Varkala

Keen on vacationing on an unspoilt beach in Gods own country, Kerala? Give the crowded, popular beach destinations a miss and head to Varkala. Temples, ashrams, springs, cliffs and beaches make up for all the places to visit in Varkala. This tranquil location brings a sense of peace to both devotees and vacationers. The golden beach and the azure Arabian Sea beside it offer a relaxing environment. The cliff overlooking the beach is covered in lush greenery. The riot of colours with the green foliage, the golden sands and the blue sea is a dream for photographers. Varkala beach is not the only attraction here. The history of Varkala dates back to 2000 years ago when the Janardhana Swamy Temple was built. The water from the natural spring here has medicinal properties while the sea offers the chance to swim and surf. The hanging cliff is just right for paragliding too. With interesting options for varied activities, the places to visit in Varkala offer a tempting vacation.

Varkala Overview

When to Visit Varkala?

The best time to visit Varkala is said to be the winter season. The coastal town has a dry atmosphere with Varkala temperature ranging between 12 and 31 degrees. Monsoon time is the shoulder season where places to visit in Varkala receive heavy rainfall. But the surrounding turns vibrant green and is apt for photography. Varkala temperature soars as high as 40 degrees during the summer months. This is the off-season for tourism since Varkala weather and hence budget friendly. If you really want to visit in the off-season, March will be the best time to visit Varkala as it hosts the Arattu and Kaliyoot festivals.

How to Reach Varkala?

Kerala has a good network of roads and touring the places to visit in Varkala will be a smooth event. If you are planning to avail KSRTC, state buses, you can get down at Attingal and take a connecting bus for Varkala. Varkala has its own railway station and has connecting trains from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Many trains do not stop at Varkala so take trains for Trivandrum or Kollam or Kochi. Take connecting trains or road routes from these places. The nearest airport to Varkala is Thiruvananthapuram Airport. To tour places to visit in Varkala, you can use two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws.

What are the Things to See & Do in Varkala?

Varkala is a small town and the places to visit in Varkala are easily accessible. Spend spiritual moments in the temples and receive divine blessings. Enjoy the beaches and all the activities there swimming, surfing, snorkelling and paragliding from the cliff. Trek to the historical forts and monuments and marvel at the architecture. Climb up to the summit of the lighthouse to catch the best sunset on the Arabian Sea. Savour different cuisines. Include backwaters and islands in your itinerary for the places to visit in Varkala.

Places to Visit in Varkala

Janardhana Swamy Temple

Janardhana Swamy Temple is a 2000-year-old shrine. With Lord Vishnu as the presiding deity, the architecture of Janardhan Swamy Temple adds to the spiritual atmosphere. One of the revered places to visit in Varkala, this temple flaunts carved ceilings, paintings of Lord Hanuman and the ancient temple bell.

Varkala Beach

Varkala beach has an interesting moniker, Papanasham beach. A nearby spring adds medicinal value to the seawater here. Bathing in the spring water or the sea cures diseases and is believed to wash away ones sins. This is one of the foremost places to visit in Varkala. A very popular location with bohemian travellers and spiritually inclined tourists, Varkala beach is also a big draw for those interested in beach sports.

Thiruvambady Beach

If you have never witnessed the beauty of black sands, here is your opportunity. Visit the Thiruvambady beach to relax on the secluded beach, stroll on the black sands or admire the marine life when snorkelling. Experiencing a relaxed picnic makes this one of the most coveted places to visit in Varkala.

Kappil Lake

Kappil lake is actually an estuary lined by coconut trees. A bridge spans across the lake and offers a great view of the lake. One of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Varkala, this location offers the chance to take long walks on the edge of the lake or a paddleboat ride across it.

Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort is a spectacular ancient fort overlooking the Bekal beach. The largest fort in Kerala, Bekal Fort stands 130 ft above sea level and boasts a unique keyhole-shaped architecture. Keep this fort on the list of the places to visit in Varkala and set aside enough time to explore.

Anjengo Fort

Your tours of various places to visit in Varkala will take you to the lovely Achuthengo beach. Anjengo Fort, also called the Achuthengo Fort, stands right next to it. Built by the British at a strategic location for their first trade settlement, the majestic fort houses a cemetery too. The design and build of the fort are fascinating for tourists.

Ponnumthuruthu Island

Housing an ancient Shiva-Parvati temple, Ponnumthuruthu island sits in the middle of the Anjengo backwaters. Popular as the golden island, this scenic location is also a great place to spot migratory birds. One of the charming places to visit in Varkala, this island is accessed by a 30min boat ride from Nedunganda village jetty.

Food to Try in Varkala

The recommendation for Varkala food is chiefly seafood, particularly the freshest catch. Most places serve grilled or fried fish and lobsters. The taste differs according to freshness. Since this small town caters to pan-Indian and International tourists, its restaurants serve Chinese and Continental food. There are various shacks and food stalls near places to visit in Varkala. Look out for some local specialities or Kerala cuisine. Varkala food includes some Kerala staples such as the Puttu (cylinder-shaped steamed rice and coconut dish), Dosa with omelette and chutney, Parotta (lightly fried layered flatbread) and Chicken thoran (spicy curry). An interesting take on the dosa pancake is the small and thick Tata dosa. You can enquire about Varkala food and places to eat from locals or the guide taking you around the places to visit in Varkala. Also, sample the differently flavoured coffees at popular joints.

Things to Buy in Varkala

Most of the places to visit in Varkala are dotted with small shops selling various souvenirs and knick-knacks. There is a wide range of products to pick from here. You may want to own the gold-bordered white linen/handloom saree or Kasavu mundu (the sarong/lungi style menswear). You may even find a few raw silk pieces. Coconut, coir and sandalwood are some materials that yield very creative home décor items. Carry back authentic aroma oils and spa products. You may find some beautiful pieces made out of oyster shells.

Conclusion

It is a good idea to carry cash to the places to visit in Varkala as most places do not have ATMs. Enquire about food and beverages and ask to clearly explain the ingredients before you place your order for Varkala food. The closing down time for restaurants and places to visit in Varkala, as set by the government, is strictly followed. Same is true about alcohol availability and licences. Check with your tour operator in case of any doubt. Enjoy the places to visit in Varkala without any unwarranted attention by dressing appropriately and being careful about your belongings. Varkala is striving toward sustainability. Help in the endeavour by reducing plastic usage and not littering.