7-Day Adventure Itinerary for Varkala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Varkala Helipad

   Start your adventure by soaking up the sun at the beautiful Varkala Beach. Take a dip in the ocean or rent a surfboard and catch some waves. Enjoy fresh seafood at the beachside shacks and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

2. Day 2: Kappil Beach
   30 minutes (7.5 miles) from Varkala Beach

   Head to Kappil Beach for a relaxing morning. Take a stroll along the long stretch of sand and enjoy the scenic views. Try some local snacks like banana chips and samosas from the street vendors. In the afternoon, rent a boat and explore the backwaters of Kappil.

3. Day 3: Janardhana Swamy Temple
   15 minutes (3.5 miles) from Kappil Beach

   Visit the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Learn about the rich history and culture of the temple from the priests. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take part in the evening pooja (worship ceremony).

4. Day 4: Varkala Tunnel
   10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Janardhana Swamy Temple

   Explore the historic Varkala Tunnel constructed during the British era. Walk through the 924-foot-long tunnel and appreciate the engineering marvel. Spend the afternoon at the nearby Varkala Aquarium and learn about the marine life in the Arabian Sea.

5. Day 5: Ponnumthuruthu Island
   1 hour 10 minutes (28 miles) from Varkala Tunnel

   Take a boat trip to Ponnumthuruthu Island, also known as Golden Island. Explore the lush green vegetation and the ancient Shiva Parvathi Temple. Relax by the backwaters and enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch. In the evening, watch a Kathakali performance.

6. Day 6: Agastya Mala Peak
   2 hours 30 minutes (63 miles) from Ponnumthuruthu Island

   Embark on a trekking adventure to the Agastya Mala Peak, the second-highest peak in Kerala. Enjoy the scenic views of the Western Ghats and spot some wildlife like elephants and tigers. Take a dip in the waterfall on the way back. Carry plenty of water and snacks for the trek.

7. Day 7: Varkala Cliff and Edava Beach
   1 hour (12 miles) from Agastya Mala Peak

   Walk along the Varkala Cliff and enjoy the stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts at the local stores. In the afternoon, head to Edava Beach for some water sports like kayaking and parasailing. End your adventure with a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.

Recommendations

You can also visit the Anjengo Fort and Light House, or take a day trip to the nearby Kollam. For maximum fun, try a yoga or cooking class, or go on a spice plantation tour. Don't forget to try the local delicacies like appam, meen pollichathu, and kappa biryani. Bon voyage!

Time and Costs Estimates

• Varkala Beach (3 hours, free)
• Kappil Beach (4 hours, free)
• Janardhana Swamy Temple (2 hours, free)
• Varkala Tunnel (2 hours, free)
• Ponnumthuruthu Island (6 hours, INR 2000)
• Agastya Mala Peak (10 hours, INR 3000)
• Varkala Cliff and Edava Beach (5 hours, INR 1500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 6500

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.