Discover Kerala’s Cliffside Paradise

Varkala — the laid-back coastal town in Kerala — is one of South India’s most scenic beach destinations. With dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, golden sands, palm-fringed beaches, and soothing Ayurvedic centres, Varkala blends adventure, relaxation, and spirituality like no other place in Kerala.

This 2025 travel guide covers the top things to do in Varkala, from kayaking through mangroves to exploring hidden beaches, forts, and islands. You’ll also find tips on the best time to visit, how to reach, where to stay, and what to eat.

Why Visit Varkala ?

Over the past few years, Varkala has evolved from a quiet coastal village into a world-class beach getaway — without losing its natural charm. In 2025, Varkala offers:

• Cleaner, eco-certified beaches
• New adventure activities like paddleboarding and cliffside paragliding
• Trendy cafés and homestays along the North Cliff
• Renewed Ayurveda and yoga centers

It’s a perfect blend of peace and excitement, ideal for families, solo travelers, and couples alike.

Top 15 Things to Do in Varkala

1. Varkala Beach – The Soul of the Town

Also known as Papanasam Beach, this is the heart of Varkala. It’s the only place in Kerala where cliffs meet the sea, creating stunning sunset views. The beach is famous for its natural mineral springs, believed to have healing properties. Spend your day sunbathing, swimming, or meditating along the golden sands lined with coconut palms.

 Timing: Open all day
Location: 2 km from Varkala Railway Station

2. Varkala Cliff – Iconic Sunset Point

The Varkala Cliff stretches 2–3 km between Varkala Beach and Papanasam Beach. Declared a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India, the cliff towers 80 feet above sea level. Walk along the cliffside cafés, enjoy seafood platters, or just soak in panoramic sea views. The North Cliff is vibrant with restaurants, while the South Cliff is peaceful and ideal for solitude.

Tip: Visit at sunset for postcard-perfect views.

3. Kayaking in Varkala – Paddle Through Paradise

For adventure lovers, kayaking in Varkala’s calm backwaters is a must. You can explore Mangrove Forests, Anjengo Lake, and Paravur Lake. Top operators include CanFly Adventure, Syzygy Eco Sports, and Shiva Kayaking. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, paddling through lush greenery and black waters is an unforgettable experience.

Cost: ₹600–₹1,000 per person
Best Time: Early morning or sunset

4. Mangrove Forest – Kerala’s Hidden Gem

Located about 18 km from Varkala, the mangrove forest in Nedungolam, Paravur is a serene spot for eco-tourism. Glide through narrow canals surrounded by dense mangrove trees, watch the sunrise or sunset, and capture Insta-worthy photos. The experience of kayaking through black waters under a canopy of green is surreal.

Location: Nedungolam, Paravur (Kollam district)
 Best For: Nature lovers and photographers

5. Munroe Island – The Backwater Bliss

About 51 km from Varkala, Munroe Island is a cluster of eight small islands connected by canals. Known as the “Mini Venice of Kerala,” it lies at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River. Take a canoe ride, witness traditional coir making, or attend the Kallada Boat Race. It’s the perfect day trip from Varkala.

Distance: 1.5-hour drive from Varkala
Tip: Visit early morning for peaceful boat rides.

6. Black Sand Beach (Thiruvambadi Beach)

Just 1 km north of the Varkala Cliff, Black Sand Beach — locally called Thiruvambadi Beach — is a quiet alternative to the main beach. Its dark-colored sand gives it a mysterious charm. Ideal for morning walks and swimming, it’s also lined with cozy resorts and cafés.

Distance: 1 km from North Cliff
Tip: Perfect spot for sunrise photography.

7. Varkala Aquarium – For Families & Kids

Located near Thiruvambadi, the Varkala Aquarium features spiral walkways that lead you past dozens of colorful fish species. From clownfish to sea turtles, it’s a delightful stop for families. The aquarium also offers views of the Varkala Cliff and the Arabian Sea.

Timing: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Entry Fee: ₹30 per person

8. Kappil Beach & Backwaters – Where Sea Meets Lake

About 7 km north of Varkala, Kappil Beach offers a magical setting where the backwaters merge with the Arabian Sea. Coconut palms line one side, while serene waters stretch on the other. Enjoy boating, rent a kayak, or simply relax and watch the sunset.

Distance: 7 km from Varkala town
Don’t Miss: Kappil Pozhi backwaters for a scenic boat ride.

9. Varkala Tunnel – Historical Engineering Wonder

Also known as Varkala Canal, this 19th-century tunnel was constructed in 1880 by Sir T. Madhava Rao, the Dewan of Travancore. It was once used to transport goods through the backwaters. Today, it’s a heritage attraction offering short boat rides through the tunnel’s dimly lit passage.

Location: Varkala Municipality, Trivandrum
Tip: Carry a flashlight for fun exploration!

10. Edava Beach – For Surfing & Solitude

Just 5 km from the railway station, Edava Beach is a hidden gem where sea and backwaters run parallel. It’s a favorite among surfers and peace seekers. Stay at beach resorts like Ashokam Resort or Willmount Varkala for a quiet coastal experience.

Best For: Surfing, photography, meditation

11. Anjengo Fort & Lighthouse – Colonial Legacy

Located 12 km from Varkala, the Anjengo Fort (now Anchuthengu) was built by the British East India Company in the 17th century. Climb the nearby Anjengo Lighthouse for panoramic views of the sea, backwaters, and coconut groves.

Timing: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tip: Visit early morning for best views and cooler weather.

