Retreats (e.g., Soul & Surf, Varkala Cliff)
Description:
Varkala is a wellness hotspot known for its yoga retreats, Ayurveda treatments, and spiritual healing sessions. These retreats offer detox packages, beach yoga, surf lessons, and vegan meals.
History 🏛️:
The town’s spiritual energy and natural resources attracted Ayurvedic practitioners and yoga gurus for centuries.
📍 Location: Mostly along Varkala Cliff
☀️ Best Time: November to March
🚶 How to Reach: Walking distance from major accommodations
🍛 Must-Try: Ayurvedic meal bowls, coconut-infused smoothies
🎭 Culture: Attend sunrise meditations and local herbal remedy workshops
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🌅 8. Odayam Beach
Description:
Just north of the main Varkala cliff, Odayam Beach is peaceful and scenic, with soft golden sand and coconut groves — ideal for early morning walks or yoga.
History 🏛️:
This beach was once a quiet haven for fishermen and is slowly gaining popularity among backpackers and solo travelers.
📍 Distance: 2.5 km from Varkala | ⏱️ 10 mins
☀️ Best Time: November to February
🚗 How to Reach: Auto-rickshaw or on foot via the cliff path
🍤 Must-Try: Banana pancakes & black tea at Café del Mar
🎭 Culture: Often used for low-key full moon beach gatherings
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🛕 9. Anchuthengu Fort
Description:
A heritage colonial fort built by the British East India Company, this structure stands by the sea and is ideal for history lovers and photography enthusiasts.
History 🏛️:
Built in 1696, it was the first establishment of the British in Kerala, used for trading and defense.
📍 Distance: 12 km from Varkala | ⏱️ 30 mins
☀️ Best Time: October to February
🚗 How to Reach: Cab or rented bike
🍛 Must-Try: Chenda Murukku & fish curry rice from nearby village shops
🎭 Culture: Observe traditional fishing boats and rural festivals nearby
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🧭 10. Ponnumthuruthu Island (Golden Island)
Description:
A quiet island with a 100-year-old Shiva-Parvati temple surrounded by backwaters, lush greenery, and migratory birds — it’s a perfect offbeat retreat.
History 🏛️:
Owned by a local aristocratic family, the island holds religious importance, especially during the Sivarathri festival.
📍 Distance: 12 km from Varkala | ⏱️ 30 mins + boat
☀️ Best Time: November to February
🚗 How to Reach: Cab to Nedunganda + boat to island
🍛 Must-Try: Vellappam and coconut stew from village kitchens
🎭 Culture: Temple rituals during Sivarathri attract spiritual seekers
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Honeymoon in Varkala
🚴♂️ 11. Thiruvambadi Beach
Description:
A hidden gem north of Varkala Cliff, Thiruvambadi Beach is quieter and cleaner, with a black sand shoreline and surrounding palm trees. Great for solo travelers or couples.
History 🏛️:
The name comes from the nearby Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple, which has spiritual roots among locals.
📍 Distance: 2 km from Varkala | ⏱️ 7 mins
☀️ Best Time: November to March
🚗 How to Reach: Short auto ride or walk from cliff
🍤 Must-Try: Grilled kingfish and coconut chutney at beach shacks
🎭 Culture: Occasional small beachside pujas and sand art
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📸 12. Varkala Aquarium
Description:
Great for families and curious minds, the Varkala Aquarium showcases a variety of freshwater and marine species and offers educational insights for kids.
History 🏛️:
Developed as part of Kerala tourism to encourage marine awareness and conservation.
📍 Distance: Near Odayam Beach | ⏱️ 10 mins
☀️ Best Time: Year-round
🚗 How to Reach: Local auto or walk
🍛 Must-Try: Ice creams and roasted peanuts at nearby vendors
🎭 Culture: Spot artistic fish mural walls outside the aquarium
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🚣♀️ 13. Kayikkara Village
Description:
A quaint coastal village known for its coconut groves, poetry (home of poet Kumaran Asan), and pristine beaches. Ideal for cultural immersion and photography.
History 🏛️:
Kumaran Asan, one of Kerala’s greatest poets, was born here and his memorial is now a literary pilgrimage site.
📍 Distance: 9 km from Varkala | ⏱️ 20 mins
☀️ Best Time: November to March
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi or bike rental
🍤 Must-Try: Tapioca with fish curry from local homes
🎭 Culture: Poetry festivals and temple processions
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🧖♂️ 14. Ayushi Ayurvedic Center
Description:
A popular and authentic Ayurvedic healing center, Ayushi offers Panchakarma, massages, and detox therapies in a peaceful, professional setting.
History 🏛️:
Founded by traditional Vaidyas, the center practices over 500-year-old Ayurvedic methods.
📍 Distance: 1.5 km from Varkala Cliff
☀️ Best Time: October to February (mild weather for detox)
🚶 How to Reach: Short walk from cliff or beach
🍛 Must-Try: Herbal detox teas and sattvic meals
🎭 Culture: Holistic healing deeply integrated with Kerala’s heritage
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🎨 15. Varkala Cultural Center
Description:
A vibrant hub that hosts regular Kathakali performances, Kalaripayattu (martial arts) shows, and traditional music concerts. A must for cultural enthusiasts!
History 🏛️:
Founded to preserve Kerala’s rich art heritage and engage travelers in meaningful interactions.
📍 Distance: Near Helipad | ⏱️ 5 mins
☀️ Best Time: Year-round
🚶 How to Reach: Walking distance from main cliff
🍛 Must-Try: Samosas and chai sold outside during intervals
🎭 Culture: Authentic nightly performances by trained artists
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✅ Varkala Travel FAQ – with Kreative Routes
1. What are the best travel packages available for Varkala?
Kreative Routes offers customized beach, wellness, and cultural travel packages from Kochi, Trivandrum, and Bangalore.
2. How can I reach Varkala?
The nearest airport is Trivandrum (40 km). Varkala has its own railway station and good road connectivity.
3. What kind of food is available in Varkala?
Yes! It’s one of Kerala’s safest coastal destinations with friendly locals and a welcoming backpacker community.
4. Is Varkala safe for solo or female travelers?
Yes! It’s one of Kerala’s safest coastal destinations with friendly locals and a welcoming backpacker community.
5. Can I include wellness activities in my itinerary?
Absolutely. Yoga, meditation, spa, and Ayurveda are integral to our Varkala wellness packages.
6. Are there offbeat spots to explore near Varkala?
Yes, including Kayikkara village, Ponnumthuruthu Island, and quiet beaches like Edava.
7. Are the packages budget-friendly?
Yes. We offer everything from budget hostels to boutique cliff resorts with flexible pricing.