As the orange sunset blazes just over the horizon, the sea breeze carries the sounds of the temple bells and chants, and the aromatic fragrance of coffee from the cafés fill the air: That’s Varkala for you! It isn’t just another beach town. It’s a destination where nature, culture and lifestyle seamlessly blend together, only to unfold and offer you an unforgettable and a soul-touching experience.
Whether you’re planning a holiday for your family, a solo traveller, or a couple searching for hidden gems; this coastal gem in Kerala promises experiences that are so profound, you’ll cherish them forever.
Here’s your guide to discover the 10 best places to visit in Varkala:
Key Takeaways
- The town is perfect for families, couples, solo travellers, and spiritual seekers.
- Many attractions are close to the railway station and easy to reach.
- The list includes not only famous places to visit, but hidden gems as well.
- There’s more to Varkala than beaches, temples, and backwaters.
- Art, culture, nature, tradition, history, adventure and spirituality – all blend beautifully.
10 Places to Visit in Varkala
1. Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach)
Also known as Papanasam Beach, the Varkala beach is the stand-out attraction in this coastal town. Stretching below and along the dramatic red cliffs, the beach offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Papa means Sin and Nasam means Destruction. The locals believe that taking a dip here can wash away one’s sins, which is why it’s common to see religious rituals performed along the shore.
Beyond its spiritual importance, this beach is by far the most popular places to visit in Varkala with family.
Visitors often gather on the cliff above to enjoy panoramic views, especially during sunset, therefore making it a perfect spot to relax and click pictures. It’s a place that blends leisure and scenic beauty, regularly drawing both locals and tourists alike.
2. Varkala Cliff
The Varkala Cliff is by far the town’s most distinctive landmarks, rising sharply along the coastline and offering sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. The red laterite cliffs are lined with a path where visitors can stroll, shop & dine.
Numerous cafés and restaurants serve seafood, local Kerala cuisine, and international dishes; making it a popular hangout spot for travellers. The zone along the cliff is also home to small stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothing.
It’s an excellent place for watching sunsets, taking photographs, and soaking up the relaxed vibe of the town.
For those interested in wellness, yoga studios and Ayurvedic massage centres can be found en route the cliff pathway, attracting many health-conscious travellers.
3. Janardhana Swamy Temple
Janardhana Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds significant religious and cultural importance. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, the temple features classic Kerala architecture, with intricate wooden carvings and a Gopuram, the gateway tower.
The temple complex includes a sacred pond where devotees perform rituals. Locals believe prayers offered here can bring blessings and peace. Visitors often come to admire the architecture, observe rituals, or participate in the annual Arattu festival, which draws large crowds and colourful processions.
While the temple welcomes all visitors inside its premises, non-Hindus may not be permitted within the main inner sanctum. It’s one of the famous places to visit in Varkala for those interested in spirituality, history and traditional architecture.
4. Sivagiri Mutt
Sivagiri Mutt is a spiritual centre and pilgrimage site established by Sree Narayana Guru, a prominent social reformer and philosopher of Kerala.
Located just 3 kms from Varkala railway station, the Mutt sits on a hilltop and is easily recognizable by its distinctive yellow domes.
Inside the complex, visitors can explore prayer halls, meditation spaces, and a museum dedicated to the Guru’s teachings. Each year, thousands gather here for the Sivagiri pilgrimage held in December and January.
The Mutt offers a serene and a peaceful environment, making it a good place for quiet reflection and learning about Kerala’s social and spiritual history. Many across India and across the world consider visiting the mutt as one of the important places to visit in Varkala with family, to gain cultural and spiritual insight.
5. Kappil Beach & Kappil Lake
Located about 6.5 kms from the center of the town, Kappil Beach and Kappil Lake together make one of the most scenic spots to visit near Varkala.
Usually less crowded than Varkala beach, this beach offers you pristine sands along a tranquil coastline, therefore making it ideal for quiet walks and photography.
On the opposite side of the coastal road lies Kappil Lake, which is surrounded by lots of coconut trees and calm waters. A narrow bridge offers panoramic views of the lake on one side and the sea on the other.
Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake, making it a relaxing escape from the busier parts of the town. What makes this place special, is that the beach and the lake are right next to each other, a geographical phenomenon that can’t be seen across the vast majority of the Indian coastline.
