17-04-2025Places to Visit in Varkala, Kerala: Top Tourist Attractions
Places to visiti in Varkala offers a few top attractions that you just cannot afford to miss. This coastal town in Kerala will make you feel at peace and, at the same time, leave you in awe of its natural beauty. So, TripzyGo has come up with this amazing list of places to visit in Varkala that will make your trip memorable.
List of Places to Visit in Varkala
- Varkala Beach
- Janardhana Swamy Temple
- Kilimanoor Palace
- Sivagiri Mutt
- Kappil Beach
- Varkala Culture Center
- Varkala Lighthouse
Varkala might not be as famous as some of India’s tourist hotspots, but trust me, that’s part of its charm. This coastal town offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, spirituality, and fun. Let’s check out places to visit in Varkala.
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Varkala Beach
Located in Southern Kerala, Varkala Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Varkala. Famous for its cliffs, as it is the only location in southern Kerala where the cliffs are directly adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Varkala Beach is also known as Papanasam Beach, which means ‘washing away sins’ as it is believed that taking a dip here can cleanse your soul. This is among the best places to visit in Varkala.
| Location: | Located in Varkala Town, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India |
| Entry Fee: | No entry fee |
| Timing: | Open all day, but the best time to visit is during early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat |
| Best Time to Visit: | Between October and February, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities |
| Things To Do | Enjoy water sports like paragliding, jet skiing, and surfing; relax with yoga or sunbathing |
Janardhana Swamy Temple
Built over 2000 years ago, Janardhana Swamy Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Janardhana Swamy who is a form of Lord Vishnu. You can see the beautiful view of the Arabian Seas from here as it is built on a top hill. It is one of the top places to see in Varkala that you should not miss.
| Location: | Located in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, overlooking the Papanasam Beach |
| Entry Fee: | No entry fee |
| Timing: | Morning: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
| Best Time to Visit: | The temple can be visited year-round, but it is particularly lively during festivals between October and March |
| Things To Do | Attend vibrant festivals, perform rituals like Pithrutharpanam, and participate in traditional practices like tying dolls for blessings |
Kilimanoor Palace
Built-in the 18th century, Kilimanoor Palace is one of the must-visit sightseeing places in Varkala. This place is famous for being the birthplace of Raja Ravi Varma, one of India’s most renowned painters.
| Location: | Located in Kilimanoor, near Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India |
| Entry Fee: | No entry fee |
| Timing: | 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Best Time to Visit: | The palace can be visited year-round, but it is best to avoid peak summer months for a more comfortable experience |
| Things To Do | Explore its traditional Kerala architecture, visit the museum showcasing Raja Ravi Varma’s artwork, and see historical artefacts |
Sivagiri Mutt
Founded by Sree Narayana Guru, Sivagiri Mutt is an important pilgrimage centre in Varkala. This peaceful monastery sits on a hilltop and attracts thousands of devotees every year. If you’re interested in spiritual history or simply want to experience a peaceful retreat, Sivagiri Mutt should definitely be one of your places to visit in Varkala.
| Location: | Located in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India |
| Entry Fee: | No entry fee |
| Timing: | Morning: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to visit is during the pilgrimage or festivals (December to January or August to September) |
| Things To Do | Explore the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, visit the Sarada Temple, and learn about the Guru’s teachings on social reform |
Kappil Beach
Located in the north of Varkala, Kappil Beach offers a serene experience with its stunning views where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea. The beach is less crowded, making it perfect for those looking for peace and quiet. You can take a boat ride through the backwaters or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful sunset views. Among places to visit in Varkala, this place deserves a top spot.
| Location: | Located in the Kasaragod district, about 6 km from Bekal Fort and 5 km north of Varkala Beach, Kerala, India |
| Entry Fee: | No entry fee |
| Timing: | The beach is accessible throughout the day, but the best time to visit is during sunrise or sunset for scenic views |
| Best Time to Visit: | October to March is ideal for visiting Kappil Beach when the weather is pleasant |
| Things To Do | Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, boat rides through backwaters, trekking to Kodi Cliff, and exploring nearby attractions like Bekal Fort |
Varkala Culture Center
Known as the Centre for Performing Arts, Varkala Culture Center showcases Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. You can watch stunning performances of traditional art forms like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu here. The unique costumes, expressive movements, and dramatic music will give you a glimpse into Kerala’s artistic traditions.
| Location: | Situated near the north cliff in Varkala, Kerala, India |
| Entry Fee: | Entrance Fee: ₹400 per person |
| Timing: | Show timings: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM and visiting hours: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Best Time to Visit: | October to March is the best time to visit for a pleasant experience |
| Things To Do | Enjoy traditional Kathakali dance performances, witness the martial art of Kalaripayattu, and experience Mohiniyattam |
Varkala Lighthouse
Constructed in 1684 during the British era, Varkala Lighthouse offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and surrounding landscapes. It was originally built to guide ships safely to shore, but now this white tower has become a popular tourist spot. After climbing to the top, you will get to see the stunning view of the sunset. Also, take your camera with you as it is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Varkala.
| Location: | Located on the coast of Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India |
| Entry Fee: | ₹25 per person; additional ₹20 for camera usage |
| Timing: | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Best Time to Visit: | During the late afternoon, when the lighthouse is open, offering spectacular sunset views |
| Things To Do | Enjoy beautiful views of the Arabian Sea and surrounding landscapes from the top, capture stunning photos, and explore nearby attractions like Anjengo Fort |
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Visit Varkala with TripzyGo
Don’t miss out on any of these places to visit in Varkala if you want to make the most of your trip. There’s something for everyone here, from the stunning beaches to cultural centres. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. So, plan your trip to Kerala with TripzyGo today to explore the beauty of Varkala. Pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready to fall in love with Varkala.