Places to Visit in Varkala

About 5 km away from Varkala beach is a unique red stone cliff that is popular amongst Varkala tourist places. The Cliff is filled with excellent restaurants to cherish wholesome cuisine from across the world. It is especially famous for freshly caught fish preparations. This busy location has a local flea market with souvenir shops. With a paranoiac view of the beach and the coastline, the hues of the fantastic sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed over a cup of coffee. 

About 12 km south of Varkala is the lush, secluded island of Ponnumthuruthu perfect for a secluded trip. The gateway to the island is a 30-minute tour through the backwaters from Nedunganda. At Nedunganda, the starting point is peculiar — the jetty and the walkway to the ferry are made up of coconut husk, mud and the waste of choir.

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.

Built by the Portuguese Missionaries, Saint Sebastian's Pilgrim Church Mongode is one of the religious places to visit in Varkala. Found on the banks of the backwaters of Varkala, with the dreamy ambience and serene location, this pilgrim centre for Christians is known for the procession of Saint Sebastian.

Varkala Aquarium, located near the Black Beach in Varkala, Kerala, is a three-story attraction perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts. The aquarium houses a variety of freshwater and marine species, including angelfish, arowanas, clownfish, and piranhas, displayed in well-maintained tanks.

One of its highlights is the unique spiral staircase, which offers visitors different angles to admire the aquatic life as they explore each level. The experience is made even more exciting with an in-house 3D theater that showcases the wonders of the underwater world.

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.

Navigating through the coastal villages of Kerala and at a distance of 15 km from Varkala is the Chilakoor Beach. The beach is dotted with some good resorts to make the stay more comfortable.The spectacular journey through villages is a precursor to the enchanting views that the casuarina groves engulfing the beach bring to the visitors. 

One could watch time slow down while the golden rim of the horizon wears the serene atmosphere as the sun escapes to a new day lingering the essence of the warm evening near the beach.

Location: Aliyirakkam, Chilakoor Beach, Varkala, Kerala 695141.

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

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.

Fringed with casuarina trees, located near Bekal Fort in Kasaragod, Kappil Beach is a gorgeous stretch of vacant shoreline almost like a private beach location. There are no public shacks or stalls. Amid the Arabian sea rushing on the rocks and the almost still white sands,  one could just lay down or play a few beach games.

With clear waters and uninhabited atmosphere, visitors came to Kappil Beach to relax or just submerge into the water. The beach is accessible by prime resorts in the area. Seasonally, Kayaking is hosted on the Beach. 

Location: Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695141, India.

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

Located on the Varkala Beach is the beautiful site of Balimandapam, one of the popular pilgrim locations amongst Varkala tourist places. Balimandapam facilitates pilgrims to perform Vavubali ritual at Papanasam.  Vavubali rituals are performed by individuals on the vavubali day to appease the spirit of their ancestors. The centre is popular during the Karkitakam(July-August) when hundreds of devotees visit the shrine.

Edava Beach, located in Varkala, Kerala, is a peaceful coastal retreat surrounded by lush palm trees and clear waters. The beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with activities like swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. Local surf schools provide lessons and equipment rentals, making it a great spot for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

The beach is also renowned for its stunning sunsets, where the sky is painted with vibrant hues. Photographers will find plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the ocean and palm-lined shores. The breathtaking sunsets also offer a perfect setting, making it an ideal destination for both nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

About 2000 years old, the Janardhana Swami Temple is located on a steep hill at the entrance of the beach road. Facing the Papanasam beach, the temples’ proximity to the sacred water adds to the spiritual context.The temple reeks of architectural splendour and aesthetic appeal. The sanctum sanctorum is spectacular - it is circular, surmounted by copper sheets in a conical dome shape and wooden carvings of the nine planets on the ceiling.

The Odayam Beach lies a few km ahead of Thiruvambadi beach and Cliff Beach. About 2kms away from the Varkala beach is this small oasis of splendour.

