When it comes to beach destinations in India , Varkala is my latest crush ! You may ask why?
With its pristine beaches, spectacular sunsets and laid back vibes, this unique cliff town in Kerala will surely steal your heart. To me, Varkala feels like a calmer and non-commercial version of Goa.
We recently visited Varkala and spent four peaceful days there. Be it family, couple or solo travellers, this idyllic beach town has something for everyone. In this blog, I am sharing a list of best things to do in Varkala.
Top things to do in Varkala
1. Take a Walk Along North Varkala Cliff
Imagine walking along the cliff’s edge with infinite views of the ocean. This dreamy walk makes Varkala unique (I haven’t experienced it yet at any other beach location in India). Walking along the North Cliff is a vibe that you must experience. When you think about the most iconic things to do in Varkala, this cliffside walk always comes to mind. one side, the path is buzzing with its quirky shops and sea-facing cafes, whereas on the other side, the ocean stretches endlessly before you. Take a morning or evening stroll from one end to the other and soak in that seaside breeze & scenic vista. By the time you finish, you’ll have a gallery full of ocean-view photos and probably a few souvenirs too.
2. Witness a breath-taking Sunsets
Bright cottony clouds, flushed with a crimson glow, lingering over the calm Ocean !! When it comes to dramatic sunsets, my vote goes to Varkala !! Be it South Cliff or the North, the sunset is just spectacular in Varkala. I found myself heading to the cliffs every evening, not just for view but to witness the magic that happens when the sun dips into the horizon!
3. Surf or Chill at Black Sand Beach
We loved spending time at the Black sand beach. For beach lovers and surfers, it’s a must-visit. If you want to learn or enjoy surfing, the waves here are just ideal. Even if surfing isn’t your thing, this beach is perfect for relaxation with its unique black sand and vibrant vibe. As someone who hasn’t tried surfing (yet!), I lounged on the sand, soaking in the vibe and watching surfers ride the waves.
4. Explore Vakala’s Beautiful Cafés
Another thing Varkala is known for is its cute and dreamy sea-facing cafes. The town boasts some fantastic sea-view cafes serving global cuisines and local flavours along with relaxed vibes. Some of the must-visit cafes in Varkala are
North Cliff
InDa Café – European
Café del Mar – Continental
Café Italiano – Italian & Global
Eco Puccini Lala Art Café – Ayurvedic & Vegan
Café Nomad – Indian and Continental cuisine
Darjeeling Café – Asian, Indian, Tibetan
Gods Own country Kitchen – traditional kerala cusine
Coffee Temple – Coffee variety
Trattorias – Continental
South Cliff
Café Sarwaa – Global
Café Trip is Life -European
Soul Food Café – Global
Green Pepper – Indian
If you love café hopping, Do check out these cool cafes in Varkala. By the way, expect good food and phenomenal views but dont expect good service ( service is very slow everywhere)
5. Visit the Jatayu Earth’s Center Nature Park
Jatayu Earth’s Center is home to the world’s largest bird sculpture, which is of Jatayu. Situated in the Kollam district of Kerala, around 26 km from Varkala, this unique centre offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape along with a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages including a play area, eateries, cable car etc.
Standing at an altitude of 1200 ft above sea level, apart from the colossal Jatayu sculpture, the top of the cliff has a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. One can either climb 1000 steps to reach the top of the centre or opt for the cable car ride. It’s better to plan your visit during the morning or towards the evening to avoid harsh sun ( Carry your sunglasses, hat and sunscreen).
Please note:
- Edible items are not allowed inside the centre.
- Jatayu Earth’s Center tickets are not sold online
- Do carry some cash for the payment (during our visit they were not accepting cards)
Jatayu Earth’s Center timings: 10 am to 5.30 pm
Ticket price: Rs 400 for Indian nationals and Rs 600 for foreign nationals ( pricing varies according to the activities opted)
6. Kayak or Boat Through Paravur’s Mangrove Forest
Mangrove boating was hands-down, one of the most peaceful experiences we had in Varkala. Kayaking through the calm waters of Paravur’s mangroves feels like stepping into another world. It’s so quiet, green, and serene that you almost forget about time. If you’re not into kayaking, a country boat ride is equally delightful. Especially witnessing the sunset from the boat is a memorable experience. Don’t skip this—it’s a slice of paradise.
Best time: 4 pm -6 pm
Price for the country boat: A private Country boat ride cost us INR 2500 -3000 (We were Six members)
7. Shop at the Tibetan Market in North Cliff Varkala
If you love shopping for knickknacks, souvenirs, silver jewellery etc, head to the Tibetan market atop the North cliff. Known for its vibrant stalls and unique silver jewellery and artefacts, this market is a great place to bu souvenirs and trendy bohemian accessories. Even if you’re not a big shopper, it’s worth a stroll to soak in the vibe.
8. Indulge in Water Sports at Kappil Beach
For adventure seekers, Kappil Beach offers thrilling water sports options. From jet skiing to parasailing, this is the spot to fuel your adventurous side while enjoying the coastal beauty of Varkala.
Timings : 10 am to 6 pm
9. Join Yoga and Sound Healing Classes
Varkala is the perfect place to reset your mind and body. If you’re in Varkala for an extended stay, dive deeper into wellness by joining yoga and sound healing classes. If you have more time, sound healing sessions are a unique way to relax and rejuvenate. There’s something about doing yoga with the sound of waves in the background that’s just magical. Some of the Popular Yoga classes in Varkala are
- Namasthe Ayurvedic Mission
- Nidra Yoga
- VYAS Varkala Yoga & Ayurveda School.
- Chandra School Of Yoga & Wellness Retreat
- Pranam Yoga Joseph
10. Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum
While returning from Varkala, stop at the famed Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum. Known for its impressive architecture and history, the principal deity of the temple is Padmanabhaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu enshrined in the “Anantashayana” posture (Yogic sleep on the serpent mount, Seshanaag). The most interesting topic about this temple is the tales about its vaults that hold hidden treasures and what makes it the richest temple in the world!
Be sure to check the timings in advance as the temple is open for limited hours and they have strict rules on the dress code.
Conclusion
Varkala is more than just a travel destination—it’s a feeling. From its picturesque cliffs to its soulful sunsets, from adventurous water sports to peaceful mangrove forests, this little coastal town has something for everyone. With its welcoming vibe, scenic beauty, and a blend of adventure, Varkala is the perfect travel destination for those seeking a laid-back holiday.
Have you been to Varkala?
Let me know your favourite experiences in the comments below!
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Beautiful pictures
Thanks a lot 😊