InstagramWhatsApphello@nexaraholidays.com
Search destinations, packages, guides…/From Tamil Nadu to the world+91 73059 71481
Nexara Holidays
Destination spotlight · Kerala

Varkala Tour Packages

Varkala is the only place on the Kerala coast where red laterite cliffs drop straight to the beach. The clifftop path is lined with cafés and yoga studios, while the Janardana Swamy temple and Papanasam beach draw pilgrims for ritual bathing.

Varkala at a glance

  • LocationKerala, India
  • Time zoneIndian Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
  • Driving sideLeft
  • Calling code+91
  • CurrencyIndian rupee (INR)
  • LanguagesMalayalam
  • Ideal stay2–3 days
  • Getting thereThiruvananthapuram International Airport…

Best time to visit: October to March

Varkala, Kerala
Varkala, Kerala
Popular packages

Top Varkala travel packages

A few of our Varkala itineraries in different travel styles. Every one is private and can be changed to suit you.

Before you go

Essential tips for travelling to Varkala

Currency and payments

UPI and cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; keep some cash for small shops, rural areas, hill towns and tips.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.

Drinking water

Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.

Emergency numbers

112 (all emergencies)

Language

Languages spoken: Malayalam.

Getting around

Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have the main airports; Kozhikode serves the north and Wayanad. Distances are short but hill roads are slow, so allow 3–4 hours for most transfers.

Planner's tip

Houseboat cruises usually start around noon and end the next morning; overnight stays have the boat moored at night by regulation.

Planner's tip

Carry light rain gear in any season; afternoon showers are common in the hills.

Planner's tip

Stay on North Cliff for the atmosphere; the walk down to the beach is steep, so pack light.

General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.

Map

Where is Varkala?

Who it suits

Who should visit Varkala?

Plan from your city

Plan your Varkala trip

Departures to VarkalaPick the city you travel from and we include trains or flights from there in your quote.

Everything you need to know about Varkala

Varkala is the only place on the Kerala coast where red laterite cliffs drop straight to the beach. The clifftop path is lined with cafés and yoga studios, while the Janardana Swamy temple and Papanasam beach draw pilgrims for ritual bathing.

Highlights include North Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Janardana Swamy Temple and Kappil Beach. Local food worth trying: Grilled catch of the day, Kerala parotta and Smoothie bowls at cliff cafés. Plan 2–3 days here; it suits young travellers, yoga and surf lovers. Our Varkala itineraries run from 4 to 7 days and every one can be changed to suit you.

When to go

October to March. Sunny and lively; many cliff cafés close in the monsoon.

How to reach Varkala

  • By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), about 50 km
  • By rail: Varkala Sivagiri railway station, about 3 km
  • By road: About 1 hour from Thiruvananthapuram
Tour packages

View all Varkala packages

Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.

3 itineraries

Nearby in Kerala

More places in Kerala

Top attractions

Top things to see in Varkala

KeralaVarkala
North Cliff

Clifftop path with cafés and sea views

KochiVarkala
Papanasam Beach

Sacred beach below the cliffs

Mattancherry Palace – KochiKerala
Janardana Swamy Temple

Two-thousand-year-old Vishnu temple

St Francis Church – KochiKerala
Kappil Beach

Where backwaters meet the sea

Nature

Nature and landscapes of Varkala

KochiVarkala
North Cliff

Clifftop path with cafés and sea views

MunnarVarkala
Papanasam Beach

Sacred beach below the cliffs

Tea Museum (KDHP) – MunnarKerala
Kappil Beach

Where backwaters meet the sea

Culture

Cultural experiences in Varkala

Heritage and landmarks

MunnarVarkala
Janardana Swamy Temple

Two-thousand-year-old Vishnu temple

On the menuFood to try

  • Grilled catch of the day
  • Kerala parotta
  • Smoothie bowls at cliff cafés
Outdoors

Outdoor activities in Varkala

Surfing lessons
Paragliding (seasonal)

Many activities are seasonal. Best time for Varkala: October to March. We check operating seasons for your dates.

Travel tips

Varkala travel tips

Visa and entry

Indian citizens do not need a visa; carry a government photo ID such as Aadhaar or a passport for hotels and flights.

Health and safety

Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for adventure activities. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.

Currency and tipping

The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.

Best time to visit

October to March. Sunny and lively; many cliff cafés close in the monsoon.

Getting around

Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have the main airports; Kozhikode serves the north and Wayanad. Distances are short but hill roads are slow, so allow 3–4 hours for most transfers.

Local etiquette

  • Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
  • Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.

What to pack

Pack a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and swimwear, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites, a compact umbrella or rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

Phone and internet

Mobile data is good in towns and cities. Coverage can be patchy in remote, hill and forest areas, so download offline maps before you set off.

Budget

We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.

FAQs

Varkala FAQs

What is Varkala famous for?
Varkala is known for North Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Janardana Swamy Temple and Kappil Beach. Varkala is the only place on the Kerala coast where red laterite cliffs drop straight to the beach.
What is the best time to visit Varkala?
October to March. Sunny and lively; many cliff cafés close in the monsoon.
How many days are enough for Varkala?
Plan 2–3 days to see the main sights without rushing. Our itineraries that include Varkala run from 4 to 7 days, usually combined with nearby places.
How do I reach Varkala?
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), about 50 km. Varkala Sivagiri railway station, about 3 km. About 1 hour from Thiruvananthapuram.
Is tap water safe to drink in Kerala?
Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.
What are the emergency numbers in Kerala?
112 (all emergencies).
How much does a Varkala tour package cost?
It depends on your travel month, hotel category, the number of travellers and whether flights are included, so we quote every trip individually. Share your dates and we send a day-by-day plan with a price on WhatsApp.
Can Nexara Holidays plan a Varkala trip from Chennai?
Yes. We plan trips from Chennai and other Indian cities, including trains or flights, hotels, transfers and sightseeing.
Related destinations

Destinations near Varkala

Read before you go

Varkala guides and articles

Enquire now

Plan your Varkala holiday

Fill this in and WhatsApp opens with your enquiry ready to send. Nothing is stored on this website.

✓
✓

Sending opens WhatsApp on your device; your enquiry reaches us only when you press send there. An enquiry is not a booking.