2-Day City Experience in Varkala

  1. Day 1: Explore Varkala Downtown
    Starting point: Varkala Beach Parking Lot (0 miles)

    Begin your journey at Varkala Beach, where you can soak up the sun, take a dip in the ocean or go surfing on the waves. Then walk south towards the Janardhana Swamy Temple to experience the spiritual side of Varkala. The temple dates back over 800 years, and its architecture showcases traditional Keralan style.

    After the Temple, walk 15 minutes to reach the Sivagiri Mutt, the residence of Sree Narayana Guru, a social reformer who fought for the upliftment of the oppressed classes. Then head to Chilakoor Beach for a relaxing afternoon while watching the waves. End the day with the Sunset view at the Varkala Cliff. Few cafes on the Cliff provide the perfect spot to witness the sky changes its color.

    End point: Varkala Cliff (1.5 miles)
    Estimated time: 6-8 hours
    Estimated distance: 1.5 miles (by foot)
  2. Day 2: Explore Heritage and Culture of Varkala
    Starting point: Edava Beach (5 miles)

    Begin your day by visiting Anjengo Fort, a beautiful colonial fort, located on the coast between Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram. Continue your journey 30 minutes south to the Kappil Lake. Here you can indulge in some water sports like speed boating and kayaking.

    Continue 30 minutes south and visit the Kovalam Art Gallery and experience some of the best art collections of different artists. To end your day, visit the Kuthira Malika Palace Museum, located in the fort area of Thiruvananthapuram City. This beautiful palace with its traditional architecture is an epitome of Kerala's rich heritage and culture.

    End point: Kuthira Malika Palace Museum (14 miles)
    Estimated time: 8-10 hours
    Estimated distance: 14 miles (by car)

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Varkala Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Janardhana Swamy Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Sivagiri Mutt (1 hour, free)
  • Chilakoor Beach (2 hours, free)
  • View from Varkala Cliff (1 hour, free)
  • Anjengo Fort (1 hour, free)
  • Kappil Lake (2 hours, INR 150 per hour for kayaking)
  • Kovalam Art Gallery (2 hours, INR 200 entrance fee)
  • Kuthira Malika Palace Museum (2 hours, INR 100 entrance fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 450

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you could visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace, which is about 45 minutes from Varkala. If you're interested in water sports, Varkala has many exciting options. You can also take a guided boat tour of the backwaters near Varkala. However, if you have less time, you can skip the Kovalam Art Gallery and go straight to the Kuthira Malika Palace Museum.

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