Two-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Varkala in June 2023

1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
   Located on the Arabian Sea coast, 2.5 km from Varkala Town
   Estimated Time and Distance from Previous Location: 0 minutes

   Morning: Start your day early with a refreshing swim at Varkala Beach. It is a clean and serene beach, surrounded by cliffs and lined with coconut trees. This beach is also known for its natural spring, which is believed to have medicinal properties.
   Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxed afternoon taking in the sun and sea breeze while lounging on the beach. You can also treat yourself to fresh seafood from the local shacks and restaurants nearby.
   Evening: As the sun sets, take a stroll along the cliff, offering a stunning view of the sea. You can also indulge in some souvenir shopping and local handicrafts from the shops lining the cliff.

2. Day 2: Sivagiri Mutt and Janardhanaswamy Temple
   Located 3 km from Varkala Beach
   Estimated Time and Distance from Previous Location: 10 minutes (2.5 km)

   Morning: Start your day with a visit to Sivagiri Mutt, a pilgrimage site that pays homage to spiritual leader, Sri Narayana Guru. The ashram has a serene ambience, and you can learn about the teachings of the Guru. You can also visit the adjacent temple, which has a beautiful architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
   Afternoon: Head to Janardhanaswamy Temple, one of the oldest temples in India, located on a hill overlooking the sea. The temple has a tranquil atmosphere, and you can offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. You can also admire the intricate carvings and architecture of the temple.
   Evening: End your day with a soothing walk on the beach and enjoy the sunset. You can also relish some local delicacies from the food stalls or restaurants near the beach.

Recommendations

Apart from the above itinerary, you can also consider visiting the Kappil Beach, which is a secluded beach located 6 km from Varkala. You can also take a day trip to the nearby Ponmudi Hill Station, located 65 km from Varkala. It is a scenic place with waterfalls, tea gardens, and trekking trails.
To maximize your fun, you can also try surfing, parasailing, and other water sports at the beach. Additionally, you can also take a boat ride or a backwater cruise to explore the nearby mangrove forests and lagoons.
For budget-friendly accommodation options, you can check out https://trip.tp.st/5u0O2Vxp, which offers a range of hotels and flights as per your preference.