12. Jatayu Earth’s Center – Kerala’s Adventure Park

Just 12 km from Varkala, Jatayu Earth’s Center is a must-visit for families and adventure seekers. Home to the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet long!), it’s dedicated to the mythical bird Jatayu from the Ramayana. Explore cable car rides, rock climbing, ziplining, and even a mini-museum.

 Timing: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
 Entry: ₹250 onwards

13. Odayam Beach – Secluded Beauty

Located just 2 km from Varkala Beach, Odayam is a peaceful and lesser-known beach. It’s ideal for couples and solo travelers looking to unwind. Resorts like First Page Yoga Retreat and Bluewater Beach Resort offer tranquil stays here.

 Tip: Enjoy yoga sessions at sunrise.

14. Chilakoor Beach – Offbeat & Serene

About 15 km from Varkala, Chilakoor Beach is a quiet stretch of coastline near Chilakoor village. The drive itself — through coconut groves and fishing hamlets — is a treat. It’s an ideal spot to escape crowds and watch local fishermen at work.

 Best For: Photography, peace, and evening walks.

15. Golden Island (Ponnumthuruthu Island)

Also known as Ponnumthuruthu Island, this “Golden Island” lies in Anjengo Lake, about 7 km from Varkala. A short country boat ride takes you to a serene island with a 100-year-old Shiva Parvati temple. Legend says the Travancore royal family once hid their treasures here!

Visiting Hours: 5:30 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tip: Visit during sunset for magical golden reflections.

Other Attractions in Varkala Village

Apart from beaches, Varkala is rich in culture and spirituality.

• Janardhana Swamy Temple: 2,000-year-old Hindu temple near Varkala Beach.
• Sivagiri Mutt: A major pilgrimage site founded by Sree Narayana Guru.
• Ayurveda & Yoga Centers: Ideal for wellness retreats and rejuvenation.

Where to Stay in Varkala

Varkala offers a range of accommodations:

• Luxury: The Gateway Hotel, Hindustan Beach Retreat
• Mid-range: Clafouti Beach Resort, Bluewater Beach Resort
• Budget: Zostel Varkala, Mad About Coco Hostel

 Pro Tip: Stay near the North Cliff for sea views and easy access to cafés.

Sample Hotel Recommendations in Varkala

Here are some good options across categories that travelers often prefer:

Category	Hotel / Stay	Highlights / Pros	Location / Notes
Luxury / Upscale	Gateway Varkala – IHCL SeleQtions	Premium resort feel, good services, brand trust	One of the best-known luxury options in Varkala’s resort segment KAYAK+2MakeMyTrip+2
	Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resort	Ayurveda spa, beach frontage, calm ambiance	Popular among mid-to-high end tourists Tripadvisor
Mid-Range / Boutique	Blue Water Beach Resort	Sea-view cottages, good value, decent amenities	Well rated among “best value” stays in Varkala Tripadvisor
	Clafouti Beach Resort	Cliffside location, easy access to North Cliff	Good mid-range pick Tripadvisor
	Ashiyana Cliff & Beach Resort	Clean rooms, aesthetic setup, proximity to cliff	A solid mid-tier option Tripadvisor
Budget / Boutique / Homestays	VOYE HOMES Signature Pool Resort	Affordable with nice pool, close to cliffs/beach	Just ~950 m from Varkala Cliff & Beach per listing Booking.com
	Chechus Beach Walk	Simple, clean, beach access, low price	One of the “top hotels with pool” in central Varkala hotels
	Skylar Seaview Beach Resort & Spa	Resort with sea view + pool	Good option for those wanting “resort feel” on a budget hotels

Local Food & Café Culture

Don’t miss Varkala’s lively café culture along the cliff. Try:

• Fresh seafood grills
• Kerala-style fish curry and appam
• Smoothie bowls and cold brews

Popular cafés: Darjeeling Café, Coffee Temple, and Abba Restaurant & Everest German Bakery.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

 Carry sunscreen and light cotton clothes.
 Respect local culture near temples.
 ATMs are available near the North Cliff.
 Book beachside stays early in peak season (Dec–Feb).
 Try an Ayurvedic massage for complete relaxation.

FAQs About Visiting Varkala (2025)

Q1. How many days are enough for Varkala?
A: 2–3 days are perfect to explore beaches, cliffs, and nearby islands.

Q2. Is Varkala safe for solo female travelers?
A: Yes, Varkala is one of the safest destinations in Kerala with friendly locals and a relaxed vibe.

Q3. What are the best beaches for swimming?
A: Varkala Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach, and Kappil Beach are ideal for swimming.

Q4. Can I visit Varkala during monsoon?
A: Yes, from June–September it’s lush and beautiful, but swimming might be restricted due to high tides.

Conclusion

Varkala is not just another beach town — it’s a spiritual, natural, and cultural experience rolled into one. Whether you want to meditate on a cliff, kayak through mangroves, or discover hidden islands, Varkala offers it all.

In 2025, plan your trip to this Kerala gem for a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and peace.

How to Reach Varkala

By Air:
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram), about 40 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Varkala in about an hour.

By Train:
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Chennai. From the station, most beaches are just 3–5 km away.

By Road:
Varkala is easily accessible via NH-66. Regular KSRTC buses and cabs operate from Trivandrum, Kollam, and Alappuzha.

Best Time to Visit Varkala

The best time to visit Varkala is from October to March, when the weather is cool, dry, and ideal for beach activities.

Month	Temperature	Season Highlights
Oct–Feb	22°C–30°C	Perfect for sightseeing, swimming, and kayaking
Mar–May	28°C–35°C	Warm and humid, fewer crowds
Jun–Sep	23°C–30°C	Monsoon season, lush green landscapes