10 Best Places to Visit Near Varkala for Every Traveller in 2025

Places to visit near Varkala

Surrounded by natural attractions, peaceful coastal spots, and heritage landmarks, Varkala offers plenty of short trip options for travellers. Many people explore these places through Varkala tour packages, which make it easier to cover beaches, lakes, temples, and nearby viewpoints. Kappil Beach, about 7 km away, is known for its striking setting where the sea and backwaters run parallel. Anchuthengu Fort highlights early colonial history with its laterite structure built by the East India Company. Ponnumthuruthu Island, reached by boat, is popular for its lush greenery and the traditional Shiva Parvati Temple. The 19th-century Varkala Tunnel reflects old engineering techniques that once supported inland trade routes.

You can also explore Sarkara Devi Temple, Kadakkavur Beach, and Odayam Beach, each offering a mix of coastal and cultural experiences close to the town. Nature lovers often visit the Koyikkal Palace Museum in Nedumangad and Meenmutty Waterfalls near Thiruvananthapuram for scenic views and historical value. The Kallar Meenmutty area is good for river walks and short treks, making it a preferred choice for day travellers.

With so many nearby attractions to explore, booking Kerala tour packages helps you extend your journey across the state’s diverse landscapes, heritage sites, and coastal viewpoints.

Coastal & Scenic Getaways Near Varkala

Kappil Beach (7 km) offers a rare landscape where the Arabian Sea and Kappil Lake run parallel, ideal for sunrise views and photography.

Kadakkavur Beach provides quiet shores, shallow waters, and fewer crowds, suitable for peaceful evening walks.

Odayam Beach, close to Varkala, is perfect for travellers who prefer calm surroundings and village-side coastal pathways.

The Anjengo/Anchuthengu Beach area features long stretches of sand and unobstructed sea views next to historic sites.

Historical & Cultural Sites Near Varkala

Anchuthengu (Anjengo) Fort, built by the British East India Company in the 17th century, showcases bastions, stone walls, and colonial-era remnants.

Varkala Tunnel highlights 19th-century Travancore engineering with arched passages, brick-lined walls, and old canal systems.

Sarkara Devi Temple, one of the region’s major Bhagavathy temples, offers ritual experiences and cultural festivals like Kaliyoot.

Koyikkal Palace Museum (Nedumangad) displays artefacts like folktale manuscripts, antique utensils, and traditional Kerala household objects.

Backwater & Nature Experiences

Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island) offers boat rides through mangroves, lush greenery, birdwatching, and the serene Shiva–Parvati Temple.

Kappil Lake provides canoeing, boating, and quiet waterfront scenery ideal for slow travellers.

Meenmutty Waterfalls (Kallar region) features a 45-metre cascade, forest trails, and nature pools suitable for short treks.

Kallar Riverside Walks let you explore streamside rocks, river pools, and shaded trails surrounded by thick vegetation.

Day Trips & Travel Convenience

These attractions fall within 5–40 km from Varkala, making them ideal for half-day or full-day trips.

Best explored through Varkala tour packages that include transport, guided experiences, and combined coastal–heritage circuits.

Many travellers extend their journey with Kerala tour packages covering beaches, backwaters, waterfalls, and hill stations for a complete travel experience.

Suitable for solo travellers, families, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and culture explorers.

Best Selling Varkala Tour Packages Explore All (13)

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Places To Visit Near Varkala

01

Odayam Beach

Odayam Beach, located about 2 km north of Varkala Cliff, is a quiet coastal stretch known for its clean shoreline and calm environment. The beach is popular for low waves, soft sand, and a narrow strip lined with coconut trees. Here, you can walk along the coast, observe traditional fishing boats near the shore, and watch fishermen bring in their daily catch. The beach is ideal for swimming due to its gentle waters. In early mornings, you can have clear views of fishing activities, while evenings provide beautiful sunset views. The area around Odayam has homestays, small cafés, and yoga centres that attract travellers seeking peaceful stays away from crowded tourist zones.

What You Can See

Clean, quiet shoreline with soft golden sand and calm waves.

Coconut-lined coastal stretch offering natural shade and scenic views.

Traditional wooden fishing boats are anchored along the beach.

Early-morning scenes of fishermen sorting nets and unloading the day’s catch.

Wide, unobstructed sunset views with pastel evening skies.

Activities to Enjoy

Peaceful coastal walks toward Edava or Varkala Cliff.

Relaxed swimming in shallow, gentle waters is ideal for beginners.

Casual photography of boats, coastal trees, and evening light.

Watching fishing routines and observing local coastal life.

Enjoying slow mornings in nearby yoga centres or homestays.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Much quieter than Varkala Beach, perfect for travellers seeking silence.

A relaxing spot for those wanting to avoid heavy crowds and commercial activity.

