Varkala Tourist Places: When it comes to beaches in India, everyone thinks of Goa or Pondicherry. There’s another beach in India which is so underrated that it remains a hidden gem despite foreign travellers flocking to the place every year. Yes, It’s Varkala, a coastal place located in Kerala. This place has a very laid-back culture. Whether you are a solo traveller, looking for peace or a family wanting a cool summer holiday, this is the perfect destination for you. In this article, I’m going to explain in detail about the travel guide of Varkala.
How to reach Varkala
You can reach Varkala by air, road or rail. If you plan by air, about 40 km away from here, there is Trivandrum airport. From there either you can board a bus or catch a cab.
There is a railway station here in Varkala connecting to major cities down south if you are planning to come by rail. There are multiple private buses and taxis operating from cities like Kochi and Trivandrum.
Best time to visit Varkala
This place has tropical weather making it one of those destinations that you can visit all around the year. But the best time to visit Varkala is in the winter months. From October to March, the weather is peaceful and perfect for your outdoor activities. In summer, it gets very hot and humid here. In the rainy season, while it does look beautiful it may disrupt your outdoor plans.
Varkala Tourist Places / Places to Visit in Varkala
There are a few places that are worthy enough of your visit in Varkala. Below are those places.
1. Papanasam beach
Papanasam Beach also known as Varkala Beach is the first place that caught the attention of the tourists. It’s located adjacent to Varkala town. The long Beach filled with golden sand, palm trees and steep cliffs makes you so calm and joyful. There is also religious significance to this place. According to Hindu mythology, if one dips in this holy water, then their sins are believed to be washed away. This is the reason why this beach got its name ‘Papanasam’. Don’t forget the sunset when you are here. It’s a breathtaking view.
2. Varkala Cliff
Varkala is known for its long cliff along the coast. From here, the view of the Arabian Sea and the beach is mesmerizing. There’s everything one needs here along the cliff. Shopping, Restaurants, cafes you name it, it’s available here. Come here in the morning or evening and have a cup of coffee while watching the sun. If you aren’t the coffee kind of person, then you can enjoy the nightlife here by having drinks. Varkala Cliff is also known for yoga and meditation classes. If you are the kind of a person who is interested in vedic stuff, then this place is perfect for you.
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3. Sivagiri Mutt
This place is located a few km from Varkala and is known for its religious significance. It was founded by Sree Narayana Guru who is a social reformer and spiritual guru. Every year during December, Guru visits this ashram and thousands of people flock to this place to get a glimpse of him. This ashram is located ocan a hill with beautiful panoramic views.
4. Janardhana Swamy Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to be 2000 years old. Located very close to the Varkala beach, this temple is a must-visit for those who seek spiritual peace and history buffs. The architecture here is so mesmerizing that you will find yourself in awe of the people involved in the construction of the temple. Such is the rich heritage of this place. This temple is also known for a ritual known as ‘Pitru Tarpanam’ which is a ritual for ancestors. People come here to do this ritual for the peace of the departed souls of their ancestors.
5. Kappil Beach and backwater
If you want to escape the crowded Varkala beach and visit some other place for a quiet environment, then this place is perfect for you. Located 7 km from Varkala, this beach offers everything to those who want to have some peace time. It is famous for long walks and photography. Also, there are backwaters nearby where you can enjoy boat rides along the canals. There’s a place here where the backwaters of Kappil and the sea merge resulting in an absolute scenery. If you are a photography enthusiast, then you can have the best time here.
6. Anjengo Fort and lighthouse
Anjengo Fort was built by the British India East Company in the 17th century. If you are a history buff, take a visit to this place. Although the fort is a bit in ruins, it can offer a look at the colonial history of Kerala. Anjengo Lighthouse is located nearby offering panoramic beautiful views of the coastline and backwaters.
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Things to do in Varkala
1. Beach activities and water sports
Varkala Beach is perfect for people who prefer sunbathing and swimming. You’ll find people, especially during the sunrise sitting on the beach just relaxing. If you are a water sports enthusiast, then you can do surfing, paragliding and Jet skiing. If you don’t know how to surf, then don’t worry. There are multiple surfing schools operating here where you can learn how to surf. What makes this beach the perfect place for surfing is the consistent waves.
2. Yoga and Spirituality
Varkala is famous for Yoga and spiritual tourism because of multiple Yoga centres and ashrams. It doesn’t matter if you are well-trained in Yoga or a complete beginner, there are various Yoga classes here in Varkala. Even the resorts and guesthouses offer Yoga classes in the morning. Also, there are several spas offering Ayurvedic treatment for the issues you are facing.
3. Shopping and Dining
The entire Varkala cliff is filled with shops selling handmade crafts, clothes, jewellery and house decorative accessories. This is the perfect place to buy a gift for someone who loves natural handmade things. When it comes to Dining, you can find Kerala traditional food as well as international cuisines. One thing you shouldn’t miss here is the seafood. Multiple restaurants offer candlelight dinners and beach-view seating which makes the perfect romantic dinner date for couples.
4. Backwaters
If you want to experience backwaters without the crowd, then this place is perfect for you while equally amazing as Alleppey backwaters. One can hire a canoe or houseboat according to your budget and enjoy the backwater among the lush green surroundings and coconut trees.
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Accommodation
If you are someone who craves luxury then there are multiple luxury resorts with a beach view like Gateway Hotel and Hindustan Beach retreat. There are also mid-range hotels for those who want to have private space yet budget-friendly. If you are someone who is a backpacker and tight on the budget, then you can find multiple hostels with shared accommodations. Check out Zostel Varkala and Bohemian Masala.
Tips for travellers
- Pack your bags with appropriate clothes that suit the humidity of the Kerala weather. Beachwear is a must for those who want to indulge in beach activities.
- You need to stay hydrated when in Kerala because of the humid climate. Drink water frequently and apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- When you are visiting the local temples and ashrams, be respectful of their traditions and follow the rules.
- Plan your activities according to the sunset because the sunset in Varkala is the most serene and beautiful thing to witness.
Conclusion
Varkala is the perfect place for people who seek thrill, peacetime or family time. This place really does offer something to everyone. Surely this makes it one of the best underrated places in India. Trust me when I say, you’ll leave this place feeling peaceful and rejuvenated. Hope I covered everything about Varkala. If you have any doubts regarding the place, then please let us know in the comments below. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
