Discover Varkala in 3 days

  1. Day 1: Explore the beaches and temples
    Estimated Time: 6 hours, 12.2 km from Trivandrum International airport

    Start your day by visiting the Varkala Beach, a stunning beach surrounded by cliffs. Admire the views of the Arabian Sea and try out some activities like surfing and parasailing. Walk along the Varkala Cliff to explore the local shops and restaurants. Stop by the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple and marvel at the beautiful architecture while learning about its history. End the day by lounging at the Papanasam Beach, where a dip in its holy waters is believed to wash away sins.

  2. Day 2: Waterfalls and Ayurvedic massage
    Estimated Time: 6 hours, 13.3 km from Varkala Beach

    Begin your day by visiting the Kappil Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride amidst beautiful surroundings. Next, head to the Kollam Junction View Point for a stunning view of the Kollam city. After that, visit the Anjengo Fort and learn about its rich history. End your day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at one of the many salons in Varkala.

  3. Day 3: National Parks and Cuisine
    Estimated Time: 7 hours, 50 km from Varkala Beach

    Today, visit the Agasthyavanam Biological Park, which consists of diverse wildlife and rare medicinal plants. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm and requires a prior booking. Take a hike to the Agastya Mala Peak, which is the second-highest peak in Kerala and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding forests. Later, for dinner try out some authentic Kerala cuisine like Kappa and Fish Curry at a local restaurant.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Varkala Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Janardhana Swamy Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Papanasam Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Kappil Lake (1 hour, INR 250 for boat ride)
  • Kollam Junction View Point (30 mins, free)
  • Anjengo Fort (1 hour, free)
  • Ayurvedic massage (1 hour, starting from INR 1500)
  • Agasthyavanam Biological Park (3 hours, INR 100 for entry fee)
  • Agastya Mala Peak (2 hours trekking, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1750-3500 (excluding travel and accommodation)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can do a day trip to the nearby beaches of Kovalam and Poovar. Alternatively, you can spend a day learning how to cook authentic Kerala dishes at a culinary school. If you have less time, you can skip some of the attractions or merge Day 2 and Day 3 into a single day trip. Ensure to carry enough water and wear comfortable shoes as most places require hiking or trekking.

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