Have you ever wondered what makes Varkala different from every other beach destination in India? Unlike most beaches in India, Varkala offers a dramatic backdrop with red laterite cliffs lined with cafes, shops, and yoga retreats. This stunning coastal town in Kerala has become a magnet for travelers seeking both spiritual awakening and beach bliss, especially during the peak season from October to March.
Varkala is a unique cliff town and a beautiful beach destination in India, offering everything from ancient temples to modern adventure sports. Whether you’re a budget backpacker, culture enthusiast, or adventure seeker, this guide covers 15 incredible things to do in Varkala that will make your Kerala trip unforgettable.
Disclaimer: Information such as timings, entry fees, and activity prices may change. Please check official websites and confirm with local operators before finalizing your travel plans.
🏖️ Top Beach Experiences in Varkala
1. Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach) – The Sacred Cliff Beach
The most loved attractions in Varkala are Varkala Beach, Janardhana Swamy Temple and Kappil Lake. The main Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is where spirituality meets natural beauty. The dramatic red laterite cliffs create a unique backdrop that you won’t find anywhere else in Kerala.
The beach is considered sacred by Hindus, believed to wash away sins with a holy dip. The beach itself is clean and less crowded, making it perfect for peaceful walks, sunbathing, and swimming.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6-8 AM) for sunrise, evening (4-6 PM) for sunset
Pro Tip: The narrow walkway down to the beach has steep steps, so wear comfortable shoes and avoid during monsoons.
2. Black Beach – The Hidden Gem
Just north of the main beach lies Black Beach, a quieter alternative perfect for those seeking solitude. The dark volcanic sand gives this beach its name and creates a striking contrast against the golden cliffs.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Morning hours (7-10 AM)
Pro Tip: Great for photography during golden hour – the black sand creates dramatic contrasts.
3. Kappil Beach – Where River Meets Sea
It offers a unique mix between sea and backwaters. Located about 4km from Varkala town, Kappil Beach is where the Kappil River flows into the Arabian Sea, creating a stunning confluence of backwaters and ocean.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: 4-6 PM for sunset views
Activities: Boat rides, kayaking through mangroves
Pro Tip: Rent a scooter (₹500/day) to reach here comfortably.
🛕 Cultural & Spiritual Experiences
Janardhana Swamy Temple
4. Janardhana Swamy Temple – 2000-Year-Old Heritage
This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is believed to be over 2000 years old. Excellent ambiance and a very old temple, a must watch location in varkala. The temple has very unique art works inside. The temple’s architecture showcases traditional Kerala style with intricate wood carvings.
Entry Fee: Free (donations welcome)
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM
Best Time to Visit: Evening aarti around 6 PM
Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred, no shorts or sleeveless tops
5. Sivagiri Mutt – Spiritual Pilgrimage Site
This campus also has the samadhi location of Guru and his favourite disciple Bodhananda Swamikal. Founded by social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, this ashram promotes the philosophy of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All.”
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful meditation
Pro Tip: Visit during Sivagiri Pilgrimage (December 30 – January 1) for cultural programs.
🧘♀️ Wellness & Adventure Things To Do In Varkala
Tattvaashram Yog Shala
6. Cliff-Top Yoga Sessions
Varkala cliff is therefore a curious mix of hostels, restaurants and other places to pamper your body and soul. Be it ayurvedic massage centers or yoga workshops. Practice yoga with the Arabian Sea as your backdrop at various centers along the cliff.
Popular Yoga Centers:
- Tattvaashram Yog Shala
- Pranam Yoga Joseph
- Rishikul Yogshala Kerala
Cost: ₹500-800 per session
Best Time: 6-7 AM sunrise sessions
Pro Tip: Book classes in advance during peak season (December-February).
7. Water Sports Adventures
Water sports in Varkala offer an exciting array of activities for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts amidst the picturesque coastal beauty of Kerala. The calm waters and scenic backdrop make Varkala perfect for various water activities.
Activities Available:
- Jet Skiing in Varkala, Parasailing in Varkala, Banana Boat ride, Mangrove Forest Kayaking
- Surfing lessons for beginners
- Snorkeling trips
Cost: ₹1,500-3,000 per activity
Best Time: October to March
Safety Note: Always use certified operators and wear life jackets.
8. Ayurvedic Spa Treatments
Rejuvenate your body and mind with traditional Ayurvedic treatments. The cliff area has numerous authentic Ayurvedic centers offering everything from simple massages to complete detox programs.
Popular Treatments:
- Abhyanga (full body massage): ₹1,500-2,500
- Shirodhara (oil pouring therapy): ₹2,000-3,500
- Panchakarma (detox program): ₹5,000-10,000 per day
Best Centers: Ayushi Ayurvedic Retreat, various cliff-side wellness centers
Pro Tip: Book consultations before treatments for personalized recommendations.
🍛 Local Food & Dining Experiences
Cliff-Top Restaurant
9. Cliff-Top Restaurant Hopping
The North and South Cliffs are lined with restaurants offering everything from local Kerala cuisine to international dishes. Among the dining establishments I popped into on the South Cliff, Trip Is Life stood out as a gem offering the best dining experience in Varkala.
Must-Try Restaurants:
- Coffee Temple: The most popular restaurant in Varkala from what we saw was Coffee Temple
- Cafe Italiano: Known for its laid-back setting, this Cafe serves delicious Italian cuisine and robust cups of coffee
- Puccini Lala: The restaurant is part of an eco resort and although it looks quite pricey, the lunch buffet was just 200R per person and the dinner 300R per person. All of the food was vegan and organic
Budget: ₹300-800 per meal
Pro Tip: Many restaurants offer ‘Happy Hours’ with discounted drinks from 4-7 PM.
