Located on the Arabian Sea, 5 minutes from Varkala town center
Enjoy a day at the beach with your family. Rent chairs and umbrellas, swim in the sea, and explore the nearby caves and cliffs.
12:00 PM: Janardanaswamy Temple
10 minutes (2.1 miles) from Varkala Beach
Visit one of the oldest and most famous temples in Kerala. Learn about the Hindu religion, admire the architecture, and participate in a puja (worship ritual).
2:00 PM: Varkala Tunnel
15 minutes (3.2 miles) from Janardanaswamy Temple
Explore this historic 924-foot tunnel built in the late 19th century to transport goods and people between Varkala and the nearby town of Edava. Walk through the tunnel and learn about its history from a local guide.
4:00 PM: Ponnumthuruthu Island
30 minutes (9.4 miles) from Varkala Tunnel
Take a short boat ride to this picturesque island on the Kallada River. Walk through the lush vegetation, visit the Shiva-Parvathi temple, and enjoy a picnic with your family on the banks of the river.
6:00 PM: Varkala Cliff
20 minutes (7.8 miles) from Ponnumthuruthu Island
Watch the sunset from the top of the cliff overlooking Varkala Beach. Enjoy the view, take photos with your family, and dine at one of the restaurants along the cliff.
Recommendations
If you have more time, consider visiting the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center dedicated to the teachings of the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, or the Kappil Beach, a scenic beach with a backwater lagoon. You can also take a side trip to the nearby city of Trivandrum to visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Napier Museum, or the Kovalam Beach. To maximize your fun, try surfing or paddleboarding at Varkala Beach, or take a cooking class to learn how to prepare local dishes like appam and fish curry. Finally, don't forget to try the local specialty, the Varkala Fish Fry, a spicy and crispy fish dish served with rice and curry.