If you’re going to Kerala, be amazed to learn that Varkala has a lot of things to do if you want your trip to be unforgettable. Whether you’re travelling with family and want to spend some quality time together at a picnic or searching for spiritual assistance, Varkala will provide everything you need. Witness the beautiful views from the clean beaches.
Discover the fascinating history of British India through different sites. Take a bird’s eye view of the turquoise Arabian Sea from the lovely lighthouse.
Stroll along the palm-lined pathways and admire the picturesque views of the Arabian Sea. Indulge in delectable cuisines at charming cafés and restaurants. Unspoiled islands offer an unrivalled experience. Varkala really has it all.
Whether you’re here for a day or are seeking an extended holiday, you’ll discover all of the information you need right here. Take a look at this list of fascinating things to do in Varkala and plan your holiday accordingly.
Here are some of the most appealing things to do in Varkala:
1. Visit Varkala Beach
The beach, which is located about 10 kilometres from Varkala and offers stunning views of the sea’s fresh, azure water, is one of the most fascinating things to do in Varkala. The beach is well-known for its natural spring, which has been used to cure illnesses since ancient times.
The locals think that swimming in the sacred waters of the beach may cure one’s body and soul of their illnesses. Every year, hundreds of tourists visit the beach to relax in its tranquil atmosphere while also purging their transgressions.
2. Water Sports: Enjoy Yourself
Water sports are the ideal activities to do in Varkala near the beach. This region has numerous beaches, indicating that water sports are among the greatest things to do in Varkala for unending fun, adventure, and excitement. It is the only location in South India where you may observe enormous mountains towering over the sea. Varkala’s mountainous cliffs are ideal for water sports. It is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting things to do in Varkala. For a lifetime experience, surfing, kayaking and boat rides are some of the most thrilling activities in Varkala.
3. Visit Janardhana Swami Temple
The Janardhana Swami Temple is one of the most religious experiences and must-see attractions in Varkala for people interested in Hindu culture. Furthermore, the wonderful temple’s magnificent architecture attracts architects from all over the world. The high arched entryway with a tiled roof creates a luxurious and grandiose architectural style.
The temple is conveniently located near the beach, allowing one to stroll in the sun after spending some time at the temple. Take a leisurely walk in the sun after spending some time at the temple at Arattu, which is held in March/April.
4. Ponnumthuruthu Island: Explore Wildlife
It is one of Kerala’s most beautiful islands and is also uninhabited. It measures about 5 hectares in size. For quiet individuals, relaxing by turquoise waters and lakes is fantastic. Furthermore, its unusual migratory birds, uncommon water birds, and other species add to the appeal, making it a must-see for nature lovers. Bird enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts will appreciate this area.
5. At Kappil Beach, you may enjoy the Beautiful Views of the Arabian Sea
This beach, which is known as one of Kerala’s best-kept secrets, is a lovely destination to spend a day. The Kappil beach’s untouched sandy beaches provide an incredibly relaxing and soothing experience. Relax on the beach with a drink and watch the days go by.
The beautiful orange sunsets and the pure blue oceans are not to be missed. Spend a leisurely stroll on the golden sand with your spouse. With your kids, construct dunes. Make the most of your holiday by doing everything you want to do here.
6. Varkala Culture Centre: For a More Expressive Experience
Varkala has both a traditional and contemporary culture that maintains its unique distinctiveness. As a result, visiting this culture is one of the most fascinating activities to do in Varkala, Kerala. Traditional art forms represent the history of the state. Every evening, along with Kalaripayattu, Kathakali dance performances are given at the Varkala Culture Center to other outstanding interesting shows to keep visitors captivated. The entire encounter will take you to a place you’ve never been before!
7. Visit Anjengo Fort and Light House
Anchuthengu is a small town that lies near Varkala’s coast. Walking between Anjego Fort and Light House is one of the most exciting things to do in Varkala since they are only separated by a tiny distance. The fort is regarded as one of the most significant historical sites because it was the first British settlement in India.
The beautiful backdrop and magnificent structure combine to make it a popular picnic destination. The lighthouse is also credited with having aided in the rescue of British vessels, providing breathtaking vistas of the ocean from its vantage point. European architecture is also a tourist attraction.
8. Yoga: Rejuvenate Yourself
Perhaps you’d want to try unusual things to do in Varkala during your holiday, but you’re still unsure about what to do and how to go about it. Try yoga! Keep in mind that Yoga and dabbling are quite popular activities in Varkala, Kerala. There are several well-known ashrams located here that allow visitors to participate in their yoga lessons. In fact, they provide tourists with various possibilities for obtaining the best Yoga lessons. As a result, you may learn many things from these experts. Meditation in the midst of palm trees in a beautiful landscape is simply restorative, and Varkala offers homestays for visitors. Make it part of your life’s memory.
