Varkala is distinct. It is the only spot in Kerala where the hills abruptly end at the ocean. The red laterite rock hanging over the beach is the town’s signature. If you are building a list of Places to visit in Varkala, you are essentially planning a trip around this geological formation. The town isn’t big, but you need to know where the crowd is and where the silence is.
Here is a breakdown of the specific locations you need to see, without the fluff.
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The Main Locations
When you look for Places to visit in Varkala, everything revolves around the North Cliff and the South Cliff.
1. The North Cliff Promenade This is the tourist spine. It is a paved path running along the edge of the precipice. Most guides list this as number one among Places to visit in Varkala for good reason. One side has cafes and shops; the other side is a straight drop to the sea. You come here to eat, shop, and watch the sun go down.
2. Papanasam Beach (The Main Beach) You have to walk down the stairs from the cliff to get here. Unlike other scenic Places to visit in Varkala, this beach is spiritual. Local families come here to perform rituals in the water. It is clean, wide, and safe for swimming.
3. Kappil Lake & Beach Drive fifteen minutes north. The road here gets interesting. It becomes a thin strip of land separating the ocean from the backwaters. It is one of the most unique Places to visit in Varkala because you see salt water on your left and fresh water on your right.
4. Janardanaswamy Temple This stands near the entrance to the beach. It is old, roughly 2,000 years. Even if you don’t go inside, the structure itself is impressive. It adds a layer of history to your list of Places to visit in Varkala that goes beyond just sunbathing.
5. Odayam Beach If the main beach is too loud, walk further north to Odayam. It is quieter. The sand is black in some parts. It is one of the better Places to visit in Varkala if you just want to read a book and be left alone.
My 2-Day Schedule
Here is a logical way to cover these Places to visit in Varkala without running around too much.
Day 1: The Cliff Side
- Morning: Go to Papanasam Beach early before the sun gets harsh. Swim for an hour.
- Afternoon: Visit the Janardanaswamy Temple.
- Evening: Walk the North Cliff. This is the core experience. Out of all Places to visit in Varkala, this is where you will spend the most time.
Day 2: The Water Side
- Morning: Rent a scooter. Drive north to Kappil Beach. The drive is the best part.
- Afternoon: Stop at Odayam Beach on your way back for lunch.
- Sunset: Go to the South Cliff. It offers a wider view of the coastline compared to other Places to visit in Varkala.
Where to Sleep: 3 Recommendations
The quality of your trip depends on where you stay relative to the cliff. Here are three specific hotels that give you access to the best Places to visit in Varkala.
1. Elixir Cliff Beach Resort (Upscale) This place sits on a large property with a lawn that ends at the cliff edge. The rooms are large and modern.
- Why choose it: Luxury views and privacy.
2. Clafouti Beach Resort (Central) Located right on the North Cliff path. You open your door and you are in the market. It is the most convenient base for exploring Places to visit in Varkala.
- Why choose it: You don’t need a taxi; everything is walkable.
3. Zostel Varkala (Budget) This is a hostel located slightly inland. It has a strong community vibe and is great for meeting other travelers.
- Why choose it: Cheap, clean, and social.
Popualr Foods in kerala.
1. Appam with Stew
A classic Kerala breakfast. Appam is a soft, fluffy pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, with a crispy edge. It is best eaten with a creamy Vegetable or Chicken Stew cooked in mild coconut milk and spices.
2. Puttu and Kadala Curry
This is perhaps the most iconic breakfast combination in Kerala. Puttu is a steamed cylinder of ground rice and coconut shavings. It is served with Kadala Curry, a spicy black chickpea gravy.
3. Kerala Fish Curry (Meen Curry)
Since Kerala is a coastal state, fish is a staple. This curry is famous for its fiery red color and tangy taste, which comes from Kudampuli (Malabar Tamarind). It is usually cooked in an earthen pot (chatty) for authentic flavor.
4. Palada Payasam
No Kerala feast (Sadya) is complete without this dessert. It is a sweet, creamy rice pudding made with ada (rice flakes), milk, sugar, and ghee. It is traditionally pinkish in color due to the slow cooking of milk.
Best Places to visit in Varkala .
1. Alleppey (Alappuzha) – The “Venice of the East”
This is the most famous spot. If you want the classic experience of sleeping on a houseboat, this is where you go.
- Why it’s a Must-Visit: It offers the widest range of houseboats, from budget to ultra-luxury. The canals are bustling with life, and you can see local villages right from your deck.
- Best For: First-time visitors and houseboat stays.
2. Kumarakom – The Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is quieter and greener than Alleppey.
- Why it’s a Must-Visit: It is home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. If you love nature, you can spot egrets, herons, and Kingfishers here. It is also famous for luxury resorts that sit right on the water’s edge.
- Best For: Luxury travelers, bird lovers, and peaceful sunsets.
3. Munroe Island – The Hidden Gem
This is my personal favorite (as mentioned in the blog post). It is a cluster of 8 tiny islands that are slowly sinking.
- Why it’s a Must-Visit: Big houseboats can’t fit here. You explore on small, hand-paddled canoes that go through tiny canals, sometimes passing under low bridges where you have to duck! It feels wild and authentic.
- Best For: Adventure lovers, photographers, and budget travelers.
4. Ashtamudi Lake (Kollam) – The Gateway
This is the second-largest lake in Kerala and is shaped like an octopus (Ashta = Eight, Mudi = Arms/Cone).
- Why it’s a Must-Visit: It is far less crowded than Alleppey. The “President’s Trophy Boat Race” happens here. It offers a more open, lake-like feel compared to the narrow canals of other places.
- Best For: Travelers who hate crowds and want wide-open water views.
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