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Travel Guide of Varkala in India by Influencers and Travelers


Varkala, IPA: is a major coastal municipality situated in the northern suburb of Trivandrum, capital city of the Indian state of Kerala.


The Best Things to Do and Visit in Varkala


TRAVELERS TOP 10 :



1 - Attingal

   12 km away

Attingal is a municipality in Thiruvananthapuram metropolitan area in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala state, India. It is the headquarters of Chirayinkeezhu Taluk, and the important government institutions of the taluk such as the Taluk office, court complex, office of the deputy superintendent of Police, civil station and treasuries are situated in Attingal.

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Attingal things to do in Varkala



2 - Kollam

   21 km away

Kollam, known by its former name Quilon and Coulão, and Desinganadu, is an old seaport and city on the Laccadive Sea coast of the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated 66 kilometers north of the state capital Trivandrum. The city is on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. Kollam has a strong commercial reputation since the days of the Phoenicians and Romans.

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Kollam things to do in Varkala Kollam things to do in Varkala



3 - Neendakara

   30 km away

Neendakara is a suburb of Kollam city in Kerala, India. The twin harbours, Neendakara and Shakthikulangara are located here. |url=https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/kerala/neendakara-port-kollam.html Trawling ban and withdrawal of the state official start from Neendakara harbour.

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Neendakara things to do in Varkala



4 - Munroe Island

   31 km away

Munroe Island or Mundrothuruthu is an inland island group located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in Kollam district, Kerala, South India. It is a group of eight small islets comprising a total area of about 13.4 km².

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Munroe Island things to do in Varkala



5 - Trivandrum

   34 km away

Thiruvananthapuram, commonly known by its former name Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the most populous city in Kerala with a population of 957,730 as of 2011.

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Trivandrum things to do in Varkala Trivandrum things to do in Varkala



6 - Karunagappally

   41 km away

Karunagappalli, also written as Karunagappally, is a municipality in Kollam district of Kerala, India. Karunagappalli is situated .24 km north of Kollam and 60 km south of Alappuzha.

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Karunagappally things to do in Varkala Karunagappally things to do in Varkala



7 - Ponmudi

   44 km away

Ponmudi is a hill station in the Peringamala Panchayat of Trivandrum District of Kerala in India. It is located 53 km north-east of Trivandrum City, 78 km south-east of Varkala Beach and 69 km north-east of Kovalam Beach at an altitude of 1,100 m.

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Ponmudi things to do in Varkala



8 - Kovalam

   47 km away

Kovalam is an area of Trivandrum City in Kerala, India, located around 17 km south of the city center. The world famous Kovalam Beach is situated in this area of Trivandrum City.

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Kovalam things to do in Varkala Kovalam things to do in Varkala



9 - Kallar Meenmutty Waterfalls

   47 km away
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Kallar Meenmutty Waterfalls things to do in Varkala



10 - Kovalam Beach

   48 km away
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Kovalam Beach things to do in Varkala




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Pictures and Stories of Varkala from Influencers

17 pictures of Varkala from Rahul Chakraborty, Thanuj Mathew, J A N U P R A S A D and other travelers


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Why should you visit Varkala ?


Travel to Varkala if you like:

  🏖️ Shore     🏖️ Surfing     ⛰️ Cliff     🏖️ Sailing     🏖️ Beach  


How to visit Varkala ?

Why traveling there?


Varkala, a serene coastal town in the southern state of Kerala, India, is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Renowned for its stunning cliff-side views, pristine beaches, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, Varkala is a haven for travelers looking to unwind and experience the natural beauty of India's coastline. Additionally, the town is home to the 2,000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

How to get there?


The nearest airport to Varkala is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located about 45 kilometers away. From there, you can either hire a taxi or take a train to Varkala. The town is well-connected by rail, with Varkala Railway Station situated just 3 kilometers from the main beach area. Alternatively, you can also travel to Varkala by bus from major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode.

What to book in advance?