9. Visit Varkala Aquarium
An aquarium is sandwiched between the Black Beach and Odayam Beach in Varkala, providing the ideal place to spend a day with your family away from the throngs of tourists at Varkala’s popular attractions. For your children, seeing the aquarium may be one of the most fascinating things to do in Varkala.
View huge pools of water containing strange aquatic species. The aquarium has spectacular perspectives of various fish, such as scorpionfish, angelfish, koi, and the local karimeen in their natural habitat on the winding walk around the premises. Animal fans and curious individuals will enjoy it tremendously.
10. Kilimanoor Palace: Artistic Aura
The Raja Ravi Varma Art Museum, also known as Kilimanoor Palace, is renowned for housing the works of one of Kerala’s most revered painters, Raja Ravi Varma. It is located on 15 hectares and was used by Raja Ravi Varma to create his outstanding artwork pieces. The palace is heaven for historians and art enthusiasts as well as cultural fans since it contains exquisite architecture. Apart from that, the architectural design of the palace is stunning, providing a real spectacle.
11. Visit Varkala Lighthouse
The lighthouse, which was erected in the 18th century by the British rulers, is one of the most notable structures in Varkala. Visiting the lighthouse is one of the most interesting things to do in Varkala – from its top you can see a bird’s eye view of the stunning views around, including azure seas and pristine beaches.
The lighthouse’s European aesthetics are also utilized as a tourist attraction, particularly because of its famous bell. The magnificent structure with its modest design and beautiful perspective of the neighbouring regions is a must-see tourist site in Varkala.
12. Shopping for the Shopaholic: Pamper The Shopaholic Within
The temple is topped by a huge bell, which is inscribed with the date of 1757. It is believed that the bell was presented as an offering to the temple. The tale behind this bell begins there. According to legend, a Dutch ship refused to move when it passed close to the temple. Hearing the temple’s bells chime, the ship’s captain agreed to give the bell in his vessel as an offering to Janardhana Swamy if he allowed the boat to continue its voyage. Soon a breeze blew and carried the ship and crew safely to their next stop. The commander returned and kept his word.
13. Enjoy at Varkala Cliff
A ten-minute drive from Varkala town leads to the peaceful beach and cliff, where you may relax in the natural beauty, dig your toes into the sand, and enjoyed never before. The lengthy, winding drop of cliffs is bordered on both sides by towering and lovely coconut palms, while a paved footpath runs down its entire length.
There are several eateries in Varkala, and you may purchase a variety of goods from handicraft stores. The beautiful Varkala beach may be reached by descending the steps from the top of the cliff.
14. Get An Ayurvedic Massage
One of the major pilgrimage sites in India is the Sarkara Devi temple at Chirayinkeezhu. It’s located south of the Chirayinkeezhu Taluk. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Bhadrakali, who is seen facing north. This region was less inhabited and desolate centuries ago. A group of molasses merchants from Ambalappuzha visited this area for their trade once. They stopped here after seeing a wayside shelter and decided to rest for a while. When they determined to continue their trip, one of their molasses pots did not move. The pot shattered when they tried to pull it by force, causing the molasses to flow and revealing an idol. Toward the end of her narrative, an old woman who came there to clean the facility discovered the idol and informed others. The villagers built a temple and dedicated the idol there. Sarkara Devi was named after her birthplace, which is known as Molasses in Malayalam. The Sarkara Devi Temple celebrates two popular festivals, Kaliyoot and Meenabharani.
15. Eat at Cafe Del Mar
If you go to Varkala without visiting Café Del Mar, your holiday in Kerala will be incomplete. The café is a popular spot around the area for its excellent cuisine and professional services, having been recognized by both locals and travellers alike. The café offers tables that are lit with candles, making it a great location to spend quality time with your loved one while eating a romantic dinner date.
This coffee shop is a paradise for coffee enthusiasts. The place is well-known in the region for providing the greatest filter coffee. You may also try a variety of foreign cuisine, pastas, pizzas, stir-fries, and fresh fish here.
16. Dine at God's Own Country Kitchen
If you’re a food enthusiast, one of the most exciting activities in Varkala is to dine at God’s Own Country Kitchen. At this stunning restaurant, try some of the best cuisines you’ll ever eat in South India. The spiced fish wrapped in banana leaf is renowned across India for its exquisite taste, and the diverse Indian-international cuisines served will leave you licking your fingers.
The main restaurant is located on the upper level, where you may dine under the stars and enjoy views of the city. Live music concerts are occasionally held to make dining truly unique.
