Varkala is a coastal city in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Located about 30 to 40 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, Varkala has several tourist attractions.
These include long, sprawling beaches, restaurants, temples, and shrines, making it a popular tourist spot in Kerala. Planning your itinerary can be complex because there are countless activities to participate in in this city. This article explores some of the best tourist attractions in Varkala.
What are the best places to visit in Varkala?
1. Varkala Cliff
One of the most popular attractions is the Varkala Cliff, also known as the “Great Ezhara Beach.” It is one of the most iconic landmarks along Kerala’s coastline. One of the best Varkala sightseeing places, the cliff offers visitors serene and picturesque views, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. It also has evening markets and cafes where tourists can enjoy food and shopping.
2. Varkala Beach
Varkala is home to a beautiful beach where you can spend the entire day listening to the ocean and enjoying the sun. Varkala Beach is one of the most popular places to see in Varkala. It is 10km away from the central city and is also called “Papanasam Beach.” Visitors can enjoy the stretches of sand, the ocean views, and food.
It also has religious significance. The ancient Janardhanaswamy temple is located near the beach and is also called the Varkala temple. It is believed to be one of the oldest Hindu temples in the state.
3. Sivagiri Matt
Located around 3km from the city, Sivagiri Mutt is one of the popular Varkala tourist places for religious pilgrimage. This is the organisation of Sree Narayana Guru and his disciples, who were great reformers.
Sivagiri Mutt covers 200 acres and has countless multi-tiered white terraces. It is considered sacred and sits on top of an elevated plateau. The leader’s residence and personal belongings are also on display for visitors. The Sharada Temple is also located here.
4. Odayam Beach
Odayam Beach is located around 5km away from the main city. It is famous amongst Varkala tourist places for its long, calm golden sands and peaceful shores. The beach is secluded and laid back. Visitors can enjoy tranquil and laidback views on the beach and visit the surrounding area for local seafood and Malayali cuisine.
5. Janardhanaswamy Temple
Another popular attraction for those interested in religion and history is Varkala’s Janardhanaswamy Temple, which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, dates back more than 2000 years and is known for the Arattu Festival, which attracts countless visitors annually. It has been a famous pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees since the 12th century.
6. Kilimanoor Palace
Kilimanoor Palace is an excellent attraction for lovers of art and history. It houses many paintings and other artwork created by the famous artist Raja Ravi Varma, born in Kerala. The attraction is over 15 hectares, and the palace is home to the studio where Raja Ravi Varma created his paintings. Kilimanoor Palace has been designed and built in the traditional style of many of Kerala’s residential buildings.
7. Ponnumthuruthu Island
Ponnumthuruthu Island is located 12km from Varkala city. It is a secluded and calm trip, and a 30-minute tour can be taken to reach the island through the Nedunganda backwaters. This island’s main attraction is the Shiva Parvathi temple, which is over 100 years old. Tourists can also visit the nearby village, take ferry rides through the backwaters, and view diverse flora and fauna, including birds like the egret, cormorant, and heron.
8. Saint Sebastian’s Pilgrim Church
Saint Sebastian’s Pilgrim Church, built by Portuguese missionaries, is another religious site to visit in Varkala. It is located on the backwaters in a serene location and is known for the procession of Saint Sebastian, which occurs once a year in February.
During this time, visitors can witness the beautiful decorations of the church and enjoy the feast. The church is also an excellent place to visit for festivals like Christmas and New Year’s. The feast hosted by the church also includes games, boating, and cultural performances.
10. Varkala Lighthouse
The Varkala Lighthouse is one of the most magnificent structures in the district. Built in the 18th century under British governance, it now offers tourists countless activities and spectacular views. From the top of the lighthouse, tourists can see Varkala’s vistas, the Arabian Sea, nearby beaches and cliffs, and more. The lighthouse is also popular for its European-style architecture.
Wrapping up
Varkala is an excellent location for vacationing in Kerala. It allows tourists to enjoy the state’s beaches, climate, and cuisine. The city also offers serene beaches, ancient religious temples, churches, shrines, geological sites, flora and fauna, and more. For more adventurous visitors, there are also countless watersports like parasailing and jet-skiing.
Whether you want a laid-back getaway or an activity-filled vacation, Varkala is your destination. To finance your trip, consider Tata Capital. We offer attractive and flexible travel loans in India, with minimal documentation, easy eligibility, quick approvals, and with no collateral required.
To learn more, download the Tata Capital mobile app or visit the website!
FAQs
Varkala is best known for its coastal attractions, backwaters, serene beaches, and architecture. It also has excellent cuisine, cafes, cultural attractions, churches, and ancient temples.
Depending on your requirements, Varkala has several attractions, including the Varkala Cliff, Varkala Beach, Varkala Lighthouse, the Janardhanaswamy Temple, and the Varkala Culture Centre.
Varkala does not have any nightclubs or pubs. However, at night, there is a vibrant cafe culture. This includes music, dance, drinks, and local cuisine.
The winter months (between October and February) are considered the best time to visit Varkala. This is due to the pleasant weather, minimal rainfall, and clear skies.
06 January 2025
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