Tourist Attractions in Varkala
Explore Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach, temples, spiritual landmarks, nearby beaches, and backwater experiences.
Varkala Travel Guide
Varkala stands out for its red laterite cliffs, Arabian Sea views, beaches, temples, yoga, and Ayurveda. It works especially well as a relaxed coastal stop before or after Kerala’s backwaters.
Explore Varkala
Varkala at a Glance
Best Time to Visit Varkala
Winter offers the most comfortable conditions for beaches, sightseeing, and outdoor activities in Varkala.
How to Reach Varkala
Review flight, rail and road connections before planning your final transfer to Varkala.
What to Explore in Varkala
Build Your Stay Around the Coast, Culture, and Wellness
Varkala Cliff
Walk along Varkala’s cliff-top promenade for Arabian Sea views, cafés, yoga spaces, and sunsets. It is the defining landscape of the destination.
Papanasam Beach
Spend time on Varkala’s main beach below the cliffs. The beach also has religious significance and is associated with traditional rituals.
Janardhana Swamy Temple
Visit this historic Vishnu temple to add a cultural and spiritual experience to your beach stay. Modest clothing is appropriate when visiting.
Sivagiri Mutt
Explore the spiritual center associated with social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. It provides a quieter cultural experience away from the main beach area.
Kappil Beach & Lake
Head north of Varkala to see a landscape where the backwaters and coast come close together. Boating and scenic views are the main reasons to visit.
Anchuthengu Fort
Add this coastal heritage stop if you want history alongside the beaches. The fort reflects Varkala’s wider maritime past.
Best Time to Visit Varkala
October to May is generally the more comfortable touring period. Trekking, festival travel and monsoon road conditions can change which month works best for your priority attractions.
Best overall windowDecember to February
Cooler weather
easier road travel
easier road travel
BestDecember to FebruaryPleasant winter conditions make this the easiest period for beach time, sightseeing, temples, cliff walks, and outdoor activities.
GoodMarch to MayTemperatures and humidity rise. Plan beach walks and sightseeing for mornings and evenings rather than the middle of the day.
MonsoonJune to NovemberExpect frequent rain and higher humidity. The landscape is greener, but rough seas can limit swimming, water sports, and beach activities.
How to Reach Varkala
Dimapur is the main transport gateway. Kohima is the practical first sightseeing base, while Mokokchung and Mon need more road time and should be added deliberately.
Main arrival pointsEasy to Combine With Southern Kerala
Air + rail arrival
road onward
road onward
By airThiruvananthapuram International Airport is the main air gateway, around 54 km from Varkala. Continue by private transfer or taxi.
By railVarkala Sivagiri Railway Station is around 2 km from the cliff area and connects Varkala with major cities and other Kerala destinations.
By road Varkala connects easily by road with Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kovalam, and other parts of Kerala. It can also fit naturally into a longer coastal and backwater itinerary.
Your trip, your pace
Planning a Varkala Trip? Build It Around the Kind of Beach Holiday You Want
Tell us whether you prefer a relaxed resort stay, Ayurveda, yoga, beach time, cultural sightseeing, or a wider Kerala journey. Our travel experts can shape the itinerary around your preferred pace.
Varkala Tour Packages
Explore Varkala Your Way
Kerala Beach Tour with Kanyakumari
Trivandrum – Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Varkala – Trivandrum
Price on Request View itinerary
Coast to Mountain Tour
Mumbai – Trivandrum – Kovalam – Cape Comorin – Kovalam – Varkala – Kumarakom – Thekkady – Munnar – Cochin
Price on Request View itinerary
Majestic Kerala Tour with Mumbai
Mumbai – Mangalore – Bekal – Wayanad – Kozhikode – Cochin – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Quilon – Varkala – Kovalam
Price on Request View itinerary
Beautiful Nest and Backwater Tour
Mumbai – Trivandrum – Kovalam – Varkala – Kumarakom – Periyar – Kottayam – Alleppey – Cochin – Calicut – Ooty – Mysore – Bangalore – Mumbai
Price on Request View itinerary
Why IndianHoliday
What Sets Us Apart
Varkala works best when the beach stay fits naturally into the wider Kerala route. We focus on comfortable pacing, practical transfers, and enough free time to enjoy the coast rather than treating it as another sightseeing stop.
Experience that improves the route
Indian Holiday has planned journeys since 1990, giving our team the experience to build routes around real travel times—not just points on a map.
A trip shaped around your pace
Tell us your dates, interests and preferred pace. Our travel experts shape the itinerary around them instead of forcing you into a fixed template.
Recognized by the Ministry of Tourism
Indian Holiday is recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Two-time National Tourism Award winner
Indian Holiday has received the National Tourism Award twice, adding an independent trust signal to its long operating history.
FAQs
What to Know Before Visiting Varkala
What is the best mode of travel to reach Ernakulam?
Traveling by train is one of the easiest ways to reach Ernakulam, as the city is well-connected to major Indian cities. Cochin International Airport, around 30 km away, is another convenient option. You can also reach Ernakulam by bus or taxi.
What is Ernakulam Broadway?
Broadway is one of Ernakulam’s oldest and busiest shopping streets, located near Marine Drive. It is famous for its traditional markets, where you can shop for spices, clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, household items, and souvenirs.
What are the best places to see in Ernakulam?
Some of the best places to visit in Ernakulam include Marine Drive, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Folklore Museum, Cherai Beach, and Ernakulathappan Temple. You can also explore Broadway Market and nearby Fort Kochi for shopping and sightseeing.
How many days are enough for exploring Ernakulam?
Two to three days are enough to explore Ernakulam’s main attractions, enjoy waterfront walks, visit museums, and shop at local markets. You can also include a trip to nearby Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.
Which is the nearest railway station to Ernakulam?
Ernakulam Junction (Ernakulam South) and Ernakulam Town (Ernakulam North) are the city’s two main railway stations. Both connect Ernakulam with major destinations across Kerala and other parts of India. Choose the station closest to where you’re staying.
Can I travel to Ernakulam during monsoon season?
Yes, you can visit Ernakulam during the monsoon season, from June to September. The rains make the surroundings greener, but heavy showers may affect sightseeing, boat rides, and outdoor activities. Carry an umbrella or raincoat and keep your travel plans flexible.
Ready to Plan Your Varkala Beach Stay?
Combine Varkala’s cliffs, beaches, wellness, and cultural experiences with the Kerala destinations that fit your time and travel style.