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

Day 1: Beach and Cliff Introduction

Varkala, India on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffee Temple

Begin your trip with South Indian filter coffee and fresh fruit bowls at this charming café just off the cliff. Opens 7:30am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Varkala Beach Relaxation

Unwind at Varkala Beach enjoying natural springs and scenic ocean views, perfect for swimming or sunbathing. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Darjeeling Café

Taste fresh seafood and classic South Indian seafood curries with cliffside ocean views. Open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Papanasam Beach Walk

Stroll along this serene beach, known for its religious significance and beautiful sunset views.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Varkala Cliff Shops

Browse local handicrafts, Ayurvedic products, and enjoy cafes offering views of the Arabian Sea.
Free to browse, shopping varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Juice Shack

Enjoy fresh juices and light vegetarian dishes in a relaxed cliffside environment. Open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Temple and Cliff Photography

Varkala, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Italiano

Start the day with Italian coffee and pastries in a lively café atmosphere. Opens 7am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Janardana Swami Temple Visit

Visit this historic temple renowned for its architecture and spiritual ambiance; open 6am-12pm, 4pm-8pm.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Varkala Cliff Views and Photography

Photograph spectacular panoramic views of the cliffs and sea from various vantage points.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Clafouti

Enjoy a fusion of French and South Indian flavors in a cozy cliffside setting. Open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Afternoon Beach Relaxation

Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing or walking at Varkala Beach to relax.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Beach Yoga Session

Rejuvenate with a guided yoga session by the sea, typical sessions run 4pm-5pm.
INR500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Ocean Deck

Dine on seafood and Kerala specialties while enjoying open-air cliff views. Open till 11pm.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 3: Heritage and Gardens

Varkala, India on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Green Shop

Start with an organic, vegan-friendly breakfast featuring smoothie bowls and herbal teas. Opens 7:30am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Sivagiri Mutt Visit

Explore this spiritual center founded by Narayana Guru, reflecting local heritage and culture. Open 6am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Asparagus Herbal Garden

Discover Kerala's medicinal plants and herbal traditions at this tranquil garden open 10am-5pm.
INR150, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rasoi

Taste traditional Kerala vegetarian dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Open till 4pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax or Explore Local Markets

Use this time to explore markets or relax on the beach before evening plans.
Free or varies, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Coffee Temple

Enjoy light snacks and coffee to unwind with quaint ambiance. Open till 8pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Adventure and Ayurvedic Wellness

Varkala, India on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe del Sol

Enjoy fresh continental breakfast with great coffee and a sea view. Opens 7am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Ayurvedic Massage Session

Relax with a traditional Ayurvedic massage at a reputed spa by the beach, appointments required. Sessions typically 9am-11am.
INR1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Cliffside Walk and Cafes

Leisurely explore more hidden café gems along the cliff and enjoy fresh coconut water.
Free to explore, café costs vary, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Nirvana

Enjoy healthy Mediterranean dishes with vegetarian options near the cliff. Open till 9pm.
INR550, 1h0m

2:30pm

Beach Time

Relax or swim at the beach during the less crowded afternoon hours.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Coffee Temple

Finish the day with light snacks and refreshing coffee under soft lighting. Open till 8pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 5: Local Art and Cuisine

Varkala, India on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Indian Coffee House

Experience a local-style breakfast with strong coffee and South Indian favorites in a historic setting. Opens 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Varkala Market

Explore bustling local markets with local spices, fabrics, and artisan goods for souvenirs.
Free to explore, shopping costs vary, 2h0m

11:30am

Art Galleries Exploration

Discover local art galleries showcasing Kerala artists along the cliff path.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Vedanta Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine focusing on fresh, local ingredients in a cozy setting. Open till 9pm.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Cooking Class

Join a half-day cooking class to learn to prepare traditional Kerala dishes, usually starting at 2:30pm.
INR1200, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Juice Shack

Light dinner with healthy juices and snacks after cooking class. Open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 6: Relaxation and Nature

Varkala, India on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Italiano

Light breakfast with espresso and fresh croissants to start a relaxed day. Opens 7am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit to Varkala Waterfalls

Short trip to nearby natural waterfalls perfect for a peaceful nature walk. Access generally free, best visited in morning.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at SunDunes Restaurant

Enjoy a fresh seafood feast and Kerala specialties near the beach area. Open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Free Time for Swimming or Shopping

Relax at Varkala Beach or do last minute shopping at cliffside stores.
Free or varies, 3h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at the Cliff

Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Arabian Sea from the cliffside.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Ocean Deck

Final dinner with fresh seafood and Kerala cuisine paired with beautiful night views of the sea. Open till 11pm.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 7: Day Trip to Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram, India on May 14, 2025

5:00am

Early Departure to Rameshwaram

Start early for a 4.5-hour drive to Rameshwaram to maximize your day exploring this sacred town.
Transport approx INR3000 (car rental), 4h30m

9:30am

Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Explore one of the holiest Hindu temples known for its impressive long corridors and sacred waters. Open 6am-9pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Gandhamadhana Parvatham

Climb this small hill with panoramic views of the island and visit shrines. Open daylight hours.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Rameshwaram

Enjoy local Tamil seafood and vegetarian dishes in a simple setting near the temple. Open till 3pm.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Dhanushkodi Beach Visit

Visit this beautiful, remote beach with historic ruins, perfect for quiet contemplation and nature views.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Varkala

Begin the approximately 4.5-hour drive back to Varkala, aiming to arrive by evening.
Transport approx INR3000, 4h30m

7:30pm

Light Dinner in Varkala

Upon arrival, enjoy a light, casual dinner at a nearby café to conclude your trip.
INR400, 1h0m