Varkala beach offers a serene environment for beach lovers. You could take a few minutes to dip yourself in its crystal clear water, sunbathe and unwind while soaking in the beautiful sunset view. Rent a surfboard and tackle the waves or simply walk through the cliffs to see vendors selling trinkets and souvenirs.
Kappil lake is a calm and serene backwater with a variety of swaying coconut trees all around. Spend some leisure time either swimming, boating or clicking those perfect Instagram-worthy pictures. You cannot miss taking a boat ride to explore the lake's surroundings. The lake is situated near the Arabian Sea and when you walk down the bridge around sunset, the view is truly spiritual.
The Janardhana Swamy temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage center close to the Varkala sea beach. Take a tour around the temple to understand its architecture and enjoy the religious vibe surrounding it. Afterward, you could move on to take a nature walk in the forest to enjoy the tranquility. The walk contains a small waterfall and several viewpoints along the way which is perfect for nature lovers.
If you have more time, you could include a visit to Anjengo Fort, a historical monument amid full lush greenery or spend a day at Vettakada Beach. For visitors with less time, an alternative would be to spend the Janardhana Swamy Temple touring other religious centers such as Sivagiri Mutt. And since most places shut down by 6 pm, plan well to avoid disappointment during the tour.