Two Days in Varkala: Sun, Sea, and Sand

1. Day 1: Explore Varkala Town
   Start your day with an early morning walk in Papanasam Beach - a beautiful beach, popular for its mineral springs that have medicinal properties. Spend a few hours soaking in the sea, sun, and sand. After breakfast, visit the Janardana Swami Temple, one of the oldest temples in India, known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance. Next, head to the Varkala Beach, famous for its stunning views and a variety of water sports such as surfing, parasailing, and snorkelling. Before dinner, enjoy the captivating sunset view from the Varkala Cliff and indulge in some retail therapy at the local market
2. Day 2: Explore Nature
   Begin day two with a visit to the Kappil Lake, a serene place nestled amidst coconut groves and backwaters; enjoy a boat ride and catch glimpses of local wildlife. After breakfast, head to the Anjengo Fort; a historic site built by the Dutch, filled with tales of piracy, colonial domination, and Indian freedom struggle. Later on, take a hike to the Varkala Aquarium - a small but informative marine life museum showcasing local species and their habitat. Spend your evening learning how to make traditional Kerala cuisine at a cooking class.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Papanasam Beach (2-3 hours, Free)
• Janardana Swami Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
• Varkala Beach (3-4 hours, 500-1000 INR for water sports)
• Varkala Cliff (1-2 hours, Free)
• Kappil Lake boating (1-2 hours, INR 200- 600)
• Anjengo Fort (1-2 hours, INR 10-20)
• Varkala Aquarium (45 mins- 1 hour, INR 10-20)
• Cooking class (2-3 hours, INR 1500- 2000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2000-4000

Useful Tips

Varkala has many beautiful sights to explore, but if you're more interested in relaxation than sightseeing, you can skip the Anjengo Fort and the aquarium. If you want to explore beyond Varkala, hire a taxi and go on a day trip to Kollam. Also, note that some places close by 6 pm, so it's best to plan your itinerary accordingly to maximize your time.