Explore Varkala in a Day

1. 9:00AM: Janardhanaswamy Temple
   Located in the heart of Varkala, Janardhanaswamy Temple is a major Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It features stunning architecture and is considered one of the oldest temples in India. It opens at 5:00AM and closes at 12:00PM after which it reopens from 5:00PM-8:00PM.
2. 10:30AM: Varkala Beach
   Spend some peaceful time with scenic beauty at the Varkala beach. Surrounded by lush green hills, this picturesque beach appeals to both swimmers and sunbathers. You can also explore the cliff area, shop for souvenirs or indulge in water sports activities. Opens at 6 AM and closes at 6 PM.
   Estimated Time from last location: 1.5 hours
   Estimated Distance from last location: 4.3 kilometers
3. 1:00PM: Abba Restaurant
   Abba Restaurant, located close to the Varkala Beach, is a cozy place serving delicious kebabs and falafel. Either sip on smoothies or enjoy houmous, this restaurant will provide great vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian options to satiate your appetite!
   Estimated Time from last location: 2.5 hours
   Estimated Distance from last location: 500 meters
4. 3:00PM: Sivagiri Mutt
   The Sivagiri Mutt is a sacred spiritual place located on top of a hill. It has great significance in the Indian history of enlightenment and spiritualism. The peaceful atmosphere of the mutt also provides a mesmerizing view of the surrounding areas.
   Estimated Time from last location: 1.5 hours
   Estimated Distance from last location: 3.2 kilometers
5. 5:00PM: Papansam Beach
   Papansam Beach is a spiritual place and an alternative to Varkala beach. It is known not only for its scenic beauty but also for the holy waters that wash away sins. You can choose to swim here or watch the magnificent sunset.
   Estimated Time from last location: 2 hours
   Estimated Distance from last location: 4.5 kilometers

Time and Costs Estimates

• Janardhanaswamy Temple (1.5 hours, Free Entry)
• Varkala Beach (2 hours, Free Entry)
• Abba Restaurant (1 hour, INR 600)
• Sivagiri Mutt (1.5 hours, Free Entry)
• Papansam Beach (1.5 hours, Free Entry)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 600

Useful tips

If you have more time, you may want to check out the Varkala Aquarium or the Varkala Tunnel. You can also indulge in Ayurvedic massages and spas for complete relaxation. If you have less time, dropping one of the beaches (Varkala or Papansam) and spending more time enjoying the other locations would be more fulfilling in one day.