Anjengo Fort, also known as Anchuthengu Fort, is a historic 17th-century fort located near Varkala in Kerala. Built by the British East India Company in 1695, it served as their first trading post and played a crucial role in the spice trade and military strategy. 

The fort witnessed the Attingal Rebellion, Kerala’s first uprising against British rule. Surrounded by scenic beauty, the well-preserved fort features laterite walls, bastions, and colonial structures. Nearby attractions include the Anjengo Lighthouse, St. Sebastian's Pilgrim Church and a Dutch cemetery, offering visitors both historical charm and stunning coastal views.

Varkala Beach is a sublime landscape with natural spring water. It is a beautiful stretch of sand renowned for its solitude. At the backdrop of crystal blue waters is the unique cliffs with sedimentary formation peaks. Sunsets at the Varkala Beach are pristine and excellent for a peaceful walk or a game of football along the beach. 

This beach is one of the adventures places to visit in Varkala with access to water sports like paragliding and surfing amongst others.The beach is also called as 'Papanasham' which means to wash away sins and the sacred water at Varkala is said to have medicinal and curative properties. 

It is therefore believed that a dip in the beach cleanses the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Apart from the cliff, the beach also hosts the Balimandapam. The landscape can be enjoyed by the resorts found all across the location.

Location: Varkala Beach Rd, Varkala, Kerala.

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

Spread over 200 acres of hilly terrain, the Sivagiri Mutt is placed on a high platform and is the only quaint holy places to visit in Varkala. It has provided spiritual sustenance to thousands of people over the years. The Sivagiri Hills, where the Sivagiri Mutt is located, was selected by Sree Narayana Guru to create the commune after he fell in love with the vast landscape and ambience of Varkala. 

The teaching of the Guru include that of a singular faith, i.e. one caste, one religion and one God. The disciples and followers of the Guru run the headquarters of Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham at the Sivagiri Mutt. This pilgrim centre has the Samadhi of the Guru and an elementary school which was created to bridge caste lines. 

The octagonal shape Saradha (Saraswathi) Temple resonates with the teaching, the prayers can be recited as per the devotees' preference- some choose sacred hymns, other chants. With the lessons and spiritual ambience, the vibe of the place is magical. 

The Mutt is heavily visited during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage on December 30th - January 1st and during Gurus Birthday and Samadhi in August and September. Pilgrims from different parts of Kerala gather at the Samadhi dressed in yellow shades.

Location: Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695141

Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

For perfect seclusion, Thiruvambadi Beach is one of the pleasant places to visit in Varkala.Thiruvambadi or the Black Sand Beach is located 1 km off Thiruvambadi Road, adjacent to the North Cliff. The serene ambience of the clam location makes it an ideal picnic spot and a weekend gateway to unwind and relax.

With no disturbances, the gentle undulating tides, the lust coconut grooves swaying across and charismatic, friendly locals help visitors rejuvenate. This Beach makes for a perfect escape from the rush and hush of the permeate urban life.

Location: Thiruvambadi, Kurakkanni - Odayam road, Varkala, Kerala 695141.

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

At Kappil Lake, the tranquil ambience without deterioration of the world can soothe the nerves, and the views can redeem calmness from urban life. The lake is bordered by lush green fanning coconut groves trees. This serene estuary steam cascades gently into the wide Arabian Sea. 

The picturesque views include that of a bridge built across the lake that faces the charming envelopes of the sun-kissed blue horizon and that of the locals engrossed in fishing using small exotic country vessels like boats alongside the coconut grove island marking a magical interaction of land and water. 

Located at a distance of 8 km north of Varkala, Kappil Lake is a place where backwaters and beach walk hand in hand. Visitors can take a small 30-minute boat ride to absorb the natural beauty and one of the serene places to visit in Varkala.

Location: Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695141, India.

Timings: 12:00 am to 10:00 pm.