3-Day Itinerary for Varkala in August 2023

1. Day 1: Explore Varkala Beach
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Varkala Railway Station

   Morning: Start your day by taking a refreshing dip in the pristine waters of Varkala Beach. Relax on the sandy shores and admire the stunning views of the Arabian Sea along with the red cliffs. You can also indulge in some beachside yoga or meditation. Afternoon: Head to the nearby Sivagiri Mutt, a pilgrimage center of the followers of Sri Narayana Guru, to witness the grandeur of the temple and spend some time in silent contemplation. Evening: End your day with a spectacular view of the sunset from the Varkala Cliff, perched on top of a red rocky promontory. Enjoy some street food from the various vendors lining the cliff path.

2. Day 2: Visit Anjengo Fort and Ponnumthuruthu Island
   30 minutes (6.7 miles) from Varkala Beach

   Morning: Start your day by visiting the Anjengo Fort, built by the British East India Company in the 17th century. Explore the ruins of the fort and learn about its historical significance. Afternoon: Take a scenic boat ride to Ponnumthuruthu Island, also known as the Golden Island, located in the backwaters of Varkala. Admire the lush greenery and the serene atmosphere of this island. Evening: Head back to Varkala beach for a relaxing evening and enjoy dinner at one of the beachside restaurants.

3. Day 3: Explore Kappil Beach and Janardanaswamy Temple
   20 minutes (5.4 miles) from Ponnumthuruthu Island

   Morning: Start your day by visiting Kappil Beach, a serene and secluded beach with pristine waters and golden sand. Take a relaxing stroll along the beach and enjoy the breathtaking views. Afternoon: Head to the Janardanaswamy Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Admire the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings on the temple walls. Evening: End your day by taking a backwater boat ride in Kappil Lake and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.

Recommendations

Other local attractions and experiences that you may want to consider are the Varkala Tunnel, a 924 ft long tunnel built in 1867, and the Kappil Pozhi, a lagoon formed by the convergence of the Arabian Sea and the Kappil River. You can also take a side trip to the nearby backwater destinations of Alleppey and Kumarakom for a unique experience. To maximize your fun, you can also try watersports such as surfing, parasailing, and snorkeling at Varkala Beach.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Varkala Beach (3-4 hours, free)
• Sivagiri Mutt (2 hours, free)
• Anjengo Fort (2 hours, INR 10)
• Ponnumthuruthu Island (3-4 hours, INR 200 for boat ride)
• Kappil Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Janardanaswamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Backwater Boat Ride (2 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 710 per person

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