5-Day Nature Itinerary for Varkala in June 2023

1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
   5 minutes (0.5 miles) from Varkala Cliff

   In the morning, enjoy the sunrise and take a dip in the cool waters of the Arabian Sea. Rent a surfboard or take a lesson to catch some waves. In the afternoon, walk along the beach and explore the various shops and restaurants. In the evening, watch the sunset and enjoy a drink at one of the beachside bars.

2. Day 2: Kappil Lake and Estuary
   30 minutes (9.5 miles) from Varkala Beach

   In the morning, take a boat ride along the tranquil Kappil Lake and Estuary. Spot some local wildlife, including migratory birds and monitor lizards. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake. In the afternoon, hike to the nearby Kappil Beach and take a refreshing swim. In the evening, watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea at the beach.

3. Day 3: Anjengo Fort
   20 minutes (6.5 miles) from Kappil Lake and Estuary

   In the morning, visit the historic Anjengo Fort, built by the British East India Company in the 18th century. Explore the ruins and learn about the fort's role in the colonial era. In the afternoon, head to Varkala Beach for some relaxation and beach activities. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the beachside restaurants.

4. Day 4: Ponnumthuruthu Island
   1 hour (21 miles) from Anjengo Fort

   In the morning, take a boat ride to the serene Ponnumthuruthu Island, also known as Golden Island. Explore the lush greenery and the ancient Shiva Parvathi Temple. Have a picnic lunch by the backwaters. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Varkala Aquarium to see a variety of marine life. In the evening, head back to Varkala Beach to watch the sunset.

5. Day 5: Varkala Tunnel
   10 minutes (2 miles) from Ponnumthuruthu Island

   In the morning, hike to the Varkala Tunnel, a historic railway tunnel built in the 19th century. Enjoy the scenic view of the coconut groves and the blue sea. In the afternoon, visit the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center founded by the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. In the evening, relax and enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the rooftop restaurants in Varkala Cliff.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Janardhanaswamy Temple, a famous Hindu temple in Varkala. Side trips include a visit to the nearby backwater village of Nedungad, or a day trip to the nearby city of Trivandrum to see the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Napier Museum. To maximize your fun, try some local cuisine such as seafood and traditional Kerala dishes. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent, and stay hydrated. Have a great trip!