Varkala

While Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi, and Trivandrum are popular tourist destinations you have frequently heard of, Varkala is a hidden gem that you must visit during your Kerala trip. This coastal town is loved for its peace and serenity. Varkala tour packages are ideal for tourists looking for lowkey destinations that aren’t flooded with tourists.

Have you been looking for budget Varkala tour packages for your family? GT Tourism offers the best deals and plenty of activities for everyone – from kids entertainment to adventure sports for adults.

Being a coastal region, Varkala witnesses moderate temperatures throughout the year, except during the winter season when the temperatures go low, and the atmosphere is calm, which is why this is the ideal time to visit Varkala.

The sun doesn’t hit you in the face too hard during the winter, and you can enjoy the pleasant beach breeze. From October to February, the temperature averages 25°C. Additionally, if you visit during February, we suggest experiencing Utsavam, an arts festival where folk and tribal artists get together to perform their authentic styles.

March to May is hot and humid, reaching 40 degrees Celsius. But it is also the best time to witness the arattu festival at the Janardhana Swami temple. This is a 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and a major pilgrimage spot for Vaishnavites.

The monsoon season lasts from June to September and is the perfect time for affordable Varkala tour packages. While the temperature ranges from 25°C to 26°C, torrential rains could result in floods. Walking around the beach as it rains might be on your wish list, but it can be tricky to commute on wet roads, especially if you plan to trek.

We have you covered if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Varkala.

The Varkala Cliff, also called the Warkalli Formation, is declared by UNESCO as a potential geopark. The Geological Survey of India declared it a geological monument, and the spot is breathtaking in every way possible. The red laterite cliff is the first of its kind in India and is at the height of 80 feet. It is a blueprint for the geological changes occurring 25 million years ago.

One of the most peaceful Varkala tourist destinations is Kappil Beach, among the few beaches in India where tourists can view fine golden sand and the dazzling blues of the Arabian Sea. The beach is home to many luxurious resorts where tourists can spot palm trees and also go boating. With Kappil Beach on one side and Kappil Lake on the other side, the contrasting views make for stunning Instagram posts.

Situated 20 km from Varkala is Ponnumthuruthu or Golden Island. Surrounded by greenery, it’s perfect for those wishing to go bird watching and nature walks. If you’re fond of migratory birds, carry a pair of binoculars. The island is also famous for the Thuruthu Kshetram, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Varkala’s Vishnu Temple came into existence 2000 years ago. Situated near Varkala Beach, this temple is one of the most popular Varkala tourist destinations and a must-visit for Mahavishnu bhaktas. The temple’s architecture is worth noting, with the dome having been built using copper sheets, the exquisite roof plated in copper, and wood containing carvings of the Navagrahas.

Among the popular pilgrim spots in Varkala is Bali Mandapam. Known to be one of the most significant projects by VIVID Corporation, it enables pilgrims to perform the ritual of Vavubali at Papanasam, with the aim of the ritual being to appease the spirits of one’s ancestors. The spot mainly receives a lot of tourists during July and August for the purpose of Karkidakam.

Anjengo Fort is a must-visit spot in Varkala if you love exploring historical monuments. Anjengo is located 12 km off Varkala and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is known to be the first trade settlement that the East India Company utilized in Kerala. This is a fabulous picnic spot thanks to the backwaters, tombs, and other surroundings that add to its charm. Constructed during the late 17th century, the fort was gifted to the East India Company by the Queen of Attingal.

If you are looking for must-visit Varkala tourist destinations, you must not miss the Sivagiri Mutt. It is the tomb and ashram of Sri Narayana Guru, a saint, philosopher, and social reformer. He chose Sivagiri Mutt as his headquarters to conduct the Sivagiri Pilgrimage every year from 30th December to 1st January. The rituals visible at this pilgrimage are distinct from others, with the devotees being required to go through purification based on Buddha’s principles of mind, body, deed, and food.

Situated 25 km towards the north of Trivandrum, the Janardhanaswamy Temple is an ancient monument built 2000 years ago in honor of Lord Vishnu. The temple hosts the Arattu festival every year, and thousands of devotees flock to the venue to attend it.

Saint Sebastian’s Pilgrim Church, Moongode, forms a vital pilgrimage destination for Christians on the banks of Varkala. Created by Portuguese missionaries, the church is reputed for the feast procession of Saint Sebastian, conducted every year in February.

Even if you visit Varkala during a weekend getaway, the town has so much to offer in terms of activities. Some of them are as follows:

Located around 10 km from Varkala is its crowning jewel, Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach. Whether you’re looking to go fishing, participate in water-based activities, or take a light stroll, this beach is ideal. Also, the water at Varkala Beach is renowned for having medicinal and healing effects.

In 1867, the Varkala Tunnel was built by the then Dewan of Travancore, Sir T. Madhava Rao. History states that the construction of this tunnel lasted for almost 14 years. Tourists can now go for a boat ride below the tunnel.

Are you a fan of water sports? Do you get a thrill and adrenaline rush from the mere thought of activities such as parasailing and paragliding? If so, you must try out the water sports at the beaches of Varkala. Indulge in banana boat rides and jet skiing, and let the adrenaline junkie in you feel completely satisfied.

The Varkala Lighthouse was built by the British in 1684 to facilitate the navigation of ships arriving from Britain. Located at the stunning Varkala Beach and having a height of 130 feet, this lighthouse provides a unique and breathtaking bird’s eye view of the backwaters and the Arabian Sea. While the colonial design of the lighthouse transports the tourists to an era gone by, the serene views make it perfect for picnics and photo sessions.

Kerala has numerous places where you can stumble across handicrafts and textiles; the same goes for Varkala. Asparagus, for instance, is a store in Varkala where travelers can find local fabrics and artifacts along with ecological handicrafts and textiles developed using natural dyes. Walk into the store, pick something of your choice, and you also have the option of getting garments sewn by the in-house tailor.

Are you hoping to relish plates of delicious cuisine while appreciating the tranquil views of the Varkala Cliff? Then visit the Darjeeling Café in Varkala, where the meals are presented in authentic South Indian style.

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