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Varkala’s Bohemian Dining Scene
Varkala’s culinary scene stands out from its neighbouring areas, particularly for its emphasis on fresh seafood and a...
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With a 2000-year-old temple and pristine waters that cleanse the soul, Varkala teems with a nascent bohemian culture at the rare cliff, offering the thrill of adventure sports and the serenity of the sea.
A vivid splash of blue paints the horizon above and below at the quaint coastal town of Varkala. The golden sands of the Varkala Beach and the several massage parlours along it find a remarkable backdrop in the only cliff that borders the azure Arabian Sea in southern Kerela and is recognised as a national geological monument. The dense verdure on the cliff proffers the most incredible view of the sea and is the site to enjoy the delicious snacks from the eateries that dot the area. The numerous temples, pilgrimage sites and ayurvedic spas make it the ideal place to connect with the divine and rejuvenate your body and soul. Abounding in beaches, hills, lakes, natural springs and forts, it is a haven for one and all.
Must VisitSunbathe and surf at the Varkala Beach, visit the Janardana Swami Temple and relax in the various ayurvedic massage parlours. Go paragliding from the cliff, munch on snacks from the shacks and try water sports at Thiruvambadi Beach. Boat in the serene Kappil Lake, picnic at the Anjengo Fort and Ponnumthuruthu Island and pay homage at Sivagiri Mutt.
Best time to visitWinter (October-March) is the most coveted season for tourists to visit Varkala due to the temperature drop. It's the perfect time to try out various water sports. You can even enjoy the 10-day Janardana Swami Temple and the Shivagiri Mutt Festivals hosted during this time.
TriviaWhen a group of pilgrims notified Narada that they had sinned, he urged them to pray for redemption at Papanasam, the precise location of Varkala Beach, famed for its ayurvedic centre and healing springs.
InterestVarkala offers thrilling adventure activities such as paragliding, surfing, and jet skiing along its pristine coastline. Its unique cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea provide an excellent spot for trekking and rock climbing, making it a hub for adventure seekers.
Varkala's serene beaches, breathtaking cliff views, and tranquil environment make it a romantic destination for newlyweds. The sunsets from the cliffs, intimate beach walks, and cozy beachside resorts provide the perfect setting for a romantic and peaceful honeymoon experience.
Varkala’s relatively lesser-known status compared to Kerala’s other beach destinations lends it an offbeat charm. Its quiet beaches, dramatic cliffs, spiritual vibe from temples, and a mix of adventure and wellness draw travelers looking for a unique experience away from the crowds.
Varkala is home to renowned Ayurvedic wellness centers and spas, including the famous Sanjeevani Ayurveda and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort. Its tranquil atmosphere, yoga retreats, and holistic treatments make it an ideal destination for wellness and rejuvenation.
With picturesque cliffside views and pristine beaches, Varkala offers stunning backdrops for beach weddings. Popular venues such as Soul & Surf and Varkala Cliffside Resorts offer both luxury and scenic beauty, making your wedding memorable against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.
A green cliff, golden sands & a stunning vista
A serene lake with a splendid view
A fort with colonial heritage & scenic coastal views
A temple of antiquity rich in culture and serenity
A spiritual retreat rich in culture
An island of tranquillity & verdure
A beach offering scenic views & quietude
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Kerala
Varkala Beach draws visitors from both local and foreign countries because of its breathtaking cliff-side location and immaculate sandy shoreline. The cliff walk is dotted with guesthouses, cafes, and stores and gives splendid views of the sea. It is a great place to sunbathe and swim because of the calm surf.
Kerala
Regarded as a backwater resort and located close to a seaside community, Kappil Lake's serene surrounding is its calling card. A network of interconnecting canals, rivers, lakes, and lagoons are what Kerela's backwaters are comprised of. Near the lake is the Kappil Beach that stands out with its stunning shoreline that runs along the Arabian Sea. The combination of the lake and the beach multiply their individual charm.
MQ77+3QF, Anchuthengu, Kerala 695309
Formerly known as Anchuthengu Fort, Anjengo Fort is a mediaeval fort close to the town of Varkala. The British East India Company built the fort in the 17th century, and it has a rich historical background. It functioned as a crucial defensive and commercial outpost. A historic lighthouse at Anjengo Fort dates back to the British era.
PPJ5+QX6, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Due to its immense religious significance, the temple draws pilgrims and devotees all year long.The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a well-known tourist destination as well as a significant place of pilgrimage. Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as the preserver and protector, is the primary deity of the temple; he is revered as Janardanaswamy.
