One Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Varkala

  1. 9:00 AM: Varkala Beach
    Located just a few minutes from the city center

    Varkala Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand known for its clean waters and soft sand. Spend the morning swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the unique cliffs that line the shoreline.

  2. 12:00 PM: Janardhana Swami Temple
    20 minutes (5 km) from Varkala Beach

    Visit the ancient Janardhana Swami Temple, a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Walk around the stunning architecture and learn about the history of Hinduism in the area.

  3. 2:00 PM: Lunch at Abba Restaurant
    10 minutes (2 km) from Janardhana Swami Temple

    Enjoy traditional Indian cuisine at Abba Restaurant. The menu is vegetarian and includes dishes like palak paneer, chana masala, and butter naan.

  4. 3:30 PM: Kappil Lake
    15 minutes (3 km) from Abba Restaurant

    Take a boat ride on the serene Kappil Lake, surrounded by lush green forests. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like kingfishers and flying squirrels.

  5. 5:00 PM: Sivagiri Mutt
    20 minutes (6 km) from Kappil Lake

    Visit the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center that houses the tomb of the social reformer and sage Sree Narayana Guru. Walk around the beautiful gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

  6. 6:30 PM: Varkala Aquarium
    15 minutes (3 km) from Sivagiri Mutt

    Wrap up the day at the Varkala Aquarium, home to a variety of marine life including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. It's a great place for families to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Varkala Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Janardhana Swami Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Lunch at Abba Restaurant (1 hour, INR 500)
  • Kappil Lake (1.5 hours, INR 200 per person for boat ride)
  • Sivagiri Mutt (1.5 hours, free)
  • Varkala Aquarium (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 800 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Anjengo Fort, which is located on the coast and dates back to the Dutch colonial period. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider skipping the Sivagiri Mutt and going straight to the Varkala Aquarium.

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