Perched atop a red sandstone cliff, the hippie beach town of Varkala in Kerala has all the makings of a tropical tourist magnet. From inviting beach shacks and coral-kissed waves to seaside souvenir bazaars, every sight frames bliss and beauty. An interplay of contrasts is what makes Varkala stand out. On the one hand, you can pick a spice plantation trail, quiet white sand beaches, and lapping waves dancing against the red stone cliff. Alternatively, you can indulge in wellness at Ayurvedic centres, yoga workshops, and temple towns. Come evening, you can choose to cafe-hop through the various music-pumping, boho eateries that dot this beach town. Read on to discover the best things to do in Varkala: where to go beach-combing, what to eat, and where to stay.
Also, explore our guide to the best tourist places in Kerala.
The best time to visit Varkala
We recommend visiting Varkala between October and March for crisp breeze, clear skies, and pleasant evenings for beach-combing. Devoid of intense monsoons, the humidity level during these months is a bare minimum, making it the ideal weather to sunbathe, dip your toes into the Arabian Sea, and saunter through the markets.
Top things to do
- Indulge in watersports: Give your coastal holiday an adventurous spin by trying parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides. Varkala Beach and Edava Beach are the best destinations for water-based activities. Spruce up the adventure by partaking in mangrove forest kayaking, which is conducted at Nedungolan, Paravur just 18 km from Varkala. Additionally, consider surfing at Varkala Beach (also called Papanasam Beach). Fret not if you’re a novice; there are plenty of surf schools in the area, such as the Elixir Surf Club, Soul and Surf, and PaddleCult.
- Anjengo Fort: Tucked away in Anchuthengu village, 12 km from Varkala, Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse is a beautiful heritage site. Built around the 17th Century by the British East India Company, the fort was originally used as a signalling station for ships arriving at the harbour from Britain.
- Janardhana Swamy Temple: The next port of call on your Varkala itinerary should be the 2000-year-old Janaradhana Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Nestled on the cliff, the temple premises overlook the gorgeous sea; a true union of spirituality and peace.
- Beautiful backwaters: Just 7 km from Varkala, consider visiting the Kappil Backwaters, a pristine sanctuary shrouded by calming waves and thick mangroves. Go boating or rent a houseboat to enjoy the experience to the fullest! Other backwater destinations include Anjengo Lake and Munroe Island.
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- Ponnumthuruthu: About 20 km from the town centre, Ponnumthuruthu (also called the Golden Island) houses lush coconut groves, laidback beaches, and a 100-year-old Shiva Parvathi temple.
- Kaduvayil Juma Masjid: Admire the intricate architecture of the Kaduvayil Juma Masjid, a holy site dedicated to the Muslim Saint Kaduvayil Thangal.
- Varkala Tunnel: An ancient tunnel constructed by Sir T Madhava Rao in 1867, this architectural marvel holds its own to date. The tunnel took over 14 years of construction work and is slightly over 900 feet. Go boating under this historic colonial site for the best experience.
- Saint Sebastians’s Pilgrim Church, Moongodu: A sacred site for Christians, Saint Sebastians Pilgrim Church is located on the calm backwaters of Varkala. It is best known for the grand feast procession of Saint Sebastian, held every February. Also, visit the most unique temples and churches in the world.
- Go shopping: From beach bazaars and souvenir pop-ups atop the cliff and standalone boutiques, all that a shopper on holiday seeks, Varkala delivers. We recommend picking the traditional Kasava Mundu (traditional white/off-white sarees with a golden/silver border), coconut leather boots, coir products, miniature Chundam Vallam (beaked boats), and authentic ayurvedic essential oils.
- Varkala Aquarium: Travelling with kids? Make sure to visit the Varkala Aquarium housing species like eels, piranhas, and karimeens. The aquarium makes the marine sojourn interactive with 3D theatres displaying information about the underwater world.
Book your stay at Gateway Varkala-IHCL SeleQtions via Booking.com
Book your stay at Gateway Varkala-IHCL SeleQtions via Agoda.com
Beaches in Varkala
The key calling point of Varkala is undoubtedly its virgin beaches. From the world-famous Varkala Beach to Thiruvambadi Beach, which boasts black sand, there’s plenty to explore.
