Golden sand beaches with a backdrop of a high cliff, paved with towering coconut trees, cosy cafes and an absolutely stunning view of the Arabian Sea. This is Varkala - a small coastal town in the Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala.
Once a quiet, laid-back beach town, Varkala is fast becoming a popular tourist destination and a hub for backpackers. Imagine a holiday filled with stunning sunsets, yoga, relaxing ayurvedic treatments and delicious food - Varkala is where you want to go.
Things to do in Varkala
Varkala has a few charming beaches, including the popular Varkala Beach and the pristine Kappil Beach. The serenity of this coastal town draws many tourists looking for yoga and meditation retreats.
1. Varkala Beach
The prime attraction in town and also the only cliff beach in Kerala, Varkala Beach is a must visit. It is nestled at the bottom of the cliff and can be reached by steps leading down from the cliff top. Did you know that the beach is renowned for a natural spring? It is said to have medicinal properties that can cure diseases and cleanse the soul of sins. Enjoy a relaxing sea breeze while you watch the orange hues of the setting sun over the Arabian Sea.
2. Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse
Located about 30 minutes from Varkala, Anjengo (or 'Anjuthengu') Fort and Lighthouse offer a visual treat along with a slice of history. Built in the 17th century by the British East India Company, it served as the first signalling station for ships arriving from Britain. Legend has it that a small piece of land with five coconut trees was given to the British on rent by the Queen of Attingal, and that is how the fort got its name - 'Anjuthengu' meaning five coconut palms. Enjoy the calming salty breeze and splendid sea views from the 130-feet tall lighthouse. Certainly worth a visit
3. Surfing in Varkala
Owing to its less touristy beaches and perfect, mellow waves, Varkala is the ideal place to begin your surfing journey. Sign up at one of the surfing schools for some thrilling surfing lessons. Some of the well-known surfing clubs include Moon Waves Surf School, Soul & Surf India and Drifters Surf Club.
5. Janardhana Swami Temple
Besides from holidayers looking for a beach vacation, Varkala also attracts many Hindu devotees to the 200-year old Janardhana Swami Temple. The temple is located on the cliff, overlooking Varkala Beach. With its high arched entrance and tiled roof, the Vaishnavite shrine is admired for its remarkable architecture.
5. Attend Yoga Classes
Kerala is known for its yoga centres and Varkala has plenty of studios and ashrams to choose from. Surrounded by serene natural beauty, experience relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul with the help of some of the most trained teachers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, there is something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit
Varkala weather is quite hot, humid and generally the same throughout the year. However, November to February is when the slightly cooler sea breeze dominates the beach town. If you would rather have fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation, October and March are good months to consider.
How to Reach Varkala
Set in Thiruvananthapuram District, Varkala is some 40 km from Thiruvananthapuram city and 25 km from Kollam. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 55 km from the town. Local buses and taxis are easily available from here. The Varkala-Sivagiri Railway Station is well-connected to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) and other cities in Kerala.
AV TIP: Two-wheelers are readily available for rent across Varkala and auto-rickshaws are abundant as well.
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