7-Day Comprehensive Coastal and Spiritual Journey: Varkala to Rameshwaram, India

Day 1: Beach and Cliffside Relaxation

Varkala, India on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffee Temple

Start your trip with a fresh South Indian filter coffee and fruit bowl in this popular café near Varkala Cliff, opening at 7:30am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Varkala Beach Exploration

Enjoy the natural springs and the scenic coastline by relaxing or swimming at Varkala Beach, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Darjeeling Café

Sample local seafood and South Indian dishes with ocean views, open until late evening.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Papanasam Beach Walk

Take a serene walk along Papanasam Beach known for its sunsets and tranquil waters.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Varkala Cliff Exploration

Discover local shops, cafes, and art galleries along the cliffside.
Free to explore, shopping varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Juice Shack

Enjoy healthy vegan and vegetarian meals with fresh juices at this cliffside eatery, open until 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Cultural Temples and Scenic Photography

Varkala, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Italiano

Delight in Italian coffee and pastries to kickstart your day; opens at 7am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Janardana Swami Temple Visit

Explore this revered temple noted for its Dravidian style and spiritual significance, open mornings and late afternoons.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Cliff Photography Walk

Capture stunning cliff views and vibrant local life for memorable photos.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Clafouti

Enjoy a fusion of French and Indian cuisine with spectacular cliff views, open until late.
INR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Beach Relaxation

Unwind on Varkala Beach with sunbathing or swimming.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Yoga Class by the Beach

Refresh your body and mind with a 1-hour beach yoga session starting at 4pm.
INR500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Ocean Deck

Dine on fresh seafood and Kerala cuisine in an open-air setting with ocean views, open till 11pm.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 3: Herbal Gardens and Spiritual Visits

Varkala, India on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Green Shop

Enjoy organic, vegan smoothie bowls and herbal teas at this eco-friendly café, opening at 7:30am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sivagiri Mutt

Visit the spiritual center and learn about Narayana Guru's legacy, open from 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Asparagus Herbal Garden

Explore this garden showcasing Kerala's medicinal plants. Open 10am–5pm.
INR150, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rasoi

Relish traditional Kerala vegetarian dishes made using fresh organic produce, open till 4pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax or Local Shopping

Spend the afternoon buying souvenirs or relaxing at the nearby beach.
Free or shopping costs vary, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Coffee Temple

Enjoy light South Indian snacks and coffee in a cozy ambiance, open until 8pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Ayurveda and Wellness

Varkala, India on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Juice Shack

Healthy breakfast options including fresh juices and vegan dishes, opening at 7am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Ayurvedic Spa Treatment

Experience a traditional Ayurvedic massage or therapy at a reputable spa such as the Ayushakti Ayurvedic Centre. Treatments last around 2 hours, appointments recommended.
INR2500, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café del Mar

Enjoy international and Kerala-style dishes with cliff views, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit to Ananda Ayurveda Spa Garden

Walk through the medicinal plant garden and learn about Ayurvedic herbs and treatments.
INR200, 1h30m

3:30pm

Beach Leisure Time

Relax at the beach or indulge in water sports like parasailing or jet skiing.
Varies; parasailing approx INR1500, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Temple

Light dinner focused on fresh local produce and drinks, closes at 8pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 5: Local Exploration and Art

Varkala, India on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Espresso Bay

Enjoy breakfast with international dishes and freshly brewed coffee, opens at 7:30am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kappil Lake

Take a short drive to the serene Kappil Lake for a boat ride and birdwatching; open all day, best in the morning.
INR200, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Karma

Enjoy global vegetarian options in a cozy setting, open till 9pm.
INR550, 1h0m

1:30pm

Art Galleries and Local Crafts

Explore Varkala’s artisan shops and galleries showcasing local handicrafts and paintings.
Free to explore, purchases vary, 2h0m

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Small Shack

Relax with specialty coffee and local snacks at this casual café on the cliff, open until 7pm.
INR250, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Citrus Café

Indulge in vegetarian and seafood dishes with cliffside ambiance, open until 10pm.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 6: Day Trip to Kanyakumari

Near Varkala, India on May 13, 2025

6:00am

Early Departure to Kanyakumari

Travel by car or bus (~3.5 hours) to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India known for sunrise views over the ocean.
INR1500 (transport), 3h30m

9:30am

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Ferry to the memorial which honors Swami Vivekananda, offering panoramic ocean views. Ferry service runs 8am–5pm.
INR50, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Thiruvalluvar Statue

View the enormous statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar near the memorial island.
Free, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sangam

Enjoy coastal Tamil Nadu cuisine in a nearby restaurant, open till evening.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kanyakumari Beach and Gandhi Memorial

Relax on the beach and visit the Gandhi Memorial, notable for its architecture and sea views. Open till sunset.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Varkala

Travel back to Varkala by car or bus.
INR1500 (transport), 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Italiano

Unwind with Italian favorites after the day trip, open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 7: Rameshwaram Spiritual Day

Rameshwaram, India on May 14, 2025

5:00am

Early Travel to Rameshwaram

Travel from Varkala to Rameshwaram by train or car (approx 6-7 hours).
INR2000 (transport), 6h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Quick Refresh

Check into accommodation in Rameshwaram and take a brief rest to prepare for afternoon sightseeing.
Varies by hotel, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Bhavani

Enjoy authentic South Indian meals known for their flavorsome dishes, open till 3pm.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore the famous temple noted for its magnificent corridors and spiritual importance, open 5am–1pm and 3pm–10pm.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Dhanushkodi Beach and Ruins

Visit the beach area with historical ruins and beautiful sea views; great for photography and reflection.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Agni Theertham Bath

Experience a holy dip at Agni Theertham, the sacred sea shore near the temple.
Free, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Aryas

Enjoy traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine to conclude your spiritual day, open till 9pm.
INR600, 1h0m