4-Day Adventure Itinerary for Varkala in August 2023

1. Day 1: Surfing Lesson at Varkala Beach
   10 minutes (2.5 km) from Varkala Cliff

   In the morning, take a 2-hour surfing lesson at Varkala Beach. Learn the techniques of surfing from a local instructor and enjoy the waves of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, head to Edava Beach, which is known for its serene and peaceful surroundings. Spend some time relaxing on the beach and take a dip in the water. In the evening, visit the Sivagiri Mutt, a pilgrimage center dedicated to the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, and witness the evening rituals.

2. Day 2: Paragliding at Varkala Cliff
   5 minutes (1.2 km) from Varkala Beach

   In the morning, experience the thrill of paragliding from Varkala Cliff. Enjoy the bird's eye view of the stunning coastline and the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, take a hike to the Kappil Lake, a serene lake that offers a peaceful environment for relaxation and a boating experience. In the evening, visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple, a Hindu temple which is an important religious center in South India.

3. Day 3: Bamboo Rafting at Thenmala
   1 hour 30 minutes (63 km) from Varkala Cliff

   In the morning, head to Thenmala, India's first planned eco-tourism destination. Take a bamboo rafting trip on the calm waters of the Thenmala reservoir and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding forest. In the afternoon, visit the Palaruvi Waterfalls, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kerala. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy the refreshing water. In the evening, visit the Golden Island, a man-made island located in the middle of the Ashtamudi Lake that offers a unique experience of backwater tourism.

4. Day 4: Scuba Diving at Kovalam
   1 hour 20 minutes (47 km) from Varkala Cliff

   In the morning, head to Kovalam and take a scuba diving session to explore the underwater world of the Arabian Sea. Witness the colorful corals, fishes and other marine life. In the afternoon, visit the Poovar Island, a beautiful island located at the confluence of the Neyyar River and the Arabian Sea. Take a boat ride through the mangrove forests and witness the floating cottages. In the evening, visit the Vizhinjam Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse that offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Anjengo Fort, an ancient fort that offers a glimpse into the history of the region. You can also plan a day trip to the Thenmala Ecotourism Project, which offers a range of adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and mountain biking. For a unique experience, visit the Varkala Tunnel, a 924 ft long tunnel that was built during the British era.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Surfing Lesson at Varkala Beach (2 hours, INR 2500)
• Edava Beach (2 hours, free)
• Sivagiri Mutt (1 hour, free)
• Paragliding at Varkala Cliff (2 hours, INR 4000)
• Kappil Lake (2 hours, free)
• Janardhana Swamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Bamboo Rafting at Thenmala (3 hours, INR 500)
• Palaruvi Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 30)
• Golden Island (2 hours, INR 500)
• Scuba Diving at Kovalam (2 hours, INR 5000)
• Poovar Island (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse (1 hour, INR 10)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 15140

To check hotel and flight prices, please visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.