A Day in Family-Friendly Varkala and Jatayu Earth Center

1. 9:00 AM: Varkala Beach
   Starting the day with a beautiful sunrise at Varkala Beach, one of the best beaches in Varkala, which is known for its scenic beauty and calm ambiance. Spread over miles, the beach offers several activities that are perfect for families, including paddle-boarding, kayaking, and boat rides.
   Est. Time from Previous Location: 0 min | Est. Distance from Previous Location: 0 km
2. 11:00 AM: Vishnu Temple
   The Vishnu Temple in Varkala is one of the most famous temples in the area, known for its ancient architecture and serene surroundings. The temple's main attraction is its natural spring, which is believed to have medicinal properties. Families can also explore the fascinating history of the temple and its significance, making it an educational stop as well.
   Est. Time from Previous Location: 2 hrs | Est. Distance from Previous Location: 6.8 km
3. 1:00 PM: Lunch at Darjeeling Cafe
   Located in the heart of Varkala, Darjeeling Cafe is known for its excellent food and atmosphere. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental, with plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for all family members. Moreover, the outdoor seating area has a scenic view of the backwaters.
   Est. Time from Previous Location: 2 hrs | Est. Distance from Previous Location: 6.8 km
4. 3:00 PM: Jatayu Earth's Center
   One of Kerala's most popular tourist attractions: Jatayu Earth's Center is worth checking out. The park's main attraction is the world's largest bird sculpture, which is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall. The sculpture is a representation of Jatayu bird, the mythical bird that depicted in the Indian epic Ramayana. Besides the Jatayu sculpture, there are a children's play area, an adventure zone, and a cable car ride.
   Est. Time from Previous Location: 2 hrs | Est. Distance from Previous Location: 16 km
5. 7:00 PM: Sivagiri Mutt
   Sivagiri Mutt is a sacred pilgrimage center situated in Thiruvananthapuram city. This ashram is dedicated to the memory of Sri Narayana Guru, a great social reformer, and philosopher. The mutt features a beautiful temple, meditation halls, and several small shops selling religious and spiritual items. A perfect way to end the day while experiencing Kerala's rich culture and traditions.
   Est. Time from Previous Location: 4 hrs | Est. Distance from Previous Location: 45 km

Time and Costs Estimates

• Vishnu Temple (2 hrs, Free)
• Lunch at Darjeeling Cafe (2 hrs, INR 800 for a family of four)
• Jatayu Earth's Center (4 hrs, INR 500 per person for cable car ride and adventure activities)
• Sivagiri Mutt (2 hrs, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 1400

Useful tips

For those who have more time, the Anjengo Fort, a historical fort built by the British East India Company, and the Kappil Beaches are great places to visit. On the other hand, Visitors with less time can skip the Sivagiri Mutt and plan to return to Jatayu Earth's Center, as it offers many activities to spend the whole day.