The picturesque little coastal town of Varkala in Kerala is a perfect vacation destination for beach lovers and spiritually inclined tourists. Famous for dramatic cliffs diving into the Arabian Sea, Varkala has a combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. Pristine beaches, historic temples, and tranquil backwaters make this one of the best places to explore. Varkala is renowned for its wellness retreats, Ayurvedic treatments, and yoga centers.
The town attracts tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The romantic beaches that make this town so serene also make it a perfect honeymoon destination in South India. Be it a family vacation in Varkala, a spiritual retreat, or a romantic getaway, Varkala has something for everyone.
Visiting Varkala is equivalent to entering a peaceful paradise where nature, spirituality, and adventure come together. Papanasam Beach or Varkala Beach, is known for its captivating sunsets, thrilling water sports, and serene environment that makes it one of the perfect romantic spots. History lovers can visit the ancient Anjengo Fort as well as Janardhana Swami Temple to get a glimpse of the rich past of Kerala. The town is known to have wellness tourism with its world-class Ayurvedic spas and yoga retreats offering rejuvenation. Kappil Lake is a perfect blend of backwaters and lush greenery that serves as a photographer's paradise.
Adventure seekers can explore the cliffs, enjoy beach sports, or take a sightseeing tour of the top tourist places in Varkala. From lively markets to cultural experience tours, Varkala is a diverse destination for your Kerala itinerary. Be alone, a couple, or plan a family trip in Varkala; this shoreline is a must-see.
Varkala brims with destinations that combine natural beauty, spirituality, and history. It has beaches full of tourists. The most famous is Varkala Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and serenity. There is Anjengo Fort for those interested in history, whereas for those seeking spirituality, the Sivagiri Mutt and the ancient Janardhana Swami Temple are some of the best places to visit. Kappil Lake is a getaway thickly surrounded by greenery for the nature lover. All these places offer something unique to a visitor; thus, Varkala can be incorporated in any Kerala itinerary as part of a family trip, romantic holiday, or solo trip. Here is a list of top visiting places in Varkala.
Being one of the must-visit beaches in Varkala, Varkala Beach boasts of alluring golden sands, striking cliffs, and azure waters. This beach is referred to as Papanasam's beach, as it is here that rituals are performed by devotees. It is as famous for adventure sports, paragliding, and surfing as it is for being spiritual. The beach is dotted with vibrant shacks where a variety of local delicacies are served with the beautiful sunset, which makes it a photographer's paradise. With its lovely and romantic charm, it serves as a perfect destination for beach tourism in Varkala, which attracts couples and families alike. Therefore, people visit it for spiritual pursuits, diving, and admiring the scenic beauty.
With a rich colonial past behind it, Anjengo Fort flaunts Kerala's glorious history and ranks as one of the top tourist places in Varkala. Built by the British in the 17th century, the fort was used as a strategic trading post. It is wrapped with lush green flora and has a wonderful view of the sea. It would be a perfect place to visit for history buffs and photography enthusiasts. The quaint Anjengo lighthouse is nearby and accentuates the tourist destination. This historic wonder gives a unique insight into the lively history of the region, and it is a must-visit place while exploring Varkala in Kerala.
Sivagiri Mutt is an absolute place to go for the people. Located at the top of a hill, the ashram is established by the great social reformer and spiritual leader, Sree Narayana Guru. The peaceful atmosphere of the place is meant for meditative exercises and self-introspection, while the teachings of the Guru inspire and uplift tourists. The architecture speaks of Kerala, and the annual Sivagiri pilgrimage attracts devotees from all over the globe. Visiting Sivagiri Mutt is a spiritual journey and very essential in any sightseeing tour in Varkala.
The ancient Janardhana Swami Temple, also known as Dakshin Kashi, is a spiritual and architectural marvel. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built over the past 2000 years. This temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and another major attraction in Varkala. Its architecture, intricate carvings, and a serene ambiance utterly captivate visitors. It overlooks the Arabian Sea, providing a peaceful environment for the spiritual seekers. Participate in daily rituals or annual festivals to add a cultural aspect to your Kerala itinerary.
Kappil Lake is an unmatched combination of backwaters and coastal beauty. Surrounded by swaying coconut palms and lush greenery, it is a photographer's dream and a favorite with nature lovers. You can enjoy boating or kayaking here or just hang out at the calm water's edge. Being close to the Arabian Sea, the lake creates an unusual landscape, perfect for couples looking for romantic spots or families on a relaxing getaway. Kappil Lake completes your trip in Varkala, offering the perfect retreat away from busy beaches, which makes it one of the must-visit attractions in Varkala.
The best time to visit Varkala is winter, roughly from October to March. This time is perfect to experience all the beautiful Varkala beaches and spiritual places surrounding the city besides enjoying the greenery around it. The period experiences temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, perfect for outdoor activities, water sports, and lovely evening strolls along the beaches. The beach becomes even better with a cool sea breeze and a calm Arabian Sea, making it an ideal place for a perfect beach vacation in Kerala.
Monsoon (June-September) gives Varkala that wonderful greenery, sometimes really great for those wanting to experience some peace in Indian Ayurvedic wellness treatment. Summer months (April-May) are hot, but budget travelers will find these two months ideal since they could explore the city without crowds. No matter what season you are interested in, there is something unique for every visit.
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