7-Day Itinerary for Varkala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Explore Varkala Beach
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Varkala Cliff

   Start your day with a stroll on the golden sands of Varkala Beach, followed by a dip in the refreshing waters. Enjoy some delicious seafood at the beach shacks for lunch and then take a relaxing walk along the cliff towards the lighthouse, taking in the stunning views of the Arabian Sea. End the day with a gorgeous sunset.

2. Day 2: Visit Janardanaswamy Temple
   5 minutes (0.6 miles) from Varkala Beach

   Begin your day with a visit to the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Learn about its history and significance, and witness the morning rituals of the temple priests. Take a leisurely walk back to Varkala Beach for lunch, and spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Edava Beach. End the day with a stunning sunset at Kappil Beach.

3. Day 3: Trek to Dhanushkodi Beach
   1 hour (17 miles) from Varkala Cliff

   Embark on a trek to the secluded Dhanushkodi Beach, known for its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach and spend the day exploring the surrounding hills and forests. Witness a mesmerizing sunset on the beach before returning to Varkala.

4. Day 4: Explore Kovalam Beach
   1 hour 30 minutes (28 miles) from Varkala Cliff

   Travel to the nearby Kovalam Beach, known for its crescent-shaped stretch of sand and palm trees. Enjoy a swim in the calm waters and take a stroll along the beach promenade. Indulge in some retail therapy at the local stores before relishing some authentic Kerala cuisine for lunch. Catch a beautiful sunset before heading back to Varkala.

5. Day 5: Visit Anjengo Fort and Light House
   20 minutes (7.5 miles) from Varkala Cliff

   Explore the historic Anjengo Fort, built by the British East India Company in the 17th century. Visit the nearby lighthouse for stunning views of the coastline and enjoy a picnic lunch at the fort grounds. Spend the rest of the day at Varkala Beach, trying out some water sports and soaking up the sun.

6. Day 6: Take a Backwater Cruise
   1 hour 20 minutes (27 miles) from Varkala Cliff

   Embark on a relaxing backwater cruise, starting from the nearby town of Alleppey. Float along the serene backwaters, admiring the lush greenery and local villages along the way. Enjoy some delicious local delicacies on board and end the cruise with a stunning sunset. Return to Varkala for dinner.

7. Day 7: Relax and Rejuvenate
   At Varkala Beach

   Take a well-deserved break and spend the day relaxing at Varkala Beach. Indulge in some beach yoga and meditation, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at one of the beach shacks and spend the evening watching a traditional Kathakali performance. End your trip with a peaceful sunset at Varkala Beach.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the stunning views from the Varkala Cliff, and try some of the local Ayurvedic massages for a truly rejuvenating experience. Take a side trip to the nearby Ponnumthuruthu Island for a glimpse into Kerala's rich cultural heritage, and try out some of the local seafood delicacies at the many beach shacks and restaurants.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Janardanaswamy Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Dhanushkodi Beach Trek (8-10 hours, INR 1500-2000)
• Kovalam Beach Visit (4-6 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Anjengo Fort and Light House (2-3 hours, INR 100-200)
• Backwater Cruise (6-8 hours, INR 2500-3000)
• Kathakali Performance (1-2 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 6100-7800