Close to cliff cafés yet peaceful enough for uninterrupted rest.

Supports eco-friendly stays with small homestays and beachside guesthouses.

Ideal for couples' stays, nature lovers, wellness travellers, and long-stay visitors.

Travel Tips

Visit early morning for fishing activity and a cool breeze.

Sunset hour is best for photography and peaceful beach time.

Carry water and sunscreen, as shaded areas are limited.

The sea is usually gentle, but always check local swim safety flags.

Easily walkable from North Cliff or reachable by car.

02

Varkala Tunnel

Also known as the Varkala Aqueduct or the Varkala Canal Tunnel, it is a 924-foot-long structure built in 1867 by the Travancore Kingdom for transporting goods between Tirur and Kollam. The tunnel includes ventilation shafts, laterite blocks, and arched entrances, highlighting 19th-century engineering techniques. You can walk around the entrance area, view the old canal system that once supported regional trade, and observe the narrow interior of the tunnel. It also has information boards from which you can gain insight into its construction and historical purpose. It is one of the significant places to visit near Varkala Cliff for travellers who are interested in heritage landmarks and traditional waterway transport systems.

What You Can See

Brick-lined tunnel structure with arched entrances and ventilation shafts.

Sections of the old canal system that once supported inland water transport.

Laterite stone construction showcasing Travancore-era engineering.

Activities to Enjoy

Walk around the entrance area to observe preserved architectural details.

Study information boards describing the tunnel’s historical purpose.

View the canal pathway and remaining water channels connected to the tunnel.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Highlights Kerala’s historic waterway network from the 19th century.

Offers insight into old trade routes linking Tirur and Kollam.

A unique heritage landmark near Varkala is ideal for history enthusiasts.

Travel Tips

Visit during daylight for proper visibility inside the tunnel.

Combine the visit with nearby Varkala Cliff attractions.

Wear comfortable footwear due to uneven ground near the canal.

03

Anchuthengu Fort

Located about 12 km from Varkala, it is a 17th-century fort built by the British East India Company as their first major trading station in Kerala. The fort is known for watchtowers, thick laterite walls, and a central courtyard, reflecting early colonial military design. Here, you can explore the ramparts, view remnants of storage rooms used for spices and goods, and see the old bastions facing the Arabian Sea. The nearby Anchuthengu Lighthouse provides scenic views of the coastline and backwaters. In the fort’s surroundings, you can also see a historic cemetery with British-era tombstones. Anchuthengu Fort is considered one of the notable places to visit near Varakala beach for travellers interested in Kerala’s colonial and maritime history.

What You Can See

Thick laterite walls, watchtowers, and preserved bastions facing the sea.

Courtyard and storage room remnants used by the British East India Company.

Old cemetery with British-era tombstones.

Activities to Enjoy

Walk along the ramparts for coastal and backwater views.

Explore the inner sections showcasing early colonial architecture.

Combine the visit with the Anchuthengu Lighthouse for panoramic scenery.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

One of the earliest British trading stations in Kerala.

Represents the important military and maritime history of the region.

Offers unique coastal photography opportunities.

Travel Tips

Visit early morning or late afternoon for better lighting.

Carry water, as the fort area has limited shade.

Combine with a visit to the lighthouse located nearby.

04

Kappil Beach

Kappil Beach, located about 7 km from Varkala, is known for its unique landscape where the Arabian Sea runs parallel to the Edava–Nadayara Backwaters. The beach is famous for long stretches of clean sand, elevated viewpoints along the coastal road, and coconut groves. You can walk across the Kappil Bridge to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea on one side and backwaters on the other. The calm shoreline supports activities such as photography, beach walks, and watching local fishing boats. Nearby Kappil Pozhi provides boating options managed by the tourism department. The beach is one of the notable places to visit near Varkala, Kerala, attracting travellers seeking natural scenery and peaceful coastal settings.

What You Can See

Clean sandy shoreline stretching along the Arabian Sea.

Elevated viewpoints overlooking both sea and backwaters.

Coconut groves and local fishing boats.

Activities to Enjoy

Long beach walks and shoreline photography.

Boating at nearby Kappil Pozhi backwaters.

Enjoy views from the Kappil Bridge at sunrise or sunset.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Rare landscape where sea and backwaters run parallel.

Less crowded than the central Varkala beaches.

Ideal for peaceful coastal exploration.

Travel Tips

Visit early morning for quiet surroundings.

Wear comfortable footwear for long walks.

Combine with Kappil Lake for a complete scenic experience.

