Start your day at the beautiful Varkala Beach, just a short walk from the North Cliff area. Watch the breathtaking sunrise and take a refreshing dip in the sea.
9:00AM: Breakfast at Darjeeling Cafe
Escape the tourist crowds and venture into Darjeeling Cafe, a homey spot with a tranquil garden. Savor a fresh South Indian breakfast, such as idli or dosa, accompanied by a hot cup of chai.
10:00AM: Janardhana Swamy Temple
Visit the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple, located close to the beach. Walk up the 60 stairs to reach the entrance where you will find the beautifully crafted Gopuram (traditional gateway tower) and deity of Lord Vishnu.
11:30AM: Papnanasam Beach
Take a leisurely stroll to Papnanasam Beach, located at the bottom of a steep cliff. Though less crowded than Varkala Beach, it is equally as stunning. .
1:00PM: Lunch at Abba Restaurant
Head to Abba Restaurant, a popular spot frequented by locals. Order a thali, a traditional South Indian meal consisting of rice, sambar, vegetable dishes, and chutneys.
2:00PM: Varkala Tunnel
Walk through the Varkala Tunnel, a historic railway tunnel that was blasted through a hill in the late 19th century. Takes you from Varkala cliff to Varkala beach.
3:00PM: Shop at the Varkala Market
Shop for souvenirs or pick up some handmade jewelry or hippie clothes at the colorful Varkala Market. Try your skills on bargaining at reasonable prices.
5:00PM: Sunset at Varkala Cliff
End your day watching the stunning sunset from Varkala Cliff where you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Arabian sea. Don’t forget to capture the picturesque view of the colourful sky on camera!
Time and Costs Estimates
Varkala Beach (free)
Janardhana Swamy Temple (30 minutes, free)
Papnanasam Beach (1 hour, free)
Lunch at Abba Restaurant (1 hour, INR 150)
Varkala Tunnel (30 minutes, free)
Varkala Market (1 hour, INR 300)
Sunset at Varkala Cliff (free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 650
Useful Tips
If you have more time, attend a Kathakali performance at Janardhana Swamy Temple - a traditional dance form of Kerala. If you have less time, skip Varkala Market and have an early dinner along the cliff.