It's recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season (December to March). If you plan on indulging in Ayurvedic treatments or attending yoga classes, it's wise to book these services beforehand as well. Additionally, pre-booking train tickets for your journey to and from Varkala can save you time and ensure a comfortable travel experience.

What are the costs?


Varkala is an affordable destination for travelers, with budget accommodations starting around $10 per night. Mid-range hotels and guesthouses range from $20 to $50 per night. Meals at local restaurants are fairly inexpensive, with costs averaging around $2 to $5 per dish. Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes can vary in price, but expect to pay anywhere between $10 to $50 per session, depending on the duration and type of treatment.

What are the best things to do?


1. Relax on Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, which is famous for its golden sands, clear waters, and vibrant sunsets.
2. Take a stroll along the Varkala Cliff, a picturesque stretch offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and lined with cafes, shops, and guesthouses.
3. Visit the ancient Janardana Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and take part in the temple rituals.
4. Indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments and massages, or attend yoga classes to enhance your well-being.
5. Explore the nearby Anjengo Fort, a historic site with a lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coast.

Where to eat?


1. Darjeeling Cafe: This cliff-top cafe offers a variety of Indian, Italian, and global cuisine options with stunning sea views.
2. The Sea Food Hut: A popular spot for fresh and delicious seafood dishes, cooked to perfection in traditional Kerala style.
3. Café Del Mar: A relaxed cafe serving a mix of Indian and international dishes, along with refreshing beverages and smoothies.

Where to stay?


1. Clafouti Beach Resort: A charming resort located near the beach offering cozy accommodations, an on-site restaurant, and Ayurvedic treatments.
2. Maadathil Cottages: A collection of eco-friendly wooden cottages set amidst lush green surroundings, with access to a private beach area.
3. The Sanctum Spring Beach Resort: A comfortable and well-equipped resort overlooking the beach, featuring a rooftop restaurant and Ayurvedic spa services.

Off the beaten path


For an unusual travel experience in Varkala, visit the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center and the final resting place of the revered social reformer and spiritual leader, Sree Narayana Guru. The serene ashram offers a unique insight into the teachings and philosophy of the guru, as well as the opportunity to participate in daily prayers and rituals. The tranquil atmosphere and colorful architecture make it a truly memorable and offbeat experience in Varkala.




Learn More about Varkala

With a population of over 40,000, Varkala is famous in India for its 2,000 year old Janardhanaswamy temple and the Sivagiri Mutt, a place of pilgrimage. For the foreign visitor, it is its beautiful beaches and bohemian atmosphere that make it famous. The city of Varkala, more inland, has little interest for tourists. It is in Varkala Beach, along the cliff, that the activities are concentrated. This spectacular cliff, where many establishments stretch, is the postcard of Varkala. It is common to see dolphins from your restaurant table, sitting in front of grilled fish and seafood from the day's catch. The beaches, Papanasam Beach in the south and Black Beach in the north, stretch around the cliff. Papanasam Beach is more frequented by Indian tourists and families, while Black Beach, which takes its name from the black sand that makes it up, attracts more foreign youth. Sometimes, depending on the season, only one of the two beaches is accessible. Further north, about 7 km from the city, is the beautiful beach of Kappil. In Varkala, during the low season, you can relax, swim, eat (rather well), and sleep. There are many yoga classes, given early in the morning and at dusk on the beach. It is only at the end of November that Varkala really fills up and prices start to skyrocket, until January and February, when everything calms down again. That said, be aware that most of the country's tourist resorts are full during December, so if you want to avoid the crowds, opt for the beaches of northern Kerala (Nileshwar or Cherai Beach for example). The festive climate that prevails at this time attracts tourists of all nationalities. Despite the natural beauty of the beaches, it is only too apparent that the Tourism Department has not paid much attention to the site. The cliff is slowly crumbling, but protective measures have been taken recently. Better late than never! Varkala is also one of the most dangerous beaches in Kerala, because of the very violent underwater currents. Ask the lifeguards for advice!













   Where to Stay in Varkala


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