Varkala is a town in the state of Kerala and it lies near the Arabian Sea. It is quite famous amongst the tourists for its beaches, palm trees, red cliffs, and other historical places. It is said that the water of some of these beaches has medicinal qualities and is also quite sacred amongst tourists. Therefore, one can find many Ayurveda centers that have been set up in these areas. These are some of the best places to visit in Varkala that you can find in this article.
Most of these beaches are still uninhabited and therefore, they offer you something new and exciting. One can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and spending the evening time while witnessing the sunset. There are many temples and mutt to visit at this place and it is also a great place for those who love to shop. From raw silk fabrics to coffee, Varkala has something for every kind of visitor.
Some facts about Varkala
| Climate | moderate humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius |
| Best time to visit | October to February |
| Major attractions | Varkala Beach, Kappil Lake, Anchuthengu And Anjengo Fort, Sivagiri Mutt, Balimandapam, Varkala Lighthouse, Kappil Beach, Ponnumthuruthu Island, Janardana Swami Temple, Odayam Beach, Edava Vettakkada Beach, etc. |
| Activities to do | Boating, swimming, sunbathing, shopping, photography, Coastal walking, picnic by the water, sightseeing, bird-watching, etc. |
| Nearest Railway Station | Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station |
| Nearest Airport | Trivandrum International Airport |
| Elevation | 58m |
| Best way to reach | The railway station is just 2km away from Varkala and the airport is 55km away. One can take a taxi or a cab or even public transport to reach here. |
| Languages spoken | Malayalam, English |
Best places to visit in Varkala
The above-mentioned facts and information shall help you get the best out of your Varkala visit. Now let us have a look at the most important and beautiful places that you must visit in Varkala:
Varkala Beach
You cannot skip visiting Varkala Beach while you are in Varkala. It is one of the most famous places in Varkala to start your journey with and it is also a quite popular tourist destination in Kerala. It is not inhabited by people and most of its flora and fauna are still unexplored. The greenery, the spas, and many other kinds of water activities make this a must-visit place.
This beach was also ranked as one of the top 10 seasonal beaches in the world by Discovery Channel. Tourists skin enjoys many kinds of activities such as swimming, bathing, and weaving at the sunset. It also has many Ayurvedic centers that offer you one of the best kinds of treatments and therapies.
Kappil Lake and Beach
If you love boating and sightseeing then Kappil Lake is a perfect place for you. The serene and quiet atmosphere of the lake on the beach is something that many people want to experience while they are on vacation. The lake is just 6 km from the main town of Varkala and one can rent a boat to explore the nearby areas.
The Beach is not very big but the sands, palm trees, the cliffs together create beautiful landscapes that are quite pleasing to the heart and the eyes. It is located at a distance of 7 km from Varkala and this place has not been explored by many tourists as this is one of the lesser-known places in Kerala.
Ponnumthuruthu Island
It is a very beautiful and gorgeous island that is easily accessible by boat and it is located at a distance of 10 km from Varkala town. It is quite a peaceful place from where sunset viewing is a great experience to include on your bucket list. It has varieties of flora and fauna and is a heaven for people who love to watch birds.
There is also a very famous Shiva Parvati temple here and it is located in between coconut trees. The Island is located at a distance of 7 km from Varkala railway station and is also known as Golden Island. This island is also not inhabited by people and therefore, most of its flora and fauna lie in their natural and original state.
Sivagiri Mutt
When you are tired of exploring the beaches and islands of Varkala, visit this place for tranquillity and peace. It is a very popular sightseeing destination and it is an ashram of Sree Narayana Guru who is believed to have gained enlightenment here.
It is also a very popular pilgrimage center where devotees from around the place visit during December and January month. Sivgiri Mutt is spread over an area of 200 acres and it remains open from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and in the evening from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Janardana Swami Temple
It is believed that this temple is almost 2000 years old and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple itself is located on a hill and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Varkala. There is also a banyan tree inside the premises of the temple. The inner sanctum sanctorum cannot be visited by non-Hindus but they can explore the outer area and nearby places.
To experience the true beauty of this temple, try to visit this place during the Arato festival which is celebrated in the month of March or April. It is a 10-day festival where you can witness traditional dances and many other colorful processions.
Odayam Beach
It is located very close to Varkala and it offers many kinds of activities such as boating, sightseeing, and swimming. It is also one of the lesser-known beaches in Kerala that is covered with black-colored sand.
There is peace, beauty, and many fun-related activities for the tourists here. The local fishermen mix up with the tourists to guide them and help them explore the area. It is open from 6 AM to 6 PM every day and there is no entry fee for the same.
Varkala Lighthouse
It was built in 1684 by the Britishers to help them with ship navigation. Today, the lighthouse offers a splendid view of the nearby coasts and beaches. Also, it is a great place for photographers as it offers a holistic view from the top. It is almost 130 m high and one has to climb almost 250 stairs to get that gorgeous view.
The lighthouse is open just for two hours and one must enquire about the timings before visiting this place. One can reach here via bus or a hired taxi. Generally, it is open from 3 PM to 5 PM and a proper visit and sightseeing from this place may require almost 45 minutes. The grand Arabian Sea is also visible from the top of the lighthouse.
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Frequently asked questions about Varkala
How can I go to Varkala by flight?
While there is no airport in Varkala, the nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram which is almost 40km from Varkala.
What is the specialty of Varkala?
Varkala is known for its unexplored and less crowded beaches and islands.
What is the district of Varkala?
Varkala is a small city that lies in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Which place is better, Varkala or Kovalam?
Varkala has much better, wider beaches than Kovalam. It is also less crowded and peaceful.
Which is the nearest Railway Station to Varkala?
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Varkala and the only direct train to this junction is the Kanyakumari Express.
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