Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Varkala Weekend Family Getaway by EV: 19–21 March 2026 — Beaches, Adventure & Spicy Cuisine

Viewed by 66 travelers
Day 1 · Thu, Mar 19
Varkala

Drive to Varkala — Beach arrival, sunset & local food

6:30 AM:

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe del Mar Varkala (or a similar seaside cafe) with freshly brewed coffee, masala omelettes and spicy idiyappam to fuel the drive.

7:15 AM:

Begin the drive toward Varkala in your EV, following a planned route with a scheduled charge stop mapped at an EV charging station in Kollam if needed; enjoy coastal morning views en route.

9:30 AM:

Arrive in Varkala and stretch your legs with a gentle stroll along Varkala Cliff, taking in panoramic sea vistas and browsing the boutique shops.

10:00 AM:

Cool off with a short dip or paddle at Varkala Beach and relax on the sand; consider renting umbrellas or a beach bed from local vendors.

10:45 AM:

Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple for a quick cultural stop to admire the architecture and observe local rituals (dress respectfully for the temple).

11:30 AM:

Grab an early lunch or heavy snack at Clafouti - Cafe On The Cliff, sampling spicy Kerala fish curry (or a vegetarian curry) with appam or rice before checking into your accommodation.

12:30 PM:

Check into your chosen beachside stay and freshen up; request a sea-view room or balcony at The Gateway Hotel Varkala (or your booked hotel) for easy access to the cliff and beach.

1:15 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed, spice-forward lunch at The Terrace Restaurant - Black Beach sampling Kerala prawn roast or a fiery vegetable stew with steaming rice and banana chips.

2:30 PM:

Take a family-friendly adventure with a guided kayaking session from Varkala Watersports along the shoreline, keeping an eye out for tidal pools and shoreline rock formations.

3:30 PM:

Return to the cliff for a leisurely walk and photo stops at Varkala Cliff; explore local boutiques selling spices, handmade jewelry and beachwear.

4:15 PM:

Treat everyone to chilled drinks and light snacks at Cafe del Mar Varkala (if you want a second visit) or try Coffee Temple for filter coffee and spicy masala samosas while watching the sea.

5:00 PM:

Head down to Varkala Beach to relax on the sand, let kids play, or opt for a short guided surf lesson with a local instructor for a gentle adrenaline rush.

6:15 PM:

Make your way back up the cliff to secure a sunset spot near Papanasam Beach viewpoint and soak in the golden hour-perfect for family photos as the sun dips.

7:00 PM:

Savor a spicy Kerala-style dinner at Sree Arul Jyothi Restaurant or Karthika Restaurant, trying kerala beef fry or gobi curry with neer dosa, paired with fresh coconut chutney.

8:30 PM:

Stroll the lit-up cliff promenade, enjoy live music at a nearby café such as Coffee Temple (if available), or return to your hotel for a relaxing evening swim in the pool.

9:00 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed rooftop dessert and cocktails (or mocktails) at The Sky Deck Varkala, sampling spiced kulfi or tara payasam while taking in the night sea breeze.

9:45 PM:

Take a short moonlit walk along Papanasam Beach to listen to the waves and let kids spot crabs and shells; pause to capture low-light family photos against the cliff silhouette.

10:15 PM:

Drop by Coffee Temple (if still open) for a late-night strong filter coffee or masala chai to warm up after the beach and chat about the day's highlights.

10:45 PM:

Return to your hotel - unwind with a soothing family swim in the pool at The Gateway Hotel Varkala (or your booked stay) if the pool hours allow, or enjoy stargazing from the balcony.

11:30 PM:

Settle in for the night with light bedtime snacks from Clafouti - Cafe On The Cliff (takeaway dosas or spicy vadas) and plan tomorrow's cliff-walk and water-activity start.

Day 2 · Fri, Mar 20
Varkala

Explore Varkala — Cliff walks, water activities & spice-rich meals

6:30 AM:

Start with sunrise views at Papanasam Beach viewpoint and enjoy a quiet family walk along the shoreline; grab fresh filter coffee and local banana fritters from a nearby vendor for a warm wake-up treat.

