Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to Varkala, a hidden seaside jewel in Kerala that attracts visitors with its untouched beauty and calming views.
You wouldn’t regret planning a weekend trip as we reveal the less crowded hidden gems, that makes this a must-visit destination.
Day 1 in the Cliff Town of Varkala
This Town has 2 Cliffs, such as North Cliff and South Cliff. Offering incredible views of the Arabian Sea, Varkala’s North Cliff is an insanely beautiful elevated spot along the shoreline.
It’s a busy and well-known location for its amazing range of shopping spots spread across the Cliff, lively atmosphere.
As it has numerous cafes, and wide selection of shops especially for women. Starting from the. outfits, home decor, fragrances, souvenirs etc, you name it and they have got it.
Although the prices are on higher side as most their customers are foreigners, henceforth make sure to negotiate for a best price.
Finally this cliff has even some of the finest Spas, and it is definitely advisable to have a look at them as they completely repair your body at a reasonable pricing.
The North Cliff is home to a large number of guesthouses, resorts, and hotels that give guests the opportunity to stay near the ocean and indulge yourself in soothing sound of the waves of “Varkala Beach”.
Make sure to book your stay here. For an unforgettable experience by cherishing the magical sunsets. There are many affordable and luxurious alternatives here to choose from.
The cliff is hot spot for Parasailing, if you are a thrill seeker then you can give it a try as the view from the sky are undoubtedly worthy for what you are paying.
Check in to your hotel and freshen up to head out for some rare shopping finds on the cliff.
After that don’t miss out to enter a Sea view faced cafe for an appetising lunch while watching the ocean and hearing to the waves.
Following that get some rest for an energetic evening. Start your evening by heading to the “Black Beach” for an unique encounter.
By hook or crook manage to come back to the Varkala Beach for an mesmerising sunset experience.
Either by watching it from the cliff top cafes or by getting down to the beach according to your taste.
Finally you can end your day on the cliff by partying as it gets more and more lively as it gets darker.
Day 2 to explore the rarest sightings
Kickstart your day by visiting the place where Back Waters meet the Ocean otherwise known as “Kappil Beach”. The highlight is the closeness of “Kappil Beach” to the “Edava” backwaters.
A calm location with captivating views and with an opportunity for boating situated where the backwaters meet the sea.
Although swimming, tanning, beach walks, and even picnics are permitted along the shore.
Kappil Beach is mostly a place for leisure and water activities.
Make sure to take a speed boat excursion offered by Kerala tourism or go kayaking around the neighbouring backwaters.
This speed boat ride lasts for 10 to 15 minutes in which they will show you the beauty of Kerala’s back waters but make sure to sit still and to wear a life jacket.
As the speed boat is quite fast and can be a bit dangerous if one is not careful.
Following that, you could visit the “Jatayu Earth’s Centre” which is situated about 30 km away from the town.
The park honours nature, adventure, and the rich cultural legacy of the area, and it is named after the name of Jatayu, a mythological eagle from the epic Ramayana.
As this is situated 30 km away from the mainland, it is advisable to rent a auto rickshaw or cab for roundtrip to get back to Varkala without any hassle.
And then head back to your “Varkala Beach Resort” for a leisurely evening by the sea.
Day 3 to visit the “Munroe Island”
Wake up at dawn and head to the train station before 6 AM for getting on the train to “Kollam” station as the first direct train to island is in the evening and you wouldlosing a lot of time.
Get off at Kollam and you will be reached out by plenty of Auto Rickshaw drivers to drop you off at the island.
Don’t forget to negotiate for the best price.
Check in to your hotel or homestay but make sure to checkout “VALIYATH HOLIDAYS HOMESTAY, Munroe Island”.
As the owner is super kind and good at organising your stay along with the Boat Tour around the island.
Houseboat trips in the island’s backwaters are rather popular. Travellers can take leisurely strolls along the peaceful canals and take in the lush vegetation, rural Kerala beauty and glimpses of the local way of life along the banks to get lost into the nature.
Followed by paying a visit to “Munroe Viewpoint” and “Dutch Church”.
This Dutch Church is abandoned and it can quite tricky to reach here without the help of natives. But if you happen to stay in “Valiyath Homestay”, then you visit this place with the help of the host as he is truly a gentlemen.
Head back to “kollam” to get back your home town or you can spend the night for a leisurely experience.
Cafes to try out on Varkala Cliff
1) Darjeeling Cafe
2) InDa Cafe
3) Abba Restaurent
Make sure to visit this cafes as they are rather popular but also worth trying.
Must try Activities
1) Parasailing in Varkala
2) Speed boat tour at “Kappil Beach”
3) House boat tour in “Munroe island”
How to reach " Varkala Cliff" ?
You should hire a cab or auto rickshaw to "Helipad" in order to reach the cliff.
How is the weather in Varkala?
The weather mostly remains hot and humid during the day while it gets cloudy and rains often in the evening.
Wrapping up
If you are looking for a less crowded beach destinations such as Goa, then Varkala is the perfect alternative as it’s not just a beach destination but a cliff beach town along with an island tour to make your 3 day weekend worth it. For such amazing Tour ideas and packages, please checkout our website for most affordable tours.
Although Varkala can get a bit crowded during the season but it is not as much crowded as the other beach destinations in India.
Have a nice trip.