Sivagiri Rd, Varkala, Kerala 695141
A spiritual and cultural hub, the Sivagiri Mutt is located on Sivagiri hill close to Varkala. A significant location for pilgrims and devotees of Sree Narayana Guru's teachings is the Sivagiri Mutt. Sree Narayana Guru's ultimate resting place, or saddhi, is the Mutt. Respect is paid at the samadhi, a place of meditation and devotion, by both tourists and devotees.
Kerala
Also called Golden Island, the Ponnumthuruthu Island is a small, deserted island in Kerala, India's Kollam district that is situated in the Kallada River close to Munroe Island. This charming island is well-known for the historic Sree Subramanya Temple, its tranquil settings, and its abundance of flora.This charming island is well-known for the historic Sree Subramanya Temple, its tranquil settings, and its abundance of flora.
Kerala
For those who want to escape the cacophony of everyday life, Thiruvambady, also known as the Black Sand Beach, is the ideal location—it is nestled just next to the North Cliff. Most people who live in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, consider Thiruvambady Beach, which is close to Varkala, to be one of their favourite private retreats.
Spring is a blend of the cool and the warm and therefore presents a pleasant weather to enjoy the beaches and all its shenanigans. There’s greenery all around to complement the blue waters and the flowers are in bloom.
The temperature can rise up to about 40 °C during summer and humidity is also very high. It isn't considered the most comfortable time to visit due to the sharp glare of the sun but the sea can cool the atmosphere down, especially in the evenings.
Monsoon is considered an off-season for tourism in Varkala due to the heavy rains, especially during August. However, July and September see lighter rain and allow you to experience the monsoon bliss in this natural paradise. The cloudy skies against the blue of the Arabian Sea will etch itself into your memories.
Autumn feels the impact of the heavy monsoons and the oncoming chilly winds of winter positing the perfect weather to revel in the beachfront and relish the water sports while also going around discovering all the nearby attractions.
Winter is inarguably the most pleasant time to visit Varkala with the temperature dropping to 21 °C. The clear skies and dry weather make it the most opportune time to try adventure sports at the beaches and tour all the sightseeing options.
The nearest functional airport is the Trivandrum International Airport, located at a distance of 41.4 km from Varkala. It is connected to most of the major cities of the subcontinent including the Metropolitan states. It also has the provision of being connected to several international destinations such as Doha, Kuwait, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, etc. You can reach Varkala in 1 hr 10 min via the Chilakkoor - Vallakkadavu Road by a taxi from there. Varkala also has its own helipad at the Varkala cliff.
Varkala's Sivagiri Railway Station is a major station after Trivandrum Central on the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram railway route. The second busiest station in Thiruvananthapuram, it is also known to generate the third highest revenue. It is well connected by regular trains from major Indian cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, etc. You can take a taxi or an auto rickshaw from the station to your desired location.
Several buses travel to the town of Varkala, many of them pass through Thiruvananthapuram and are operated by the KSRTC. There are some popular private bus services that offer services in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerela which are also opted for by tourists visiting from the nearby cities. You can even hire private cars to drive down the scenic roads. The most common route is that of the NH6 which passes through Thiruvananthapuram.
The town of Varkala is most intimately explored on foot. If you aren't a fan of walks, then you can opt for auto rickshaws but be sure to bargain as there aren't any fixed prices. You can also hire a motorbike or scooter and ride through the blue town. You can also travel to the heart of the city by water through the Varkala Tunnel which is connected to the National Waterway 3 and have a unique experience of the town. The local transports shut down by 9pm, so it is advisable to plan your ride from before.
Varkala is located in the state of Kerala and is well-connected with Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvananthapuram in turn is accessible from all major parts of India by road, rail and air.
Varkala is renowned for its stunning cliffside views overlooking the Arabian Sea, creating a breathtaking backdrop for relaxation and exploration. The town's iconic cliff, known as the Varkala Cliff, is a geological wonder that attracts visitors from far and wide.
The best places to stay in Varkala are Gate Varkala,Indra Pastha Beach Resort, and Hindustan Beach Retreat.
The best places to eat in Varkala are Darjeeling Cafe, ABBA Restaurant, and Seasun Cafe.
The top sights to look out for in Varkala are Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala Beach, and Kappil Beach.
Varkala’s culinary scene stands out from its neighbouring areas, particularly for its emphasis on fresh seafood and a...
Read More
