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Best Things to Do in Varkala

One of the most interesting activities in Varkala is to visit the beach just 10 km from the quaint hamlet and offering spectacular views of the pristine, azure waters of the sea. The beach is famously known for its natural spring that is considered to have medicinal properties.

The locals believe that taking a dip in the holy waters of the beach can cure the body of its ailments and the soul of its sins. Every year, hundreds of tourists visit the beach to enjoy the calm and serene surroundings as well as to purge themselves of their wrongdoings.

Location: Varkala Beach Rd, Varkala, Kerala.

Timings: The beach is open 24 hours and 7 days of the week.

Price: No entry fee.

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Visiting Janardhana Swami Temple is one of the most religious experiences and most important things to do in Varkala for cultural buffs and devotees of the Hindu religion. Besides, the marvelous architecture of the temple also attracts architects alike. The high arched entrance and tile roof make for an opulent and grandiose styled building.

The proximity of the temple to the beach also allows one to take a leisurely walk in the sun after spending some time at the temple. Visit the temple in March/April to enjoy the main festival Arattu where people pay homage to their ancestors.

Location: Near Papanasam Beach, Varkala, Kerala 695141

Timings: All days of the week, 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Price: No entry fee.

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Known as one of the best-kept secrets of Kerala, this beach is a gorgeous place to spend a day. Viewing the glittering waters of the Arabian Sea from the untouched sandy beaches of Kappil is one of the most calming and soothing things to do in Varkala. Relax on the beach with a cocktail and watch the days roll by.

Enjoy beautiful orange sunsets and dip your toes in the pristine waters of the sea. Go for a relaxing walk on the golden sand with your partner. Build sandcastles with your little ones. Enjoy your vacation to the fullest here.

Location: Near Paravoor, Kollam, Kerala

Timings: All days of the week except Sunday, 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Price: No entry fee.

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Kerala is a hub for yoga and dabbling in some of these classes can be one of the most interesting activities in Varkala. There is a deluge of studios and ashramas offering yoga classes to noobs and experienced practitioners in Varkala. Whether you are a beginning and looking to learn the basics of the trade or want to deepen your skills, there is something for everyone here.

Experience meditation and soul searching at the next level with the help of some of the most authentic teachers and expert gurus. Most of the schools are surrounded by natural greenery, palm trees and offer classes in open, pollution free environs – thus adding to the serene experience.

Location: Varkala

Timings: Varies according to different ashramas and schools.

Price: Variable according to the school.

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Sandwiched between Black Beach and Odayam Beach, Varkala’s aquarium offers the perfect place to spend a day with your loved ones far away from the tourist-thronged destinations in Varkala. Visiting the aquarium can be one of the most interesting things to do in Varkala for your kids.

Watch large tanks of water with exotic species of aquatic life displayed in them. The spiralling walk along the premises of the aquarium offers spectacular views of various fish, like scorpionfish, angelfish, koi, and the local karimeen, in their natural habitat. It is truly a delight for animal lovers and curious souls.

Location: Odayam Hatchery, Thiruvambadi Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala.

Timings: 10 AM to 6.30 PM, every day.

Price: Adults - INR 30, Child - INR 15

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One of the most notable structures in the district is the lighthouse which was built in the 18th century by the British rulers. Visiting the lighthouse is one of the most fun-filled activities in Varkala – the pinnacle of the structure offers a bird’s eye view of the spectacular vistas around, the azure waters of the Arabian Sea and the pristine shores of the nearby beaches.

The European-style architecture of the lighthouse also serves to act as a tourist hotbed. The eminent building with its provincial structure and eye-pleasing perspective of the nearby territories is a must-visit tourist destination in Varkala.

Location: Anchuthengu, Kerala.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM, every day.

Price: No entry fee.

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If you are looking to explore the traditional culture of Kerala and want to understand authentic art forms of the state, you must pay a visit to the Varkala Culture Center near the north cliff. The spectacularly designed building hosts a cultural evening every evening during the tourist season which consists of dance performances in the authentic Kathakali style by artists well-trained in the art form.

The whole experience is one of its kind and transports you to an otherworldly dimension. You can also enjoy the martial prowess of Kalaripayattu masters here.

Location: Near North Cliff, Varkala, Kerala.

Timings: 6.30 AM to 9 PM, every day.

Price: INR 250 per person.

