3-Day Nature Itinerary in Varkala in June 2023

1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
   10 minutes (3.2 km) from Varkala Cliff

   Begin your day with a sunrise visit to Varkala Beach. Enjoy the morning calmness by taking a stroll along the long stretch of golden sand while feeling the cool breeze from the Arabian Sea. After getting some fresh air, head over to Coffee Temple for a cup of coffee and a traditional South Indian breakfast. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Edava Beach, famous for its serene backwaters and scenic views. As the sun sets, make your way back to Varkala Beach to witness a stunning sunset while enjoying some fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurants.

2. Day 2: Kappil Lake
   20 minutes (9.5 km) from Varkala Beach

   Start your day with a refreshing visit to Kappil Lake, a tranquil backwater lagoon surrounded by lush greenery. Take a boat ride and explore the serene lake while enjoying the scenic views. Afterward, head over to the famous Janardhanaswamy Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kerala, to experience the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting Varkala Tunnel, a man-made tunnel that was built more than 140 years ago. As the evening sets in, go for a sunset walk at the iconic Varkala Cliff, a popular spot for paragliding and surfing enthusiasts.

3. Day 3: Ponnumthuruthu Island
   40 minutes (17.8 km) from Kappil Lake

   On your final day, take a day trip to the serene Ponnumthuruthu Island, also known as the Golden Island. Take a boat ride through the mangrove forests and explore the island, which is home to a 100-year-old Shiva-Parvathi Temple and a beautiful beach. Afterward, head over to Anjengo Fort, one of the most historically significant forts in Kerala, built by the British East India Company in the 17th century. Finally, visit the beautiful Kollam Beach to witness a mesmerizing sunset and enjoy some delicious local street food.

Recommendations

If you're interested in Ayurvedic massages, head over to the neighboring town of Kollam and visit the Ashtamudi Lake, a hub of Ayurvedic treatments. You can also take a day trip to Alleppey to experience the famous backwaters of Kerala. For adventure seekers, we recommend taking a hike to the top of the Varkala Cliff for a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Coffee Temple (1 hour, INR 300)
• Kappil Lake Boat Ride (2 hours, INR 800)
• Janardhanaswamy Temple visit (2 hours, INR 0)
• Varkala Tunnel (1 hour, INR 0)
• Ponnumthuruthu Island Boat Ride (3 hours, INR 2000)
• Anjengo Fort visit (1 hour, INR 50)
• Kollam Beach visit (2 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3650

Estimated costs do not include transportation, accommodation, or food expenses.