Family-Friendly Itinerary for Varkala in June 2023

1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
   5 minutes (1.2 km) from Hotel

   Morning: Start your day off with a relaxing stroll along the beautiful Varkala Beach. With its clear blue waters and soft sand, it's no wonder it's one of the most popular beaches in the area. Enjoy the sun and surf before heading to breakfast.
   Afternoon: Head to Trattorias for some delicious Italian cuisine or try some local seafood at the Darjeeling Cafe. Then, visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in India and a popular pilgrimage site.
   Evening: Catch the sunset at the Varkala Clifftop, which offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. Afterward, enjoy some live music and drinks at Cafe del Mar or coffee at the Coffee Temple.

2. Day 2: Kappil Beach and Anjengo Fort
   25 minutes (10 km) from Varkala Beach

   Morning: Start your day with a drive to Kappil Beach, which is known for its serene surroundings and picturesque views. Take a dip in the water or rent a boat to explore the nearby backwaters.
   Afternoon: After working up an appetite, head to the Sea Queen Restaurant for some delicious seafood or to the Thirsty Crow for some great cocktails. Then, visit the nearby Anjengo Fort, which was built by the British East India Company in the 17th century.
   Evening: Head back to Varkala Beach for some more sightseeing or relax and watch the sunset.

3. Day 3: Ponnumthuruthu Island and Sivagiri Mutt
   1 hour 20 minutes (42 km) from Kappil Beach

   Morning: Take a boat ride to Ponnumthuruthu Island, which is home to a stunning 100-year-old Shiva-Parvati temple and a beautiful beach. Spend some time exploring the island and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
   Afternoon: After returning to the mainland, head to the Varkala Marine Palace for some delicious seafood or to the Sky Lounge for some great views and cocktails. Then, visit the nearby Sivagiri Mutt, which is a spiritual and cultural center founded by the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
   Evening: Relax and enjoy your last night in Varkala by exploring the local markets or trying some street food.

Recommendations

Varkala is also home to some great yoga studios, such as Ashtanga Varkala Yoga and Soul & Surf. If you're interested in Ayurveda, check out the Ayurvedic Treatment Centre. You can also take a day trip to the nearby Varkala Tunnel, which is an old British-era tunnel that was used to transport goods.
To maximize your fun, consider taking a surfing lesson at Varkala Beach or a cooking class at the Darjeeling Cafe. You can also rent a scooter to explore the area on your own.
Overall, Varkala is a great destination for families looking to relax and enjoy some time in the sun.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Varkala Beach (3 hours, free)
• Trattorias or Darjeeling Cafe (1 hour, INR 500-1000)
• Janardhana Swamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Varkala Clifftop (1 hour, free)
• Cafe del Mar or Coffee Temple (1 hour, INR 500-1000)
• Kappil Beach (3 hours, free)
• Sea Queen Restaurant or Thirsty Crow (1 hour, INR 500-1000)
• Anjengo Fort (1 hour, INR 50-100)
• Ponnumthuruthu Island (3 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Varkala Marine Palace or Sky Lounge (1 hour, INR 500-1000)
• Sivagiri Mutt (1 hour, free)
• Local markets or street food (2 hours, INR 100-500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3000-6000

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