Varkala is a beautiful destination in southern India. Located in the state of Kerala, it is ideal for taking a few days to unwind and enjoy a beach holiday. The beaches of this coastal town are considered one of the most beautiful in Kerala. And from the famous Varkala Cliff, you can enjoy the sea views and delicious food at one of the many restaurants. Hire a scooter and explore the area with its many temples and other sights.
Are you planning to visit Varkala? And would you like to learn more about the special history and culture of this coastal town in the state of Kerala? In this travel guide, I tell you more about its interesting history, read all about the best sights and discover the best accommodation in this town. A history-rich visit to Varkala starts here…
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*This article is also available in Dutch – Varkala Reisgids
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Best Time to Travel? The best time to visit Varkala is January to May and December. During this period it is hottest in this part of India, but does not get as much rainfall. It gets an average of 32 degrees then. From May to November the monsoon takes place here, which can lead to large amounts of rain. Therefore, try to avoid these months as much as possible.
- How many days? Varkala is where you go to enjoy the beautiful rocky coastline. So it is an ideal place to rest and possibly end your vacation in India. Stay for at least 3 days. You can then spend one day exploring the area. The other 2 days you will then have time to walk on the beach, rest and enjoy the beautiful nature in it.
- Accommodation? Looking for a hotel or hostel? Between the train station and the beach you will find a lot of nice accommodations. It’s best to book a hotel near Varkala Beach, while most luxury resorts are more to the north of the town.
- Tours & Tickets? For this beautiful destination in Kerala, you go mainly to relax and recover during your trip through India. There are no real major attractions, but a day trip to the city of Trivandrum, for example, is certainly an interesting option.
- Transport? The best way to get to Varkala is by train. For example, trains run regularly between Trivandrum and Kollam.
History – What makes historically interesting to visit?
For Varkala you go to the beach, not to sniff history, right? Every place has its own history and so does this particular town in Kerala. For example, the origins of this town are said to have begun 2,000 years ago with the construction of the Sri Janardanaswamy Maha Temple by a Pandya king. The Pandyas was a kingdom that ruled South India from the 2nd century BC until about 1400. Because of this temple, Varkala has also been nicknamed ‘Southern Varanasi‘. Incidentally, in the Sri Janardanaswamy Maha Temple hangs an old bell from a Dutch ship that, according to legend, is said to have sunk off the coast here. How it really ended up there is not entirely clear.
According to historical sources, the name Varkala was first mentioned in the 10th century. However, it is also known that in ancient times this place was an important port city that was then known as ‘Balita‘. Centuries later, when India was under British rule, the Kingdom of Travancore dug out a 1,000-meter-long canal/tunnel from 1867 to 1881 to facilitate trade. This canal is known as the Varkala Tunnel. But the town is best known for its meter-high cliff along the beach. This geological phenomenon is unique to Kerala and can only be seen when you visit Varkala.
Top 5 Places to visit in Varkala
Looking for the best sights to see in Varkala? Here are 5 best tips and ideas!
1. Walk on Varkala Cliff
Surely a highlight of this destination in India is the famous cliff on which it sits. Nowhere else along the coast of Kerala will you see this tall hill. Its origins go back millions of years when this was formed. Walk along the beach and behold the magnificent cliffs. And if you walk on the cliff, you have plenty of nice restaurants and stores where you can enjoy the view of the Arabian Sea.
2. Visit the Sri Janardanaswamy Maha Temple.
This temple is located right on the coast and in the center of Varkala. According to historical sources, it is said to be more than 2,000 years old. According to a legend, a Dutch ship is said to have perished off the coast here. A bell from that ship now hangs there in the temple. It is not a big temple, but because of its histi, it is one of the most important shrines in Kerala.
3. Explore the famous tunnels from the 19th century
An interesting attraction is the famous tunnel system built during the British rule by the Kingdom of Travancore (1729-1949). Its purpose was to promote trade and the movement of people. Its construction began in 1867 and was fully completed in 1880. Incidentally, the tunnels are a bit apart, but is interesting to have seen.
4. Visit idyllic Kappil Lake
About 5 kilometers to the north, you can visit Kappil Lake. It is mostly a beautiful and quiet place and a little different from the busier Varkala Beach. In addition, you can easily get there by bike or take the train to Kappil station. You can also rent a boat from Kappil and explore some of the beautiful Backwaters of Kerala.
5. Discover colonial history at Anjengo Fort
Anjengo Fort, also known as Anchuthengu Fort is located about 12 kilometers south of Varkala. If you want to explore history, this is an interesting sight to see. It dates back to 1699 and was built by order of the British East India Company. The fort created a thriving trade in pepper and cotton. Although the fort is not very large, quite a lot has remained intact.
Accommodation – Where to stay in Varkala?
Varkala is a place of about 40,000 inhabitants. It is particularly popular among foreign tourists who come here to spend a few days relaxing on the beautiful beach. Therefore, you will find a lot of hotels, hostels and resort near Varkala Cliff. It is also recommended to stay overnight here so that you are near the beach and the Cliff.
Looking for accommodation in Varkala? Book your Hotel of Hostel here!
Transport – How to get to Varkala?
Varkala is located in the state of Kerala between the cities of Kollam and Trivandrum. Are you going to Varkala via one of these cities? Then grab a bus, as these run more frequently than the train. Both the bus station and the train station are 3 kilometers east of Varkala Cliff and its famous beaches. A Tuktuk will get you to your hotel or hostel. Book your bus or train tickets across India here.
Plan your trip to Varkala & India
- Accommodation? Hotel via Booking of Hostel via Hostelworld?
- Things to See and Do? Tickets & Tours via GetYourGuide
- Transport: Bus & Train Tickets via 12go.Asia
- Flight tickets to India? Skyscanner
Do you have more tips, ideas or comments about this Travel Guide to Varkala, India? If so, feel free to leave a message below.
