The main tourist attraction in Varkala with a hill that separates the beach from the cliffs. People here can swim in the sea and have a sunbath on the sandy seashore.
A spiritual and cultural center on top of Sivagiri Hill. It is the head-quarter of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust. You can see the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, a great reformer of Kerala. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the mutt premises.
Kappil beach is a serene and secluded beach that is an ideal place to relax. You can hire a local boat and go on a quick tour of the nearby backwaters.
Paragliding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Varkala offers the perfect opportunity for an adrenaline rush.
The Varkala tunnel was built in 1867 and still in use. The train line passes through a natural tunnel made up of red laterite stones.
If you have more time, you can visit Anjengo Fort, Janardanaswamy Temple, Papasnanam Beach. Alternatively, you can extend your beach time or do a yoga session on the cliff.
If you have less time, you can skip Sivagiri Mutt and visit Janardanaswamy Temple instead. The temple is just 5 minutes drive from Varkala Beach.