Explore Varkala
Our favourite places to eat, swim, wander and day-trip around Varkala - and the people to call for a scooty or a car.
Getting around
A scooty is the easiest way to get around Varkala. These are people we know and trust.
Nearest railway station: Varkala Sivagiri, a short auto ride from the cliff. Trivandrum International Airport is roughly 1.5 hours away by car.
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Eat & drink
Cafés, beach shacks and local Kerala food.
Cafe Trip Is Life
Our pickOur favourite sunset café - coffee with a view, near the South Cliff beach steps.
Suntra Cafe
Go-to for North Indian food.
Beaches & sights
Beaches, cliffs and landmarks around Varkala.
North Cliff and Helipad
Our pickSuper vibey at sunset and late evening, and even better at night. Park near the helipad and explore - a different café every day.
South Cliff Beach
Quiet beach for morning walks - the way down is from Cafe Sarwaa or Cafe Trip Is Life.
Kappil Beach
Our pickThe most resplendent view in Varkala - and kayaking on the backwaters.
Papanasam Beach
Our pickThe main beach below the cliff. Swim only between the lifeguard flags - the currents are strong.
Black Beach
After 1 AM, look for bioluminescence in the waves - completely hit-or-miss, if you're lucky!
Varkala Aquarium
Takes 30-40 minutes to go around, and it's worth it - good before sunset.
Anchuthengu Fort and Lighthouse
Ruins of a 17th-century British fort, next to a lighthouse you can climb for views along the coast.
Golden Island (Ponnumthuruthu)
Small island in Anchuthengu lake with an old temple, reached by a short boat ride.
Janardhana Swamy Temple
Ancient Vishnu temple just above Papanasam Beach. Dress modestly.
Odayam Beach
Calm, uncrowded beach north of the cliff - good for a slow walk away from the crowds.
Sivagiri Mutt
Ashram and resting place of the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, on a hill in Varkala town.
Things to do
Surfing, yoga, backwaters and more.
Kayaking on Kappil backwaters
Our pickPaddle through the quiet Kappil backwaters - early morning is the calmest.
Mangroves
A morning among the mangroves - pairs well with Kappil Beach.
Sandy Bay
The party spot on Black Sand Beach. The crowd gets better after 10:30-11 PM, and it's close to House of Fursat.
Surf lessons
Our pickBeginner-friendly waves in season (roughly October to April). Surf schools on the cliff offer lessons and board rental.
Ayurvedic massage
Varkala is full of Ayurveda centres. Pick one with Kerala Tourism's Green Leaf or Olive Leaf certification.
Cliff-top yoga
Drop-in classes run morning and evening at yoga shalas along the cliff.
Kathakali show
Short evening shows explain the make-up and hand gestures before the performance. Ask your host for this week's timings.
Day trips
Worth a full day out - go early and come back for sunset.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Trivandrum's famous Vishnu temple. Only Hindus may enter, with a strict dress code (dhoti for men, saree or long skirt for women).
Jatayu Earth's Center
Our pickHilltop park with a giant sculpture of the bird Jatayu, reached by cable car.
Munroe Island
Quiet backwater islands near Kollam, best explored by country boat or canoe.
Napier Museum
19th-century museum of art and history in Trivandrum's museum and zoo grounds.
Poovar Island
Our pickBoat rides through backwaters and mangroves to a golden sand bar where the river meets the sea.
Map
Tap a pin for directions.
Day plans
Your plan
Tap My plan on any place above to build your own list here - then copy it, with Google Maps directions, to your notes or WhatsApp.
Ready-made plans
Not sure where to start? Borrow one of ours.
A day with us
Best for: First-timers
- MorningMangroves → Kappil Beach → Edava Beach (Edava optional)
- AfternoonLunch back at House of Fursat or at Avanthika Seafood. If there's time before sunset, the Varkala aquarium takes 30-40 mins to go around, and it's worth it.
- EveningSunset at Cafe Trip Is Life or Cafe Sarwaa (coffee + sunset; you can do both - we like Trip Is Life more, but check them both). After sunset, head to North Cliff: park near the helipad and explore - it's better at night. Must check out: Darjeeling Cafe and Cafe Del Mar. From 8 PM: God's Own Country Kitchen for live singing.
- NightFrom 10:30-11 PM: Sandy Bay (the crowd gets better later; close to House of Fursat). After 1 AM: Black Sand Beach for bioluminescence (completely hit-or-miss, if you're lucky!). Tip: don't follow the timings too strictly - let the day flow.