Unwinding in Varkala - 3 Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beach and Ayurveda
   Arrive in Varkala and head straight to Kappil Beach (20 minutes from Varkala town), a serene stretch of sand ideal for a quick dip. Post refreshing yourself, proceed to Sivagiri Mutt (15 minutes from the beach) the final resting place of the 20th-century saint-sage Sree Narayana Guru. Muct seek divine blessings while enjoying a panoramic view of the Arabian sea. Next stop on the cards would be Anjengo Fort ( 30 minutes from Sivagiri Mutt), the colonial-era fort constructed by the British that provides to treat the history buff in you. Enjoy the great views of the Arabian sea and Thiruvananthapuram city. Save the last leg of the day for some traditional Kerala massage, and Ayurvedic healing indulgence at Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort ( 20 mins ride) which specializes in yoga, panchakarma and other healing treatments.
2. Day 2: Temples and Village visit
   Begin your day by visiting the Janardhana Swamy Temple (10 minutes from Varkala Beach), an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Seek blessings from the lord of the universe. Next on the list is the visit to the Varkala Tunnel (20 minutes from the temple). Take a walk in the 924ft tunnel constructed during the British Raj which provided the railway connectivity between Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram. A half an hour journey from the Tunnel, you will encounter the picturesque village of Kaduvayil. It's home to the famous Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah, a revered shrine for Muslims in Kerala. Seek blessings and have a local lunch with traditional cuisine. Spend the final leg of the day at the Papanasam Beach (20 minutes from Kaduvayil village), take a dip in the natural spring believed to cleanse your mortal sins.
3. Day 3: Backwaters and Cliff Beach
   Start your day early by experiencing sunrise from Edava-NadayaraLake ( 30 minutes from Varkala town) situated at the Shankumugham beach. Take a boat ride into the mangroves, witness migratory birds and visit the local village. The next stop for the day is the famous Varkala Cliff Beach (~20 minutes from the lake). Take a walk along the cliff with a scenic view of the Arabian sea and the backwaters. Taste the local delicacies while witnessing the sunset which will be memorable. Grab a quick bite before heading towards your final destination for the day, the Anchuthengu and Anjengo Fort (15 minutes from the cliff beach). The fort provides for a glimpse of 18th-century Dutch architecture and the ruined remains serving as a backdrop for Instagram worthy pictures.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sivagiri Mutt (1 hour, free)
• Anjengo Fort (1 hour, free)
• Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort (2-3 hours, INR 1500 - INR 5000)
• Janardhana Swamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Varkala Tunnel (30 mins, free)
• Kaduvayil Village (2-3 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Papanasam Beach (2 hours, free)
• Edava-NadayaraLake (3 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Varkala Cliff Beach (2 hours, free)
• Anchuthengu and Anjengo Fort (1 hour, free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 2000 - INR 7500

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Varkala, you can explore the nearby Kollam district or Thiruvananthapuram city. For those with less time, you could pick and opt any one of the three days based on your interests. Wear comfortable footwear, carry sunscreen, umbrella, carry enough cash as some places may not accept cards.