Places to visit in Varkala in 3 days
By Ganesh ·
The best places to visit in Varkala: North Cliff, Papanasam beach, Janardhana Swamy temple, Sivagiri, Kappil, Golden Island and Jatayu Earth's Center, with a 3-day plan, costs, how to reach and the best season.
The short answer: the best places to visit in Varkala are the red laterite North Cliff with its cafés and sea views, Papanasam (Varkala) beach below it, the ancient Janardhana Swamy temple, Sivagiri Mutt of Sree Narayana Guru, Kappil beach where a backwater lake meets the sea, Odayam and Black Beach for quieter swims, and day trips to Ponnumthuruthu island, Anjengo Fort and the giant Jatayu sculpture at Chadayamangalam. Two or three relaxed days are enough.
Prices and timings below are approximate. Check before you go.
Varkala at a glance
Varkala, about 50 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, is the only place on Kerala's coast where cliffs rise straight above the beach. It mixes a pilgrimage town (Hindus come to Papanasam beach to perform rites for ancestors) with a laid-back traveller scene of cliff-top cafés, yoga schools and Ayurveda centres.
Top places to visit in Varkala
1. North Cliff
A paved path runs along the cliff edge, lined with cafés, shops and guesthouses. Sunset from here is the highlight of any visit. Take care at the edge: parts have no railings and the laterite crumbles.
2. Papanasam (Varkala) beach
The main beach below the cliff, said to wash away sins (papa nasam). Swim only in the flagged area watched by lifeguards. Currents can be strong, especially from May to September.
3. Janardhana Swamy temple
An ancient Vishnu temple on a hill near the beach, believed to be around 2,000 years old. Non-Hindus may not be allowed into the inner sanctum.
4. Sivagiri Mutt
The ashram and resting place of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The Sivagiri pilgrimage around 30 December–1 January draws huge crowds.
5. Kappil beach and lake
About 9 km north, where the Edava–Nadayara backwater lake runs right beside the sea. Hire a boat on the lake and watch the sunset on the beach, a good escape from the cliff crowds.
6. Odayam, Black Beach and South Cliff
Black Beach (named for its dark sand) lies just north of North Cliff; Odayam beyond it is quieter. South Cliff is calmer, with resorts and the helipad viewpoint.
7. Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island)
A small island with a temple in the Akkulam–Nedunganda backwaters, reached by a short boat ride, about 30–40 minutes from Varkala.
8. Anjengo Fort and lighthouse
A late-17th-century British East India Company fort south of Varkala; climb the nearby lighthouse for coastal views.
9. Jatayu Earth's Center
A huge rock sculpture of the mythical bird Jatayu on a hilltop at Chadayamangalam, reached by cable car, with adventure activities, about an hour inland.
A sample 3-day plan
- Day 1: Arrive, settle on North Cliff; swim at Papanasam; sunset from the cliff.
- Day 2: Janardhana Swamy temple and Sivagiri Mutt in the morning; Kappil beach and a lake boat ride in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Ponnumthuruthu island and Anjengo Fort, or Jatayu Earth's Center; an Ayurvedic massage in the evening.
What it costs (approximate)
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay per night (double room) | ₹1,200–2,500 | ₹3,500–9,000 (cliff-view resorts) |
| Meal at a cliff café | ₹300–800 per person | |
| Ayurvedic massage (60 min) | ₹1,200–2,500 | |
| Thiruvananthapuram airport–Varkala taxi | ₹1,500–2,200 | |
| Scooter rental per day | ₹400–600 | |
How to reach Varkala
- By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 50 km (1–1.5 hours).
- By train: Varkala Sivagiri station is on the main coastal line; many trains from Kochi (about 3 hours) and Thiruvananthapuram (under an hour) stop here. It is 3 km from the cliff.
- By road: about 3 hours from Alleppey.
Best time to visit Varkala
October to March is the season, with calm seas and most cafés open; December and January are the busiest. Many cliff businesses close or scale down from May to September, when the monsoon brings rough seas, good for Ayurveda, not for swimming.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly away from the beach, especially near the temple and Sivagiri.
- The cliff path is unlit in places. Carry a torch at night.
- Varkala pairs well with Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam to the south, or Alleppey to the north. Put the whole Kerala loop in a Sancharees trip to see each day's travel time.
FAQ
Is Varkala better than Kovalam?
Varkala has the cliffs and a younger, café-and-yoga feel; Kovalam has calmer bays and more large resorts.
Is it safe to swim in Varkala?
In season, in the flagged areas with lifeguards. Avoid swimming in the monsoon.
How many days are enough?
Two to three days; longer if you're doing yoga or an Ayurveda course.
Photo: Varkala Cliff Sunset by KS by Krissubh, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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