05

Ponnumthuruthu Island

Ponnumthuruthu Island, located about 10 km from Varkala, is a small green island accessible only by boat from Nedunganda. The island is known for the century-old Shiva–Parvati Temple, also called the Golden Island Temple, attracting visitors during the Sivarathri festival. Calm backwaters, dense coconut groves, and rich birdlife make it a valuable natural habitat. You can take guided boat rides through the surrounding backwaters, spot herons, egrets, and kingfishers, and observe wetland vegetation. The island’s walking paths provide views of quiet inland waterways and traditional village landscapes. One of the best places to visit near Varakala, Ponnumthuruthu, is ideal for travellers interested in nature, backwater ecology, and heritage worship sites.

What You Can See

Dense coconut groves, mangrove patches, and calm backwaters.

The traditional Shiva–Parvati temple on the island.

Wetland birds like herons, egrets, and kingfishers.

Activities to Enjoy

Boat rides through backwater channels leading to the island.

Nature walks along quiet pathways inside the island.

Temple visit during Sivarathri for cultural experiences.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Peaceful, untouched natural environment.

Perfect for birdwatching and photography.

Culturally significant due to the temple’s history.

Travel Tips

Boats operate mostly during the daytime—plan accordingly.

Carry mosquito repellent during evening visits.

Avoid visiting during heavy rains, as boat services may be limited.

06

Edava Beach

Edava Beach is a peaceful and less-crowded shoreline located north of Varkala, ideal for travellers who want a quiet escape away from the tourist rush. The beach is bordered by a rocky cliff that adds a dramatic backdrop to the coastline and serves as a perfect vantage point to watch the waves and the sunset. With its untouched stretches of sand, coconut groves, and calm ambience, Edava beach is known for offering a more secluded experience compared to the main Varkala Beach.

What You Can See

A serene beach with clean sand and minimal crowds.

A scenic cliffside viewpoint overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Natural surroundings with coconut trees, lagoons, and backwater channels nearby.

Activities to Enjoy

Sit by the shore or walk along the quiet coastline.

Watch the sunset from the cliff for uninterrupted views.

Enjoy photography with a backdrop of waves, rocks, and peaceful landscapes.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Perfect for travellers seeking solitude and a non-touristy beach experience.

Offers great views and natural beauty without the crowds of Varkala Beach.

Ideal for slow moments, reflection, and relaxed coastal walks.

Travel Tips

Visit during early morning or late evening for the best atmosphere.

Carry snacks or water, as there are limited shops near the beach.

Wear comfortable footwear if you plan to climb the cliff for views.

07

Jatayu Earth’s Centre

Jatayu Earth’s Centre is a major adventure and culture destination built around the world’s largest bird sculpture, a 200-foot structure representing Jatayu from the Ramayana. You can reach the hilltop using a cable car and admire scenic views of rocky terrain and surrounding forests. The complex features the Jatayu Sculpture Museum and a digital interpretation centre explaining the mythological importance of the site. Here, you can also participate in adventure activities such as archery, rock climbing, rappelling, paintball, and trekking trails on the granite hills. The park also features a 6D theatre and a dedicated adventure zone. It is one of the best places to visit near Varkala for mythology, panoramic views, and outdoor activities.

What You Can See

The world’s largest bird sculpture depicting Jatayu.

Hilltop views across rocky landscapes and forests.

Sculpture museum and digital interpretation centre.

Activities to Enjoy

Cable car ride to the top viewpoint.

Adventure activities like rock climbing, archery, rappelling, and paintball.

Explore nature trails and the adventure zone.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Combines mythology, nature, and adventure in one location.

Offers some of the best panoramic views near Varkala.

A unique, large-scale tourist attraction in Kerala.

Travel Tips

Wear sports shoes for adventure activities.

Pre-book tickets during weekends.

Carry a hat or sunscreen as the hilltop gets sunny.

08

Koyikkal Palace Museum, Nedumangad

Situated about 30 km from Varkala, it is a 17th-century palace built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad Royal Family. The palace is famous for traditional Kerala architectural elements, including sloping roofs, wooden interiors, and a central courtyard. The Folklore Museum exhibits household tools, musical instruments, masks, brass utensils, and tribal artifacts that document Kerala’s cultural history. In the Numismatic Museum, you can see rare coins such as punch-marked coins, Roman gold coins, and Travancore currency. You can also explore the two-story structure, view early regional trade materials, and study exhibits arranged room-wise. The site remains one of the cultural places to visit near Varkala for travelers interested in Kerala’s heritage and traditional craftsmanship.

What You Can See

Traditional Kerala palace architecture with wooden interiors.

The Folklore Museum showcases tools, masks, and artifacts.

Numismatic Museum with rare old coins, including Roman and Travancore currency.

Activities to Enjoy

Explore two museum floors arranged with theme-based exhibits.

Study early regional trade materials and cultural artifacts.

Photography of the palace’s sloped roofs and courtyards (where permitted).

