THINGS TO DO IN VARKALA –

A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE

Tourist destinations and activities to explore include:

Places

There are several beaches, restaurants, and places to visit in Varkala that are suitable for every type of traveller. The Papanasam Beach, also called the Varkala Beach, is one of the most popular spots. Against a backdrop of red stone cliffs, pilgrims and tourists perform religious ceremonies by the seaside. The water is believed to wash off sins.

You can also head to Kappil Beach along a 7-km-long trail to enjoy the ocean scenery. Surrounded by palm and coconut trees and the endless stretch of the ocean, lapping gently against the sand, Kappil Beach is the perfect sun-downer destination.

The Paravoor Mangrove forest, located a short distance from Varkala, is also excellent if you want to try your hand at kayaking. Explore the glorious backwaters of Kerala, surrounded by nature, culture, and peace.

Shopping

No holiday feels complete without a little shopping spree. If you want to indulge in some retail therapy while in Varkala, read on to find out the must-buys of the town.

1. Handloom Clothing

The town offers a beautiful collection of stunning, sustainable handloom clothing, weaving grace and craftsmanship in every fibre and fabric. If you are at a loss looking at the wide variety, traditional Kasavu sarees with zari borders are a great option. Visit Shalimar Weaves and Asparagus for a stunning selection of clothing to take home with you.

2. Coconut Products

Coconut fibres are woven to make coir, which can be used to make eco-friendly bags, mats, wall hangings, baskets, and home decor items. These are abundant at small shops dotted across the town. You can find boots made of coconut leather, which will surely be an exclusive addition to your wardrobe.

3. Jewellery and Gems

You can find a wide variety of both traditional and contemporary jewellery in Varkala. Gold and sterling silver jewellery, oxidised everyday pieces, and unique gemstones make for excellent souvenirs.

4. Local Handicrafts

The local art, handicraft, and artisan markets are tourist attractions in Varkala by themselves. Find decorative pottery, carved wooden sculptures and figurines, and paintings depicting local landscapes in Varkala’s regional markets. Visit the North Cliff and markets near Janardhana Swamy Temple to pick up some souvenirs.

Signature Cuisine

One of the top things to do in Varkala is to try local Keralaite cuisine, distinguished by fresh spices, mouth-watering seafood, and the taste of coconut. Try traditional dishes like dosa with sambar and chutney, appam with stew, and puttu and kadala curry. For seafood enthusiasts, prawn curry and fish moilee are not to be missed. Sreepadman, located near the Janardhana Swamy temple, is the perfect restaurant for an unequalled and authentic Kerala-style dining experience.

Alongside local delicacies, Varkala has a selection of cafes where you can dine. The Trip is Life Cafe, ABBA Restaurant, and Darjeeling Cafe offer breathtaking sights and mouth-watering food. The range of cuisine options will suit every traveller in Varkala.

Temples

Temples are among the chief places to visit in Varkala, steeped in cultural richness. Coming face to face with the history, style, legends, and festivals of each temple makes for a deeply immersive experience.

1. Janardhana Swamy Temple

With 2000 years of history, the Janardhana Swamy temple is indisputably the most famous temple and the top tourist attraction in Varkala. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it attracts devotees from all corners of the country. Marvel at the intricate Dravidian architecture and carved ceilings, and lose yourself in the evening prayers. Plan your trip in March or April to celebrate the local Arattu festival at the temple.

Timing: 4:00 am to 12:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm daily

2. Sivagiri Mutt

Sivagiri Mutt is the final resting place of King Sree Narayana Guru, the revered social reformer. Spread across an impressive 200 acres and atop the Sivagiri Hill, the mutt is known for the samadhi and the Sivagiri pilgrimage that takes place every year. Each year, devotees gather to celebrate the birth and passing of their spiritual guide. It also has a temple devoted to Goddess Saraswati.

Timing: 5:00 am - 12:00 pm, 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm

3. Sarkara Devi Temple

Located in Chirayinkeezhu, about 15 kilometres from Varkala, the Sarkara Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. It is named after Sarkara, or molasses, drawing from a well-known legend of the goddess. The bronze roof, several beautiful idols, and a compound with majestic elephants make this temple a stunning sight. The Kaliyoot festival, celebrated in March, is a good time to visit.

Timing: 6:00 am - 11:00 am, 4:00 om - 8:00 pm.

Looking to experience more of this charming town? Worry not for Varkala does not run out of places to visit, festivals to celebrate, and things to see.

Explore Varkala’s Historical & Natural Wonders

Some of the heritage sites and attractions include:

1. Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse

Built by the British East India Company in 1696, Anjego (or Anchuthengu) Fort is an old colonial relic. Its history is marked by the pursuits of the British, Portuguese, Dutch, and even Haider Ali, the Mysore King. For local groups, the Anjengo Fort is a symbol of nationalism and collective action against the British Empire.

Close to the fort is the Anjengo Lighthouse, with a spellbinding view from the top. Located close to the sea and backwaters, surrounded by coconut groves, Anjengo will be a delightful stop for both history buffs and shutterbugs.

Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

2. Kilimanoor Palace

A short drive from Varkala is Kilimanoor Palace, the birthplace of the great Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. Built by the royal family of Travancore in the early 18th century, the palace features grand courtyards and tiled roofs. It is constructed with locally sourced materials, adding regional flair to the mansion. Kilimanoor is also home to Raja Ravi Varma’s Chitrashala studio, filled with the art tools and easels believed to be used by him.

Timing: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

3. Bioluminescent Beaches

If you drop by Varkala beach after sunset, you might be lucky and get a glimpse of bioluminescence. Take a walk along the coastline while witnessing the sea come alive with an aquamarine glow. The best time to witness this phenomenon is between November and February, when bioluminescent plankton light up the coastal waters with a magical glow.

Timing: After nightfall in the winter months

The city is also known for various events, such as:

1. Arattu Festival

A ten-day celebration held at the Janardhana Swamy temple, Arattu, is not to be missed. The town decks itself in vibrant colours and fresh blooms during the festival. Elephant processions, ceremonial baths of Lord Vishnu, kodiyettu or flag hoisting, and Kathakali performances bring cadence to the city’s rhythm. You can plan your travel dates around witnessing this grand celebration of Keralite culture.

2. Sivagiri Pilgrimage

The annual Sivagiri pilgrimage (theerthadanam), observed towards the end of the year, sees thousands of pilgrims cloaked in yellow gathering at the Sivagiri Mutt, paying their respects to Sree Narayana Guru. It is a celebration of the life and teachings of the Guru and a festival for deep spiritual reflection.

3. Varkala International Surfing Festival

The International Surfing Festival, organised by the Kerala Tourism Department in Varkala, is absolutely one of a kind for Varkala tourism. It takes place during the summer and you can participate and compete in various surfing categories.

With its long stretches of tranquil beaches, beautiful sunsets, and small-town charm, Varkala is a great destination for a vacation where you can truly unwind. A stay at Gateway Varkala, one of the top hotels in Varkala, can elevate your trip from pleasant to perfect.

Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea and surrounded by Kerala’s famed green landscapes, Gateway Varkala offers spacious rooms, luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and a range of culinary delights around the clock at the Coastal Kitchen. Relax by the swimming pool, indulge in a variety of sports, or decompress at the Ayurveda Centre. Gateway Varkala will surely leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return.