Places To Visit In Varkala

Tourist Places In Varkala

Let us help you choose the best places to visit in Varkala, Kerala. The golden beaches, gentle winds, and rocky cliffs make a perfect slice of paradise.

Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala and the entire country. It is bordered by striking cliffs lined with palm trees on one side and the great deep blue on the other. It is one of the best places to see in Varkala. You can try water sports, watch a mesmerising sunset over the Arabian Sea, sunbathe, and relax.

Location: Varkala Municipality, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala

Timings: Open 24 hours

Kappil Lake

Kappil Lake is one of the most eye-soothing and aesthetically pleasing places to visit in Varkala. An oasis of emerald, pine, teal, and sea-weed green, you’ll find hundreds of shades of greens and blue around you. The coconut groves and the placid water of the lake form a serene ambient atmosphere. Rent a boat and explore the picturesque waterway for a transcendental experience.

Location: 5 km north of Varkala Town, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Timings: Boat ride timings 10 am - 6 pm

Ponnumthuruthu Island

Also known as the Golden Island, Ponnumthuruthu is an uninhabited island on Anjengo Lake in Kerala. It is perfect for nature walks and home to flocks of migratory birds. Located a short distance from Varkala, Ponnumthuruthu Island is one of the top places to visit for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The island also has a century-old temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.

Location: 12 km south of Varkala, Trivandrum, Kerala

Timings: 5:30 am - 12 pm, 4 pm - 7 pm

Anjengo Fort

Anjengo Fort was built in the late 17th century by the East India Company. The land was gifted to the Britishers by Queen Attingal. The place is also called Anchuthengu, but since the English had difficulty pronouncing it, the name was shortened to Anjengo. Walking through the streets of Anjengo, you’ll feel like you’ve returned in time. History is very palpable in the walls of the fort, the tombs of soldiers and centuries-old convents.

Location: Anchuthengu, 12 km from Varkala, Kerala

Timings: 9 am - 5 pm

Janardana Swami Temple

Varkala is often referred to as the Varanasi of the South, and this temple contributes greatly to that reputation. A Vaishnavaite temple, it has stood strong even after 2000 years and is one of the best-preserved places to see in Varkala. Vishnu is worshipped as Janardana here, meaning “he who is the abode and protector of all living beings,” also called Varkaleswara. This temple is mentioned in the Bhagwata Purana and Mahabharata. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the temple daily.

Location: Janardhanapuram, Varkala city, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala

Timings: 5?am - 12?pm, 5 - 8?pm

Chilakoor Beach

Chilakoor Beach is located on the serene coastline of the Arabian Sea, lined with groves of beach Casuarina trees. Situated about 15 km from the city, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Varkala. Even the drive to the beach is scenic and pleasant. You will pass through some charming coastal villages. Go boating, swim, and participate in water sports and adventure activities.

Location: Chilakoor Village, 4 km from Varkala Railway Station, Trivandrum, Kerala

Timings: 7 am - 6 pm (recommended)

Varkala Aquarium

The marine life of the coast is on display at the Varkala Aquarium. The aquarium is located between Black Beach and Odayam Beach in a three-story building with a spiral staircase from where you can see all sorts of wonderful and colourful sea creatures. If you like underwater organisms like Piranhas, Eels, Karimeen, etc., this is one of the best places to visit in Varkala.

Location: Odayam Hatchery, Thiruvambadi Beach, Varkala, Kerala

Timings: 10?am - 6:30?pm