Why It’s Worth Visiting

A major heritage site showcasing Kerala’s royal and cultural history.

Houses rare collections not found in regular museums.

A good educational visit for culture-focused travellers.

Travel Tips

Closed on certain public holidays—check timings.

Combine with waterfalls or nearby viewpoints.

Wear comfortable footwear for indoor and outdoor walking.

09

Meenmutty Waterfalls, Kallar

Meenmutty Waterfalls in Kallar is a forest waterfall reached through a guided trek of roughly 2 km along riverside pathways and rocky terrain. The falls descend in multiple tiers from a height of around 300 meters, creating natural pools. Here, you can see strong water flow during the monsoon and moderate flow in other seasons. The pathway passes through dense vegetation, providing chances to spot butterflies and small wildlife. Viewing platforms near the falls allow you to see the cascading water safely. Swimming is restricted due to strong currents, but you can walk along the boulder areas and photograph the surrounding forest landscape.

What You Can See

Multi-tiered waterfall dropping nearly 300 meters.

Dense forest surroundings and river pathways.

Rocky formations and natural pools near the base.

Activities to Enjoy

Guided a 2 km trek along the riverside.

Photography from designated viewing platforms.

Nature walks offering chances to spot butterflies and birds.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

One of the most scenic forest waterfalls near Varkala.

Ideal for trekking and nature exploration.

Accessible day trip combined with Kallar attractions.

Travel Tips

Wear trekking shoes due to wet rocks.

Swimming is restricted—follow the safety boards.

Best visited post-monsoon for strong waterfall flow.

10

Sarkara Devi Temple

It is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, located about 13 km from Varkala. The temple follows traditional Kerala architectural elements, including wooden carvings, tiled roofs, and a circular sanctum. It is widely known for the annual Kaliyoot Festival, a week-long event that reenacts mythological stories through rituals and performances. Here, you can observe daily pujas, see the temple’s stone lamps, and explore the outer mandapam that displays traditional craftsmanship. The temple compound includes shrines dedicated to sub-deities and spaces used for community ceremonies. You can also enjoy traditional music and processions during festivals in the temple, offering insight into regional religious practices and cultural traditions.

What You Can See

Traditional Kerala-style architecture with wooden carvings and tiled roofs.

The main sanctum is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali.

Stone lamps, temple ponds, and shrines for sub-deities.

Activities to Enjoy

Attend daily rituals and observe temple customs.

Visit during the Kaliyoot festival for cultural performances.

Explore the mandapam displaying traditional craftsmanship.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

One of the region’s most important Devi temples.

Offers deep insight into Kerala’s ritual traditions.

Cultural hub during festival months.

Travel Tips

Dress modestly as it is an active temple.

Visit early morning for peaceful surroundings.

Check festival dates before planning your trip.

Varkala Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Varkala

Explore Varkala

Varkala Cliff

Varkala cliff is a famous beachfront which is a massive cluster of old times rock formations. Varkala is rising the popularity ladder with immense speed and has become a thriving place in the last couple of years. The laid-back town is situated around 40 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital city of the state of Kerala. Varkala Cliff is now challenging the upbeat hippy destinations of India like Goa and Gokarna with its surging popularity. Varkala's serene vibe and stunning cliffs are making it a must-visit for travellers, especially those exploring Kerala tour packages, which often include this picturesque gem in their itineraries.It features some colossal rock formations, hillsides, balmy beaches, hidden ruins and forts along with cloistered lighthouses and placid lakes. The unique feature of the Varkala cliff is that it appears as a dramatic horizon that is merging with the Arabian Sea. The cliffs are also named as the Varkala Formation by the Geological Survey of India. Formerly named Udayamarthandapuram after the king of Travancore, a colossal development to the coastal stretch was made.Moreover, the presence of 2000 years 2000-year-old Janardhan Swami Temple near Varkala cliff often earns it the title of Southern Varanasi. Beaches like Papanasam, Varkala, and Odayam are the most cherished among the sunbathers. You can also tour some marvelous architecture such as Anjengo Fort and Janardhan Swami Temple nearby. The backwaters of Kappil Beach and Ponnumthuruthu Island can engross you completely. Kappil Pozhi or Kappil Lake has a great setting to also enjoy boating.Varkala cliff is declared as a geo-heritage site in India due to the unique sediments that laid adjacent to the Arabian Sea. It is of a kind formation on the rather flat coastal plains of Kerala which magnetizes backpackers and pilgrims from around the world.This quaint pilgrimage town is also known for its ayurvedic spa centres. Arattu is a holy bath festival that goes on for ten days mostly in March and April. The ancient Janardhana Swamy temple serves as the celebration ground for this festival. Words fall short of describing the beauty of Varkala, it is a place that leaves you speechless.