7:15 AM:

Take a guided cliff-side nature walk exploring the birdlife and medicinal plants along Varkala Cliff, with short photo stops and a local guide pointing out coastal flora.

8:00 AM:

Return to Clafouti - Cafe On The Cliff for a hearty breakfast of spicy egg roast or a masala dosa plate, accompanied by fresh fruit juices and scenic cliff views.

9:00 AM:

Head to Varkala Watersports for a family-friendly snorkeling session or guided stand-up paddleboarding near the rocky shore-equipment and short instruction included for beginners.

10:15 AM:

Cool down with a coconut water break at Cafe del Mar Varkala, then stroll through the nearby spice shops on the cliff to smell and sample local cardamom, black pepper and chili blends.

11:00 AM:

Join a short, hands-on Kerala cooking demo at The Terrace Restaurant - Black Beach (or a local homestay kitchen) focusing on a spicy vegetable curry and appam, perfect for family participation and tasting.

12:00 PM:

Have an early, spice-forward lunch at Sree Arul Jyothi Restaurant, sampling a family platter of Kerala fish curry or a mixed vegetarian thali before a leisurely afternoon rest.

12:45 PM:

Return to your hotel to freshen up and enjoy some pool time at The Gateway Hotel Varkala (or your chosen stay) - a quick family swim and towels will recharge everyone before afternoon adventures.

1:30 PM:

Drive a short distance to Kappil Beach for a quieter stretch of sand and a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters where kids can spot local birdlife and mangrove scenery.

2:30 PM:

Head back toward the cliff and stop at Clafouti - Cafe On The Cliff (or Cafe del Mar Varkala) for chilled tropical mocktails and spiced snacks while planning the late-afternoon activity.

3:15 PM:

Join a local fishing-trip experience from the beach - a family-friendly half-hour outing with a fisherman who explains nets and techniques, often available near Varkala Beach (short guided experience).

4:00 PM:

Take a guided cliff photography walk with a local shutterbug to capture the best golden-hour vantage points and learn quick tips for family portraits along Varkala Cliff.

5:00 PM:

Relax with fresh seafood or a spicy vegetarian snack at The Terrace Restaurant - Black Beach while watching the light change on the sea - perfect to refuel before sunset plans.

5:45 PM:

Wander to the Papanasam Beach viewpoint to secure a sunset spot; enjoy street-side masala corn and fresh coconut water from nearby vendors as the sun begins to set.

6:15 PM:

Walk down to Varkala Beach for a relaxed family beach time - let kids play in the shallows while adults enjoy chilled tender coconut or a spiced lime soda from beach vendors.

6:45 PM:

Join a short, guided surf lesson or bodyboarding session with instructors from Varkala Surf Club for a light adrenaline rush suitable for beginners and confident kids.

7:30 PM:

Return to the cliff and freshen up at your hotel, then head to Sree Arul Jyothi Restaurant (or nearby Karthika Restaurant) for a dinner focused on fiery Kerala specialties like prawn roast, beef fry or a spicy vegetarian thali.

8:30 PM:

Catch live acoustic music or a relaxed café vibe at Coffee Temple or Cafe del Mar Varkala while sampling local desserts such as spiced payasam or masala kulfi.

9:30 PM:

Take a moonlit stroll along Papanasam Beach to unwind, spot bioluminescence if visible, and capture atmospheric family photos against the cliff silhouette.

10:00 PM:

Stop for a late-night filter coffee or masala chai at Clafouti - Cafe On The Cliff (if open) and share highlights from the day while enjoying the sea breeze.

10:30 PM:

Return to your accommodation for a soothing family swim in the pool at The Gateway Hotel Varkala (check pool hours) or relax on the balcony planning tomorrow's return drive and EV charging stops.

Day 3 · Sat, Mar 21
Kochi (en route) / Home

Return drive via Kochi area — Scenic stops, EV charging & final sightseeing

6:30 AM:

Check out and enjoy a quick, spicy breakfast at Clafouti - Cafe On The Cliff (takeaway masala dosa or egg roast) before loading luggage into the EV and setting your first charging waypoint.

7:15 AM:

Drive north toward Kochi with a planned stop at an EV charging station in Kollam (or the nearest fast charger shown on your route) to top up the battery while stretching your legs.

