Varkala
Top Places to Visit in Varkala
Popular attractions and places to visit in Varkala
Anchuthengu Fort
17th century British East India Company fort surrounded by coconut groves near a working lighthouse.
Janardhana Swamy Temple
2000 year old Vishnu temple on Varkala's cliff, often called the Dakshin Kashi of the south.
Kappil Lake
Scenic estuary near Varkala known for pedal boating and views from the bridge overhead.
North Cliff Market
Cliffside shopping stretch selling raw silk, sarongs, spices, and Tibetan handicrafts.
Papanasam Beach
Sacred beach believed to wash away sins, also known as Varkala Beach, set beneath the red cliffs.
Ponnumthuruthu Golden Island Temple
100 year old Shiva Parvathi temple on a coconut grove island, reached by boat through the backwaters.
Sivagiri Mutt
Ashram founded by social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, hosting his samadhi and annual pilgrimage in December.
Varkala Beach
Stunning cliffside beach with natural springs and laid-back vibes.
Varkala Cliff
Red laterite cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, lined with cafes, shops, and yoga retreats.
Varkala Lighthouse
Lighthouse near Anjengo Fort offering panoramic coastal and coconut field views, best visited at golden hour.
Best Time to Visit Varkala
Plan your trip around the right season
Why visit
Calm seas and low humidity make cliff walks, beach time, and Janardhanaswami temple visits very comfortable. Best window for swimming at Papanasam Beach.
Keep in mind
December and January bring more tourists to the cliff area. Rates go up and the beach gets busier.
Why visit
Quieter than winter peak. Mornings on the cliff are still pleasant.
Keep in mind
Humidity climbs toward June. Sea conditions get rougher.
Why visit
Very quiet with fewer tourists. Cliff greenery is at its best.
Keep in mind
Rough southwest monsoon seas make swimming unsafe. Most water activities stop.
How to Reach Varkala
Intercity connectivity and travel options
Varkala Sivagiri railway station is on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam line. Trivandrum airport (~55 km) is the nearest. NH66 connects Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam via Varkala.
Getting Around Varkala
Local transport and practical tips
Local transport
Autos from Varkala railway station to the cliff (~3 km). Walking along the cliff promenade. Scooter rentals available on the cliff for beach-hopping.
Best Areas to Stay in Varkala
Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip
Alleppey – Kumarakom canal belts
Houseboat morningsPickup jetties stay predictable when resorts coordinate timings.
Town-centre homestays
Food explorersThali breakfasts before toddy-shop cycling afternoons.
Beach cliff pockets (where applicable)
Sunset walkersSea breezes break inland humidity spikes.