Sunny sands, swaying palm trees and the roar of the waves ― Varkala tour packages offer everything that Goa does, and at a more affordable price range for sure! One of the most pristine beach towns of Kerala, Varkala is a favourite long weekend destination for most people who stay in Southern Indian cities such as Bengaluru or Kochi.
With Goa close by, is Varkala worth visiting? We’d say, yes! The hippie paradise is not just apt for thrill-seeking 20-somethings but is also a great vacation destination for older couples and families. Be it immersing yourself in the joy of water sports or spending a lazy afternoon sipping on cocktails at some beachside shack, Varkala offers it all! So, we have made a curated list of everything that Varkala trip packages should include in a 2-day mini-vacation plan:
Varkala is an overnight train journey away from most cities in Southern states such as Kerala and Karnataka. From Bengaluru, the coastal town is a little more than 800 km away and is easily accessible by the Kanyakumari Express (which you can board at the KSR Bengaluru or Bangalore Cantonment Station). You will reach the Varkala-Sivagiri rail station after a 14-hour journey.
Day 1:
Once you reach Varkala Sivagiri station, you can opt for a 15-minute auto ride to Zostel Varkala, which is located quite near the Varkala Government Aquarium. While Zostel and other hostels offer budget-stay options for backpackers, there are tons of luxury resorts in the area, such as the Clafouti Heritage Beach Resort or the Samsara Harmony Beach Resort.
After freshening up, you can visit the Varkala Cliff and explore the cliffside eateries. One of the most legendary eateries here is Coffee Temple. Known for its jazzy music and wood-fired pizza, this place is a hit with tourists.
Your next must-visit destination on your Varkala trip should be the Anchuthengu (or Anjengo) Lighthouse. Built in the late-1600s by the British East India Company, this lighthouse served ships from England.
It is known as one of the oldest lighthouses in Kerala and is a must in all Varkala trip packages. Tourists can climb up its spiral staircase to enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. The sprawling stretch enveloped by palm trees, with meandering backwaters on one end was complemented by the roaring Arabian Sea on the other end. This is a perfect spot for some Insta-worthy clicks! Just a few steps away is the Anjengo Fort. Though run down and mossy, it offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
The next destination on the list of attractions in Varkala is the Kappil Beach, located roughly a 45-minute ride away from the Anjengo Fort. Don’t miss the sunset boat ride on Kappil Lake. The breathtaking view is sure to stun you! You will be amazed by the black sands of the Kappil Beach too.
Post-sunset, you can head back to the cliff. The fish markets lining the cliff sell everything from barracudas to octopuses. In fact, Varkala packages become meaningless without any mention of seafood. You can spend a lovely evening relishing great Italian food at Abba Restaurant overlooking the sea.
Day 2:
Of the many great cafes in Varkala, Jairam Cafe definitely finds a mention. You can start your day early with breakfast at this cafe while enjoying the view of the waves crashing against the rocks.
If you like adventure, keep this day aside for a visit to Jatayu Para. In fact, all packages in Varkala should include this site. Located in Chadayamangalam, where the mythical bird Jatayu from the Indian epic Ramayana is said to have fallen dead, this place houses the now-famous huge statue of Jatayu. Legend has it that Jatayu was attacked by Ravana while trying to save Sita’s dignity. The encounter that followed resulted in one of Jatayu’s wings being chopped off.
Also known as Jatayu Earth’s Center, or Jatayu Adventure Center, this place offers adventure activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, rappelling, zip-lining, archery and paintball. You can also opt for yoga sessions or enjoy the stunning view of the area. The cable car ride to the Jatayu Rock is a beautiful experience!
You can either have lunch at the vegetarian food court here or head back to Varkala to explore its many cafes. Don’t forget to hit the Varkala Beach, also known as the Papanasam Beach, after 4pm, to avoid the scorching Sun. During peak seasons, the beach is likely to be teeming with foreign tourists, sunbathing or frolicking. There are various water sports options available here, including jet skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides. You can spend your evening relaxing in one of the cosy shacks while sipping on a tender coconut and explore a few more cafes for dinner.
While you pack your bags next morning to head back home, don’t forget to visit another iconic cafe, the Darjeeling Cafe, located on the Varkala Cliff, for breakfast. Overlooking the azure sea, this cafe offers great food and hospitality. Also make sure you visit the flea markets lining the cliff for some souvenirs.
How to Reach Varkala
By Train:
Varkala’s only railway station, the Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station, is well-connected to major cities such as Trivandrum, Kochi, Bengaluru and Chennai.
By Air:
The airport that’s nearest to Varkala is Thiruvananthapuram, or the Trivandrum International Airport, which is around 40 km away from the coastal town. Tourists can board buses or cabs to Varkala from the airport.
By Road:
Varkala can be easily reached by road from most Southern Indian states. In fact, National Highway 66 connects Varkala to major cities and towns such as Trivandrum, Kollam and Kochi.
Other Places to Visit Around Varkala
Odayam Beach: A secluded beach with black sand, about 4 km away from the Varkala Railway Station
Edava Beach: A tranquil beach, located along Edava Village, about 2 km away from Kappil Beach
Saint Sebastian Pilgrim Church: A Catholic church situated about 7 km away from Varkala and known for the Feast of Saint Sebastian
Good to Know
The best season to visit Varkala is from October to February. During these months, the temperatures in the region vary from 22°C to 32°C, making the weather pleasant. Summery and breathable clothes are the best for Varkala trips.