17. Head to Kappil Pozhi
The tranquil and beautiful Kappil Pozhi Lake is about 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) north of Varkala town. This quiet inlet meanders gracefully around coconut groves and trees before merging with the Arabian Sea. To enjoy the beauty of this lake, go boating.
The department of tourism offers boat rentals, where you may rent pedal boats, which is another method to cruise along this calm waterway. The peaceful environment, devoid of the city’s cacophony, will surely soothe your worries.
18. Try cardamom coffee at the Coffee Temple
It’s always fascinating to try different foods from across India while in Varkala, since the manner they use spices differs throughout cities and states. Having a cup of coffee at the Coffee Temple is a must while visiting Varkala because it is one of the finest places to get breakfast and sample fusion style Indian Mexican cuisine. Their most popular cardamom coffee is adored by both tourists and locals, as it contains cardamom, a spice that lessens acidity in coffee. Make a brief stop at the Coffee Temple before heading off on your journey to taste some of Varkala’s best cafés.
19. Visit Edava Beach
Edava Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in North Varkala. With travellers just becoming aware of the tranquillity of this location, virgin land is being engulfed by a blue lagoon – a sea and backwaters juxtaposed and separated by a tiny stretch of land.
The Arabian Sea is close by, linked to Edava-Nadayara Lake by an estuary renowned during the monsoon. The water gushes out of the lake and into the sea with rains; tourists from nearby villages come to observe it. Apart from clam ownership, the Beach offers surfing opportunities that appeal to daring people.
20. Row to Munroe Island
Munroe Island is a tiny piece of property with its own existence, and it’s your slice of peace amid the commotion. A trip on a canoe to this verdant island in Varkala is an unforgettable experience. On one side are tiny settlements filled with coconut palms, and on the other are pastel green paddy fields.
At night, the glimmer of moonlight on the water is stunning. The quietness throughout this area makes it seem like you’re in a dreamlike state. It’s especially lovely at dawn and sunset when the sky cracks open into a thousand colours and the water becomes fiery. The swish-swish of village winds carry with them the aroma of earth, while the low drone of distant birds fills your ears.
You can get here by train or taxi, which is connected to the island by a bridge. This is one of Varkala’s greatest attractions.
21. Visit Thiruvambadi Beach
Munroe Island is a tiny piece of property with its own existence, and it’s your slice of peace amid the commotion. A trip on a canoe to this verdant island in Varkala is an unforgettable experience. On one side are tiny settlements filled with coconut palms, and on the other are pastel green paddy fields.
At night, the glimmer of moonlight on the water is stunning. The quietness throughout this area makes it seem like you’re in a dreamlike state. It’s especially lovely at dawn and sunset when the sky cracks open into a thousand colours and the water becomes fiery. The swish-swish of village winds carry with them the aroma of earth, while the low drone of distant birds fills your ears.
You can get here by train or taxi, which is connected to the island by a bridge. This is one of Varkala’s greatest attractions.
22. Boatman’s Café
It’s a fantastic location to relax with plenty of seats. It’s off the beaten path, but the scenery is beautiful. The food is great, too.
Boatman Café not only provides good food but also provides entertainment for its customers so they can enjoy their time there.
23. Visit Sivagiri Mutt
Sivagiri is a pilgrimage site in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and one of Shri Narayana Guru’s notable ashrams.
The Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham is located in the Sivagiri hills, which is home to the Sivagiri Mutt, built-in 1904. It’s a religious organization founded by the Guru for his followers and saints.
You can watch colourful processions and cultural events, debates and seminars, public meetings, group weddings, neighbourhood feasts, and rituals to commemorate the birth of the Guru in August and the day of his Samadhi in September every year.
24. Varkala Tunnel
Varkala Tunnel is an ancient tunnel built in 1867 by Sir T. Madhava Rao, the Dewan of Travancore at the time. This took approximately 14 years to construct and allowed traders to pause before proceeding toward Thiruvananthapuram. This historical inland waterway is a magnificent illustration of colonial architecture in the area.
25. Chilakoor Beach
Chilakoor Beach is located 15 kilometres from Varkala. The route to the beach passes through old seaside hamlets, allowing you a look at rural Kerala life. The beach is also popular for its peaceful setting and breathtaking sunset views.
It’s no wonder that Varkala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. We’ve listed the 25 best things to do while visiting this picturesque coastal town, but there are so many more hidden gems waiting for you! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful seaside getaway or want to experience some incredible food and stunning beaches, Varkala has something for everyone. If you enjoy your time here as much as we hope you will, please share with us what your favourite part was by commenting below. And if all these tidbits have convinced you to plan a trip soon – don’t wait any longer! The sooner you book plane tickets, the better chance of scoring great deals on accommodation close by.
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Also read: The Ultimate Guide for Exploring Varkala
