Must-see attractions in Varkala

  • Anjengo Fort

    Varkala

    Fringed by colourful fishers' houses, 12km southeast of Varkala, this laterite-and-concrete fort was built by the British East India Company in 1695…

  • Janardhana Temple

    Varkala

    Varkala is a temple town and the Janardhana Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is the main event – with its roots dating back to the 13th century, this…

  • Kappil Beach

    Varkala

    About 8km north of Varkala, this long, beautiful and (so far) undeveloped stretch of golden sand is also the beginning of a mini network of backwaters. A…

  • Ponnumthuruthu (Golden) Island

    Varkala

    Around 10km south of Varkala, this acacia-filled island in the middle of a backwater lake conceals a Shiva-Parvati Hindu temple also known as the Golden…

  • Sivagiri Mutt

    Varkala

    Just east of central Varkala, Sivagiri Mutt is the headquarters of the Shri Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust, devoted to Shri Narayana Guru (1855–1928),…

  • Papanasham Beach

    Varkala

    Ringed by rust-red cliffs, Varkala's main beach is a holy spot for Hindus, who for centuries have made offerings for passed loves ones and washed away…

  • Varkala Aquarium

    Varkala

    Between Black Beach and Odayam Beach, Varkala's aquarium displays large tanks of exotic species – scorpionfish, angelfish, koi, the local karimeen – along…

  • Odayam Beach

    Varkala

    This gold-hued stretch of sand, around 1km north of the North Cliff, makes a peaceful alternative to Varkala's main beach.

  • Black Beach

    Varkala

    A sandy little blonde-and-black beach just north of Varkala's North Cliff.

  • Durga Temple

    Varkala

    A colourful Hindu temple just inland from Varkala's North Cliff.

  • Helipad

    Varkala

    Towards the southern end of North Cliff.

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