8:30 AM:

Make a scenic detour to Varkala Tunnel (Kappil backwaters area) for a short boat/bridge walk and morning birdwatching; the quiet mangrove views are great for family photos.

9:15 AM:

Resume the drive and stop for a mid-morning snack and chai at Thalassery Tea Stall (or a similar highway café) to sample local banana chips and spicy murukku while checking EV range and traffic toward Kochi.

10:30 AM:

Arrive near Alappuzha/Kochi outskirts and visit Kottayam Rubber Museum or the small local spice shops (if open) for a quick cultural pause and to pick up freshly ground black pepper and cardamom.

11:15 AM:

Plan a longer EV charge at a known fast charger near Kochi (e.g., an EV hub or mall charger) while the family enjoys an early lunch at Dhe Puttu - Fort Kochi (try a spicy pork puttu or a vegetarian variant) or a nearby restaurant.

12:30 PM:

Finish topping up the EV at the Kochi Mall fast charger (or nearby EV hub) and enjoy a leisurely post-charge lunch at Dhe Puttu - Fort Kochi, sampling a spicy puttu and kadala curry while the car charges.

1:30 PM:

Drive into Fort Kochi for a relaxed walk around Fort Kochi Beach-explore the colonial streets, spot the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, and grab a fresh coconut from a roadside stall.

2:15 PM:

Visit the historic St. Francis Church for a short cultural stop and then wander through the nearby café-lined lanes, pausing for a sweet or spiced snack at Kashi Art Café.

3:00 PM:

Board a short family-friendly backwater boat trip from Fort Kochi jetty to see local life along the waterways and take photos of scenic bridges and mangroves.

4:00 PM:

Return to your EV for the drive south; plan a quick top-up at the Vyttila Mobility Hub charger (or nearest fast charger) so you have comfortable range for the remainder of the journey home.

4:45 PM:

Stop at Hill Palace Museum (Tripunithura) for a brief stroll through the shaded gardens and palace grounds-kids can stretch their legs while adults enjoy the calm and history.

5:30 PM:

Have an early, spice-forward snack break at Hotel Aryaas or a roadside eatery-try a quick Kerala-style beef fry wrap or a fiery vegetarian snack to refuel before the final leg.

6:15 PM:

If time permits and energy allows, take a scenic coastal detour to Cherai Beach for a short beach walk and sunset-watching, letting kids play briefly before the final drive home.

7:00 PM:

Begin the final stretch toward home, using your EV navigation to locate a convenient fast charger en route (for example, chargers near Kuzhupilly or highway malls) and plan a quick comfort stop if needed.

8:30 PM:

Arrive closer to home; enjoy a light takeaway dinner from a trusted stop such as Sree Arul Jyothi (if on route) or a local favourite, then complete last charging top-up so the EV is ready for the next day.

9:30 PM:

Stretch your legs with a short, illuminated stroll along Marine Drive Kochi - sip on a spiced masala chai from a waterfront stall and take in the city lights before resuming the drive.

10:00 PM:

Top up the EV at a convenient late-night charger such as the Vyttila Mobility Hub charger or a 24-hour highway fast charger while the family relaxes in the car or enjoys packaged snacks from Hotel Aryaas.

10:30 PM:

If kids are still awake, make a quick stop at Lulu Mall Kochi (if on route and open) for a restroom break, ice-cream or pastries and short indoor play area time before the final leg.

11:00 PM:

Resume the drive toward home with a planned final charging waypoint near Kuzhupilly (or the nearest highway charger), ensuring comfortable reserve range for the remaining distance.

11:45 PM:

Pull over at a well-lit roadside viewpoint or rest area for a brief night-sky pause - enjoy bottled tender coconut or spiced samosas from a trusted vendor and recap the weekend's highlights as a family.

12:30 AM:

Arrive near your hometown; perform a final short top-up at a local overnight charger (if available) and prepare for arrival at home with luggage ready for an easy unload.

1:00 AM:

Return home, unload the EV and settle the family in - enjoy a light, late-night snack such as leftover spicy curry with appam or steamed rice, then wind down and sleep after a memorable weekend.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version