A 3-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Varkala, Kerala

  1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
    5 minutes (0.6 km) from Varkala Railway Station

    Start your trip with a visit to the Varkala Beach. This beautiful beach is known for its stunning cliffs and clean waters. Spend your day sunbathing or surfing before heading back to your accommodation for some rest.

  2. Day 2: Janardhana Swamy Temple and Sivagiri Mutt
    15 minutes (5.3 km) from Varkala Beach

    Begin your second day with a visit to the Janardhana Swamy Temple, a 2000-year old temple with a beautiful architecture and wonderful views. Next, head over to the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center that houses the tomb of sage Sree Narayana Guru. End the day by taking a dip in the Kappil Beach, a secluded beach that is perfect for a peaceful evening.

  3. Day 3: Anjengo Fort and Anchuthengu Backwaters
    20 minutes (11.1 km) from Sivagiri Mutt

    On your last day in Varkala, start with a visit to the Anjengo Fort, an ancient fort used by the British East India Company. Learn about the history of the fort and enjoy the views of the ocean before heading over to the Anchuthengu Backwaters, where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the lagoons and estuaries. End your trip by trying some of the local delicacies at Theeram, a popular restaurant known for its delicious seafood.


Time and Costs Estimates

  • Varkala Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Janardhana Swamy Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sivagiri Mutt (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kappil Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Anjengo Fort (1-2 hours, free)
  • Anchuthengu Backwaters (2-3 hours, INR 500 for a boat ride for 4-6 people)
  • Theeram Restaurant (1 hour, INR 300 for a meal for two)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 800/ day per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Golden Island, a beautiful picnic spot located near Varkala Beach, or take a trip to the nearby Backwaters of Alleppey. However, if you have less time, you can skip visiting Kappil Beach or Anjengo Fort. Also, try to plan your trip around the annual Varkala Beach Festival, which usually takes place in January, for a unique cultural experience.

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