- Varkala Beach: This crescent beach flanked by palm trees, redstone cliffs, and bustling beach shack cafes is a must-visit. Also known as the Papanasam Beach, it is ideal for water sports.
- Thiruvambadi Beach: This black sand beach lies right next to the North Cliff, staging a secluded escape ideal for sun-lounging and long walks, with only the calming tides and amicable locals breaking the quiet.
- Edava Beach: The calling point of Edava Beach is the union of the sea and backwaters, divided only by a narrow strip of land. In addition to being a fantastic surfing site, it also houses a historical 17th-century warehouse, reminiscent of the British colonial era.
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- Kappil Beach: Nestled along Kappil Lake, this beach offers water sports like paddleboarding, parasailing, and kayaking. A bridge constructed over the lake adds allure to the experience and is ideal for breathtaking views and romantic walks.
- Chilakoor Beach: The journey to Chilakoor Beach through traditional villages offers the perfect chance to catch a glimpse of Varkala’s earthy, rustic side. The serene beach dotted with casuarina groves is perfect for a day of beach-side reading, pitching a picnic, or even a game of volleyball! A bonus is that this beach is surrounded by several resorts across budgets. Explore our guide to the best beaches in Kerala to elevate your seaside vacation.
Top restaurants
Varakala is touted for its boho shacks, hippie cafes, and impeccable local cuisine. The following culinary haunts are highly recommended:
- Darjeeling Cafe: From yoga sessions and candlelight dinners to DJ nights over the weekend, this cafe does it all. Order better with our guide to must-try food items in Kerala.
- InDa Cafe: This European cafe packs a burst of nutrition, flavour, and creativity in every bite. You can count on their Buddha Bowls and a wide array of egg preparations, each as good as the other.
- Claffouti Restaurant: Best known for its pastas, Claffouti Restaurant is a seaside eatery with pocket-friendly prices!
- Soul Food Cafe: A part of Varkala’s Soul and Surf stay, Soul Food Cafe is a part of the property’s charming clifftop garden. Their Mezze Platters and Quessedillas have a separate fanbase, without exaggeration.
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- Caffe Italiano: For authentic Italian bites, unobstructed views of the cliff and sea, and impeccable ambience, head to Caffe Italiano.
- Cafe del Mar: Seeking healthy food with a delicious spin? Check out Cafe del Mar’s comprehensive menu spanning avocado salads, carrot cakes, and English breakfast spreads. If you’re visiting this cafe in the evening, don’t miss the striking sunset from the rooftop.
- Little Tibet: For a piping hot bowl of thukpa or melt-in-the-mouth dumplings, make a detour to Little Tibet, one of the best Tibetan cuisine restaurants in the beach town.
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Nightlife in Varkala
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There are no pubs in Varkala. However, some eateries like the Darjeeling Cafe regularly host DJ nights and parties, rustling up the perfect, boozy seaside affair. You can also consider Sandy Bay Cafe for its DJ-led events across music genres like techno, reggae, Afro, Indian Classical, and Bollywood. Lastly, explore God’s Own Country Kitchen for foot-tapping live music coupled with lip-smacking seafood and eclectic decor. Nightlife in Varkala is incomplete without sampling the locally brewed coconut beer.
Best hotels
Elevate your Varkala vacation by checking into luxe properties like Elixir Cliff Beach Resort and Spa, Gateway Varkala – IHCL SeleQtions, and B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort Varkala. Alternatively, add a rustic spin to your holiday by checking into gorgeous homestays like MagnoGuesthouseouse Varkala, and La Maison Varkala.
Book your stay at B'Canti Boutique Beach Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at B'Canti Boutique Beach Resort via Agoda.com
How to reach
By air: Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport is approximately 42 km away.
By rail: Varkala-Sivagiri Railway Station is approximately 1.6 km away.
(Feature image credit: Himanshu Dutta)
Related | Goa Vs Kerala: Comparing India’s Coastal Gems For Dreamy Escapades
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Some of the must-visit temples in Varkala include Janardhana Swamy Temple and Shiva Parvathi temple.
The best adventure activities to do in Varkala include jet-skiing, parasailing, kayaking, banana boat rides, and surfing.
Some ways to get around Varkala include renting a two-wheeler, hiring a taxi, or hitching an auto-rickshaw ride.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelWriter by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
