Varkala: Get Set for a Tempting Vacation!

Keen on vacationing on an unspoilt beach in Gods own country, Kerala? Give the crowded, popular beach destinations a miss and head to Varkala. Temples, ashrams, springs, cliffs and beaches make up for all the places to visit in Varkala. This tranquil location brings a sense of peace to both devotees and vacationers. The golden beach and the azure Arabian Sea beside it offer a relaxing environment. The cliff overlooking the beach is covered in lush greenery. The riot of colours with the green foliage, the golden sands and the blue sea is a dream for photographers. Varkala beach is not the only attraction here. The history of Varkala dates back to 2000 years ago when the Janardhana Swamy Temple was built. The water from the natural spring here has medicinal properties while the sea offers the chance to swim and surf. The hanging cliff is just right for paragliding too. With interesting options for varied activities, the places to visit in Varkala offer a tempting vacation.

When to Visit Varkala?

The best time to visit Varkala is said to be the winter season. The coastal town has a dry atmosphere with Varkala temperature ranging between 12 and 31 degrees. Monsoon time is the shoulder season where places to visit in Varkala receive heavy rainfall. But the surrounding turns vibrant green and is apt for photography. Varkala temperature soars as high as 40 degrees during the summer months. This is the off-season for tourism since Varkala weather and hence budget friendly. If you really want to visit in the off-season, March will be the best time to visit Varkala as it hosts the Arattu and Kaliyoot festivals.

How to Reach Varakala?

Kerala has a good network of roads and touring the places to visit in Varkala will be a smooth event. If you are planning to avail KSRTC, state buses, you can get down at Attingal and take a connecting bus for Varkala. Varkala has its own railway station and has connecting trains from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Many trains do not stop at Varkala so take trains for Trivandrum or Kollam or Kochi. Take connecting trains or road routes from these places. The nearest airport to Varkala is Thiruvananthapuram Airport. To tour places to visit in Varkala, you can use two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws.

What are the Things to See & Do in Varkala?

Varkala is a small town and the places to visit in Varkala are easily accessible. Spend spiritual moments in the temples and receive divine blessings. Enjoy the beaches and all the activities there swimming, surfing, snorkelling and paragliding from the cliff. Trek to the historical forts and monuments and marvel at the architecture. Climb up to the summit of the lighthouse to catch the best sunset on the Arabian Sea. Savour different cuisines. Include backwaters and islands in your itinerary for the places to visit in Varkala.

Food to Try in Varkala

The recommendation for Varkala food is chiefly seafood, particularly the freshest catch. Most places serve grilled or fried fish and lobsters. The taste differs according to freshness. Since this small town caters to pan-Indian and International tourists, its restaurants serve Chinese and Continental food. There are various shacks and food stalls near places to visit in Varkala. Look out for some local specialities or Kerala cuisine. Varkala food includes some Kerala staples such as the Puttu (cylinder-shaped steamed rice and coconut dish), Dosa with omelette and chutney, Parotta (lightly fried layered flatbread) and Chicken thoran (spicy curry). An interesting take on the dosa pancake is the small and thick Tata dosa. You can enquire about Varkala food and places to eat from locals or the guide taking you around the places to visit in Varkala. Also, sample the differently flavoured coffees at popular joints.

Things to Buy in Varkala

Most of the places to visit in Varkala are dotted with small shops selling various souvenirs and knick-knacks. There is a wide range of products to pick from here. You may want to own the gold-bordered white linen/handloom saree or Kasavu mundu (the sarong/lungi style menswear). You may even find a few raw silk pieces. Coconut, coir and sandalwood are some materials that yield very creative home décor items. Carry back authentic aroma oils and spa products. You may find some beautiful pieces made out of oyster shells.