Start your day by heading down to the Varkala Beach, where the sound of the waves and beautiful view are sure to refresh and rejuvenate you. Take a dip or try out some water activity like snorkelling or kayaking. After some beach time, head out to the Varkala Cliff, which offers a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea. You'll find shops and eateries here where you can have lunch while enjoying the stunning vista.
Start early with a visit to the Janardanaswamy Temple, a 2000-year-old temple, which is considered sacred to Lord Vishnu. Later, head out to the Anjengo Fort- an 18th-century fort that boasts of a rich history and today houses a cemetery and a chapel. Finally, round off your cultural experience with a visit to Sivagiri Mutt- the tomb of the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayan Guru. Here, you can learn about the role played by the guru in the caste system reforms of Kerala.
If you have more time, you can plan a visit to the Varkala Aquarium (INR 10) and the Kappil Beach (6 miles from Varkala Cliff). For a relaxing day, add a visit to a nearby Ayurvedic Centre for traditional spa treatments. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can skip the Anjengo Fort and spend more time at the Varkala Beach or Sivagiri Mutt.