Varkala is a beach town in Kerala, India, known for its Arabian Sea shoreline, cliff views and places of worship. Varkala Beach offers opportunities to swim, sunbathe and experience its natural springs and healing waters. The cliff is a popular place for walking and looking across the sea. Visitors can also explore Sivagiri Mutt and Janardanaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Vishnu in the form of Janardanaswamy. Nearby beaches, including Kappil and Edava, provide quieter coastal settings, while Paravur Kayal adds a backwater landscape to the area. Anchuthengu Fort offers an attraction connected with the East India Company’s presence on the Malabar Coast. Varkala suits travellers interested in beaches, sea views, Hindu temples, coastal heritage and backwater scenery.
Known for: Arabian Sea beaches, Cliff views, Hindu temples, Natural springs, Backwaters
Top things to do in Varkala
Varkala Beach: A beach beside the Arabian Sea, known for natural springs and healing waters, swimming and sunbathing.
Varkala cliff: A coastal viewpoint where visitors can walk and enjoy views of the Arabian Sea.
Janardanaswamy Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in the form of Janardanaswamy, also known as the Varkala Temple.
Sivagiri Mutt: An attraction in Varkala that visitors can explore.
Kappil Beach: A beach with less crowded shores, suited to a peaceful morning walk and views of nearby backwaters.
Edava Beach: A beach with clear waters and a quiet setting, suitable for a swim.
Paravur Kayal: A lake connected with Kerala’s backwaters, lakes and canals, and the endpoint of the Ithikkara River.
Anchuthengu Fort: A fort that was the East India Company’s first permanent post on the Malabar Coast.
When is the best time to visit Varkala?
Best months: December to April
December to April is the recommended period. January to March are relatively dry, April and December have some rain, while May to November are generally rainy.
January: 53 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
February: 11 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
March: 42 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
April: 108 mm of rain, some rain (good time to go)
May: 284 mm of rain, rainy
June: 224 mm of rain, rainy
July: 159 mm of rain, rainy
August: 171 mm of rain, rainy
September: 206 mm of rain, rainy
October: 280 mm of rain, rainy
November: 237 mm of rain, rainy
December: 87 mm of rain, some rain (good time to go)
How to reach Varkala
By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), about 37 km from Varkala in a straight line
By train: Varkala Sivagiri railway station, about 1 km from Varkala in a straight line