6. Anjengo Fort
Anjengo Fort, also known as Anchuthengu Fort, is a historic structure located about 11 kms from Varkala. Anchuthengu means “five coconut trees” in Malayalam.
Built by the British East India Company in the late 17th century, the fort played a significant role in colonial trade and military operations along Kerala’s coast.
Inside the fort, visitors can explore thick laterite walls, bastions, and remnants of cannons that once defended the coastline. Surrounded by lush coconut groves, the fort also offers views of the Arabian Sea.
There’s a lighthouse near the fort that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. A calm and peaceful place to learn about one of Kerala’s colonial history, the fort is one of the must-visit places in Varkala – especially for enthusiasts of history, heritage and architecture.
7. Ponnumthuruthu Island (Golden Island)
Ponnumthuruthu Island, which literally means Golden Island, is an enchanting backwater destination about 8 kms from Varkala town.
Accessible only by a short boat ride, the island is covered in lush greenery and feels untouched by modern life – even to this day! At the center of the island stands an ancient Shiva-Parvati temple which is over a century old.
The temple becomes lively especially during the annual Sivarathri festival when devotees flock here to offer prayers. Sivarathri means “the night of God Shiva”.
Outside festival times, the island remains quiet and tranquil, making it a perfect spot for those seeking peace and solitude. Ponnumthuruthu is one of the most pristine places to visit around Varkala, especially for travellers who enjoy exploring hidden gems and Kerala’s serene backwaters.
8. Odayam Beach
Considered as one of the calm alternatives to most of the other (relatively) busier beaches, Odayam Beach is 4 kms from Varkala town, and about 3 kms from Papanasam beach.
With waves that are usually gentle and the shoreline fringed with coconut palms, the beach is ideal for long walks, yoga, or simply relaxing with your favourite book.
Odayam usually sees fewer tourists, and has lesser shacks & commercial establishments, giving it an untouched feel. Local fishermen can often be seen heading out to sea, giving you a glimpse of daily life along the town’s coast.
If you think you’ve spent too long a time in the hustle-and-bustle of the city and would like to take some time off for some quiet and solitude, you know which beach to head next!
9. Edava Beach
What makes Edava beach stand out is the dramatic meeting point of Edava Nadayara Lake and the Arabian Sea where narrow canals snake through red cliffs and coconut groves, before spilling into the ocean.
During certain seasons, the lagoon behind the beach forms mirror-like pools reflecting the sky, creating a surreal landscape perfect for photography.
Located about 5 kms north of Varkala, the beach is usually peaceful, with only a few fishermen and locals visible along its shores.
As a beach known for its offbeat beauty and tranquillity, it’s an excellent spot for travellers who enjoy long, quiet walks, birdwatching, or simply soaking in nature. The area around Edava also has stretches of untouched sand dunes and pathways leading through the village roads, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.
10. Jatayu Earth Centre
Blending art and a classical Indian Epic into a single grand attraction, the Jatayu Earth Centre is located about 27 kms from Varkala.
Perched atop a hill, the centre is represented by the colossal sculpture of Jatayu, the eagle from the Indian epic Ramayana.
As the largest bird sculpture in the world, it symbolizes Jatayu’s valiant attempt to save Sita from Ravana. The sculpture stands 70 feet tall, 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and is spread across a floor area of 15,000 sq. ft.!
Beyond its epical significance, the complex offers a range of activities, including rock climbing, rappelling, ziplining, and a cable car ride that provides sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. BTW, you may want to check out our list of fun & exciting activities in Varkala, which you can by clicking here.
There’s also a museum inside the sculpture’s belly which features exhibits on the Ramayana, local culture, and the making of this mega-monumental sculpture! Designed to cater to all age groups, the centre has many modern amenities including well-maintained pathways, eateries, and other facilities.
Conclusion
Varkala is more than just a beach town. It’s a destination where nature, culture, heritage and local life blend seamlessly. The towering red cliffs, serene beaches, ancient temples, scenic lakes and water bodies together makes it a place that offers diverse experiences.
In more ways than one, the 10 places to visit in Varkala suggested above gives travellers a glimpse into Kerala’s rich history, spiritual traditions, and stunning coastal landscapes. Whether it’s relaxing on quiet sands, enjoying local seafood along the cliff, experiencing the waves kissing your feet at isolated beaches, or fun & exciting adventures and activities; Varkala has something special for everyone. Including you!
If you’ve read till here, you may want to check our 2N & 3D Varkala Tour.