10. Traditional Kerala Cuisine
Don’t miss authentic Kerala flavors beyond the cliff restaurants. Head to local eateries in Varkala town for traditional meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Fish Curry & Rice: Kerala’s staple dish with coconut-based curry
- Appam & Stew: Fermented rice pancakes with vegetable or meat stew
- Puttu & Kadala: Steamed rice cake with chickpea curry
- Fresh Seafood: Grilled fish, prawns, and crab preparations
Local Spots: Chimney Family Restaurant: Offering diverse culinary delights and a family-friendly ambiance, it’s one of the best restaurants in Varkala
Cost: ₹150-400 for traditional meals
📸 Photo-Perfect Spots
Lighthouse
11. Lighthouse & Fort Adventures
The lighthouse is also known to have guided British ships to shore and from the vantage point, it offers awe-inspiring views of the sea. The European architecture is a tourist attraction too.
Anchuthengu Lighthouse:
- Location: Anchuthengu, Kerala. Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM, every day. Price: No entry fee
- Distance from Varkala: 8km
- Perfect for panoramic sea views and historical exploration
Pro Tip: I got a tuktuk in Varkala which took us to the lighthouse first and to Golden Island afterwards.
12. Golden Island (Ponnumthuruthu)
A small golden sand island accessible by boat, perfect for day trips and photography. The island has a small Shiva temple and offers pristine beaches away from crowds.
Boat Ride Cost: ₹100-200 per person
Best Time: Morning hours (9 AM – 12 PM)
What to Bring: Camera, snorkeling gear, packed lunch
🌿 Nature & Adventure Things To Do In Varkala
Mangrove Forest Kayaking
13. Mangrove Forest Kayaking
Mangrove Forest Kayaking through the Kappil backwaters offers a peaceful escape into Kerala’s ecological treasures. Paddle through narrow waterways surrounded by dense mangrove forests.
Cost: ₹800-1,200 per person
Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Time: Early morning (7-9 AM) for bird watching
What to See: Kingfishers, herons, traditional fishing methods
14. Adventure Park Activities
This eco-tourist site has a cable rappelling, free climbing, archery, log walking and shooting, among other activities; and an open-air performance centre. Perfect for adrenaline seekers looking for land-based adventures.
Activities: Rock climbing, zip-lining, archery
Cost: ₹500-1,500 per activity
Age Limit: 12+ for most activities
Safety: Professional instructors and safety equipment provided
🛍️ Shopping & Local Markets
15. Cliff Shopping & Local Markets
The cliff area offers a mix of local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. From tibetan singing bowls to handmade jewelry, you’ll find unique items perfect as Kerala memories.
What to Buy:
- Spices & Tea: Cardamom, pepper, chai masala
- Handicrafts: Wooden carvings, metal lamps, paintings
- Clothing: Cotton kurtas, beach wear, yoga attire
- Ayurvedic Products: Oils, soaps, herbal medicines
Best Shopping Areas: North Cliff walkway, local markets in Varkala town
Bargaining Tip: Start at 40-50% of quoted prices in local markets
💰 Budget-Friendly Activities Things To Do In Varkala
Several experiences in Varkala cost nothing but offer priceless memories:
- Beach Walks & Sunrise/Sunset Viewing: Free daily spectacle
- Temple Visits: Most temples have no entry fees
- Cliff Walking: The entire cliff walkway is free to explore
- Local Market Browsing: Window shopping and cultural immersion
- Beach Photography: Capture dramatic cliff landscapes
- Bird Watching: Early morning sessions at Kappil backwaters
Daily Budget Estimate: A normal budget room can be found for a price starting from INR 800 (USD 12) which can be shared by two. One time filling meal will cost around INR 300 (USD 4) in restaurants at North Cliff. The bike/ scooter can be rented for INR 500 (USD 7).
🎯 Planning Your Varkala Adventure
Varkala offers a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, and relaxation that makes it stand out among Kerala’s destinations. From the dramatic red cliffs to ancient temples, from yoga retreats to thrilling water sports, this coastal paradise caters to every type of traveler.
The three absolute must-dos from this guide are: experiencing the iconic cliff beach sunrise, visiting the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple, and indulging in authentic Kerala cuisine at cliff-top restaurants while watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the top things to do in Varkala?
The must-do activities include visiting Varkala Beach and its dramatic cliffs, practicing yoga with ocean views, trying water sports, visiting ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple, and enjoying cliff-top dining experiences.
Q: What are some free things to do in varkala?
Free attractions include Varkala Beach, Black Beach, Kappil Beach, temple visits, cliff walking, sunrise/sunset viewing, and exploring local markets in the town.
Q: What is the best time to visit Varkala?
For Varkala, you can choose to go in October, November, December, January, February and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.
Q: Is Varkala good for couples, families, or solo trips?
Varkala caters to all types of travelers. Couples love the romantic cliff-top dining and sunset views, families enjoy safe beaches and cultural sites, while solo travelers appreciate the backpacker-friendly hostels and yoga retreats.
Q: How many days are enough to explore Varkala?
3-5 days are perfect for experiencing Varkala’s highlights. This allows time for beach relaxation, temple visits, adventure activities, wellness treatments, and day trips to nearby attractions like the lighthouse and Golden Island.
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