Perched along the edge of towering cliffs, Varkala has a more bohemian vibe than any of Kerala’s other gems. Its laidback seaside town vibe aside, Varkala is a really simple temple town at heart. It is easy to let the days turn into weeks as you lose yourself in this charming destination’s beauty.
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Varkala
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Varkala Tour Packages by Taj Holidays
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Janardhana Temple
Janardhana Temple
The Janardhana Temple is the main star in this temple town. Presiding over Beach Road, this two thousand-year-old structure is an inspiring spectacle, with bursts of colour adorning its exterior. The temple grounds have a sprawling banyan tree and shrines to Ayyappan, Hanuman and other deities.
Sivagiri Mutt
Sivagiri Mutt
A popular pilgrimage site, Sivagiri Mutt is the headquarters of the Shri Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust, an ashram devoted to Kerala’s most prominent sage, Shri Narayana Guru. The resident swami is reputedly an incredible source of knowledge, and is always open to intriguing conversations.
Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is a haven for sunbathers and those who enjoy being in the water. There are rustic cliff-side establishments at which you can sample seafood fresh from the ocean as you appreciate and soak in a mesmerising sunset.
Go Organic
Go Organic
The Khadi Store in Varkala has a collection not just of beautiful clothes made from khadi, but also a range of natural and organic food products such as honey and oils. Ethnic paper and leather curios as well as lovely pottery may also allure you to take a piece of Varkala back with you.
Browse Through Beach Bazaars
Browse Through Beach Bazaars
Take a break from sunbathing or frolicking in the water, and stop by at the little shops lining the coast. Fascinating souvenirs and artefacts can be found here. Items crafted using coir and carved horns are among some signature designs that are a must-buy.
Treat yourself to Tibetan crafts
Treat yourself to Tibetan crafts
Varkala has shops that sell traditional jewellery as well as ornaments and local attire from the North. Pick up some of these delights for yourself or your home, and gift some to your loved ones.
Unearth Hidden Gems
Unearth Hidden Gems
You will find shops in Varkala selling gorgeous traditional jewellery as well as ornaments and local attire from Tibet. Pick up some of these delights for yourself or to gift to your loved ones.
Cruise Placid Waters
Cruise Placid Waters
Fringed by coconut trees, the serene Kappil Lake meanders gracefully before merging with the Arabian Sea. The best way to enjoy the beauty of this tranquil lake is to hire a boat and glide across the placid surface, soaking in the magic of being surrounded by nature.
Explore The Backwaters
Explore The Backwaters
The pretty Ponnumthuruthu Island stands pretty in the middle of a backwater lake roughly ten kilometres south of Varkala. While you offer prayers at the Shiva-Parvati temple also known as the Golden Temple, the highlight of the trip is the scenic row-boat ride to and around the island.
Ride the waves
at Varkala
Ride the waves
The waves at Varkala’s beaches are great for trying your hand at surfing. They are just high enough to give you a thrill, yet safe enough for you to be out there practising. All you need to do is get in touch with the instructors at Soul and Surf, who will help you conquer the surf in no time.
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Contact for more information :
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Relax at the beach
at Varkala
Relax at the beach
The most popular beach in the area, Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach is the perfect place from which to view brilliant sunsets. Moreover, you will find lovely seafood at the restaurants along this stretch.
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Contact for more information :
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Glide across a tranquil lake
at Varkala
Glide across a tranquil lake
The scenic Kappil Lake, fringed by coconut trees, meanders gracefully and merges into the Arabian Sea. Paddle across its length on a boat to best enjoy the tranquillity of this place, and to leave behind the bustle of crowded tourist spots.
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Contact for more information :
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Buy some honey
at Varkala
Buy some honey
The Khadi Store in Varkala stocks not just beautiful clothes made from khadi, but also a range of food products such as organic honey and oils, as well as paper and leather knick-knacks and some lovely pottery.
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Contact for more information :
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Conquer The Waves
Conquer The Waves
The gentle surf that laps Varkala’s beaches is perfect for beginners – high enough to give you a thrill, yet safe enough to be practising in. Learn how to paddle, push-up, and then jump onto your feet at the thrilling moment. It is a lovely and active way to spend a day at the beach.
Offer prayers at a temple
at Varkala
Offer prayers at a temple
The two-thousand-year-old Janardhana Temple hovers above Beach Road, a spectacular sight. The best-known temple in Varkala, it also has lovely temple grounds where there is a sprawling banyan tree and shrines to Ayyappan, Hanuman and other Hindu deities.
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Contact for more information :
The Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Pick up souvenirs by the beach
Pick up souvenirs by the beach
Stop by at the little shops lining the coast when you’re done sunbathing or splashing around in the water. The most interesting souvenirs are to be found here, like artefacts made using coir or carved horns.
