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7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Varkala

Friday, October 20: Arrival and Beach Time

Start your trip in Varkala by soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful sandy beaches. Spend the morning exploring the popular Varkala Beach, known for its stunning cliffs and peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, you can indulge in water sports activities such as surfing and paddleboarding. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along the shoreline and witness a breathtaking sunset.

  • Varkala Beach: Free, the whole day
Saturday, October 21: Explore the Janardhana Swamy Temple

Dedicate the morning to discovering the spiritual side of Varkala by visiting the Janardhana Swamy Temple. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and provides a serene atmosphere for prayer and contemplation. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Janardhana Swamy Temple Pond, where you can take a refreshing dip. By evening, you can enjoy a traditional Kerala dance performance called Kathakali at a nearby cultural center.

  • Janardhana Swamy Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Janardhana Swamy Temple Pond: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Performance: ₹500-1000 per person, 2-3 hours
Sunday, October 22: Visit Kappil Lake and Anjengo Fort

Start the day by visiting the serene Kappil Lake, located just a short distance from Varkala. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquility. In the afternoon, head to Anjengo Fort, a historic landmark built by the British in the 17th century. Explore the fort and learn about its intriguing history. As the evening approaches, return to Varkala and spend some leisure time at the cliffside cafes and shops.

  • Kappil Lake: Boat ride - ₹200-300 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Anjengo Fort: ₹20 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Varkala Cliffside Cafes and Shops: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Monday, October 23: Ayurvedic Massage and Shopping

Indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage experience to start your day. Varkala offers numerous Ayurvedic centers where you can enjoy relaxing massages and treatments. Afterward, explore the local markets and shops to find unique handicrafts, aromatic spices, and souvenirs to bring back home. In the evening, visit the Varkala Aquarium, housing a wide variety of marine life for an educational experience.

  • Ayurvedic Massage: ₹1500-3000 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Shopping: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
  • Varkala Aquarium: ₹50 per person, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, October 24: Cliff Walk and Sunset Viewpoint

Embark on a scenic cliff walk from Varkala Beach to Odayam Beach. This walk offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the imposing cliffs. Along the way, you can stop at local cafes and eateries to taste traditional Kerala cuisine. In the evening, head to the Varkala Cliff Sunset Point to witness a mesmerizing sunset with panoramic coastal views.

  • Cliff Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Varkala Cliff Cafes and Eateries: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
  • Varkala Cliff Sunset Point: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, October 25: Ponnumthuruthu Island and Elephant Ride

Take a boat trip to Ponnumthuruthu Island, also known as Golden Island, located in the backwaters of Varkala. Explore the peaceful island, visit the ancient Shiva Parvathi Temple, and enjoy a picnic in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, head to a nearby elephant sanctuary for a memorable elephant ride and interaction. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel or exploring the local restaurants in Varkala.

  • Ponnumthuruthu Island: Boat trip - ₹500-1000 per person, 3-4 hours
  • Elephant Ride: ₹500-1000 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Hotel or Local Restaurants: Cost varies
Thursday, October 26: Backwater Cruise and Departure

On your last day, experience the serene backwaters of Varkala with a relaxing backwater cruise. Enjoy the idyllic scenery, spot local bird species, and learn about the unique ecosystem of the region. After the cruise, check out from your hotel and bid farewell to the beautiful city of Varkala.

  • Backwater Cruise: ₹2000-3000 per person, 3-4 hours
  • Hotel Checkout: Time may vary

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, consider visiting the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual and cultural center situated on a hilltop near Varkala. This place holds great significance for followers of the reformer and philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru. You can also explore the Edava Nadayara Kayal, a lesser-known backwater lagoon, where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride. Both of these attractions offer a glimpse into the local culture and traditions of Varkala.

For hotel and flight booking, you can check the prices and availability at KAYAK.

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