Four-Day Family-Friendly Varkala Itinerary in August 2023

1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
   0 minutes (0 miles) from Accommodation

   In the morning, take a stroll along the stunning Varkala Beach. Enjoy the calm sea breeze and the sound of the waves. Have breakfast at any of the local restaurants or cafes located on the beach. Afterward, spend the afternoon sunbathing, swimming or surfing. In the evening, watch a beautiful sunset while having dinner at one of the beachside restaurants.

2. Day 2: Sivagiri Mutt and Janardhana Swamy Temple
   10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Varkala Beach

   Start the day with a visit to Sivagiri Mutt, the final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. In the afternoon, visit Janardhana Swamy Temple, a 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Enjoy the intricate carvings and mural paintings inside the temple. In the evening, take a walk in the temple's surrounding area and shop for souvenirs.

3. Day 3: Kappil Beach and Ponnumthuruthu Island
   20 minutes (6.5 miles) from Janardhana Swamy Temple

   Visit Kappil Beach, a serene beach with golden sand, clear water and a beautiful view of the backwaters. Have breakfast at the beachside shacks and spend the morning relaxing on the beach. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to Ponnumthuruthu Island, also known as the Golden Island, located on the backwaters of Varkala. Enjoy the scenic views, spot the exotic birds, and visit the ancient Shiva-Parvati temple on the island. Return to Kappil Beach to watch the sunset and have dinner at any of the local restaurants.

4. Day 4: Anjengo Fort and Varkala Cliff
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Ponnumthuruthu Island

   Begin the day with a visit to Anjengo Fort, a historical monument built by the British in the 17th century. Learn about the fort's history and enjoy the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit Varkala Cliff, a popular tourist spot offering a stunning view of the sea and the sunset. Take a walk along the cliff and explore the local shops and cafes. In the evening, have dinner at one of the cliffside restaurants while enjoying the view.

Recommendations

You should also consider visiting the Kollam Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach, and the Kappil Pozhi Backwaters. If you have time, take a day trip to the nearby city of Trivandrum to visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kuthira Malika Palace, and the Napier Museum. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine, take part in the cultural activities, and interact with the friendly locals.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Varkala Beach (4 hours, Free)
• Sivagiri Mutt (2 hours, Free), Janardhana Swamy Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Kappil Beach (4 hours, Free), Ponnumthuruthu Island (3 hours, Boat ride cost: $30-50)
• Anjengo Fort (2 hours, Free), Varkala Cliff (3 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $30-50 (boat ride)

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