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The Kilimanoor palace hosts paintings and artwork created by one of the most famous artists that took birth in Kerala, Raja Ravi Varma. Spread over 15 hectares, the palace houses the studio where Raja Ravi Varma spent time creating his magnificent art pieces. The palace is a hub for art history enthusiasts and cultural buffs, because of its connection to the famous painter. besides that, the architectural design of the palace is marvelous and a sight to behold.

Constructed in the traditional residential style of Kerala’s many buildings, the palace is made of small and large buildings, ponds, wells and sacred groves that are fun to explore with your family and friends.

Location: MC/SH 1 Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kilimanoor, Kerala.

Timings: 11.30 AM to 5 PM

Price: No entry fee.

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Visiting Ponnumthuruth Island is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Varkala because it is one of the most beautiful uninhabited islands of Kerala. Spread over 5 hectares and located just 20 from the Varkala, the island offers truly eye-pleasing vistas. The pristine turquoise waters of Akathumuri Lake surround the island and lend the whole island an extremely serene and tranquil feeling. 

Wildlife enthusiasts will find the place a perfect getaway because it is a hub for migratory birds and exotic species of water birds. Religious devotees and cultural buffs can also pay a visit to the 100-year-old Shiva-Parvathi Temple.

Location: Ponnumthuruthu Island, Onnampalam Rd, Nedungada, Vettoor-cherunniyoor, Kerala.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM, every day

Price: No entry fee.

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Varkala is the only place in South India where you can witness the confluence of hills with the sea. Towering, rocky cliffs edging out towards calm waters of the Arabian sea make for the perfect sight to engage in some of the most exciting water sports that you can engage in and one of the most fun things to do in Varkala.

Adventure seekers will find themselves completely at home enjoying jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and some goosebumps-inducing experiences, this is the place to be for you.

Location: Varkala, Kerala

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Price: Jet Skiing - Rs 450 onwards, Parasailing - Rs 1000, Banana Boat ride - Rs 300 onwards.

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Varkala beach and cliff are a ten-minute drive away from the town and provide a peaceful environment to soak in the natural beauty, dig your toes into the sand and experience relaxation like never before. The long, winding stretch of cliffs is lined by tall and beautiful coconut trees on both sides and a paved footpath runs along the entire length.

You can also enjoy various snacks on the cliff and buy a bunch of knick-knacks from handicraft shops. The immaculate Varkala beach can be reached by climbing down the steps from the top of the cliff.

Location: Varkala, Kerala.

Timings: No timing restrictions.

Price: No entry fee.

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For the fashionistas and shopping lovers in you, there is nothing better than grabbing a friend and spend an afternoon in a shopping frenzy in the winding streets of Varkala. The lanes in the city are full of shops that sell everything from hippie clothing, Indian wear, and bamboo products, to Kerala-exclusive perfumes, incense sticks, soaps and oils, and funky jewellery. 

You can also hunt for an array of Tibetan handmade products like musical bowls, flutes, dorjees, prayer flags, and conches. Get some bargain deals and find beautiful and unique products at Varkala.

Location: Varkala, Kerala.

Timings: No timing restrictions.

Price: No entry fee.

If you visit Varkala and don’t go to Café Del Mar – your holiday in the state will forever remain incomplete. Famous among locals and tourists alike, the café is a hotspot around the area for its excellent food and professional services. The café features candlelit tables and is therefore the perfect place to spend quality moments with your beloved and enjoy a romantic dinner date.

Coffee lovers will find it particularly delightful – the place is known around the area for serving the best filter coffee. Besides you can also enjoy various international cuisines, pasta, pizzas, stir-fries and fresh seafood here.

Location: Near helipad, north cliff, Varkala, Kerala.

Timings: 7.30 AM to 10.30 PM, every day.

Price: INR 190 - INR 400

If you are a food lover, one of the most fun activities in Varkala is to pay a visit to God’s Own Country Kitchen. Dig into the most delicious food you will ever eat in South India at this gorgeous restaurant. The Indian-international cuisines served will leave you licking your fingers and the spiced fish wrapped in banana leaf is known all over India for its exquisite deliciousness.

You can dine under the open sky at the upper deck and take in the stunning views of the city. Live band performances are organized sometimes to make the dine in experience truly memorable.

Location: Varkala, Kerala.

Timings: 8 AM to 10.30 PM, every day.