explore Varkala Travel Guide

Places to Visit in Varkala

Varkala offers a captivating blend of towering red cliffs, pristine beaches, spiritual heritage, and untouched backwaters. The best way to explore these scattered gems? Rent a scooter and ride at your own pace. Here is our curated guide to the top places to visit in and around Varkala.

By Wander Wheels Team • 6 min read
map Varkala & Surroundings
Varkala Cliff
landscape

Varkala Cliff

Iconic cliff · 0 km from town

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The Varkala Cliff, also known as Varkala Formation, is a breathtaking stretch of red laterite sedimentary cliffs along the Arabian Sea coast. The cliff-top promenade is lined with bohemian cafes, Ayurvedic spas, handicraft shops, and offers jaw-dropping sunset views. It is a geological marvel declared a national geo-heritage site by the Geological Survey of India.

Sunsets Cafes Geo Heritage
paragliding

Jatayu Earth's Center

Adventure park · 35 km

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Home to the world's largest bird sculpture (200 ft long, 150 ft wide, 70 ft tall), Jatayu Earth's Center is a stunning blend of mythology, adventure, and architecture perched atop a rocky hilltop in Chadayamangalam. The park features a cable car ride, adventure activities including rappelling, paintball, and rock climbing, plus a digital museum and 6D theatre.

Adventure Cable Car Sculpture
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Sivagiri Mutt

Pilgrimage · 2 km

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Sivagiri Mutt is the sacred ashram and final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, one of Kerala's most revered social reformers. Perched on the scenic Sivagiri hill, the peaceful campus features the Guru's samadhi, a serene garden, and a museum dedicated to his life and teachings. The annual Sivagiri Pilgrimage in December–January draws devotees from across the country.

Spiritual Heritage Peaceful
kayaking

Mangrove Adventures

Kayaking · 18 km

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Nestled near Nedungolam, the Mangrove Adventures offers an enchanting kayaking experience through natural green tunnels formed by dense mangrove forests. Paddle through serene backwaters surrounded by rich biodiversity — kingfishers, egrets, and crabs inhabit these emerald waterways. It is one of the most peaceful and unique activities near Varkala.

Kayaking Nature Backwaters
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Kariyilakkallu Toddy Shop

Local cuisine · 12 km

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For an authentic taste of Kerala, Kariyilakkallu Toddy Shop is a must-visit. This legendary local establishment serves fresh, naturally fermented toddy (palm wine) paired with fiery Kerala-style fish curry, tapioca, and spicy beef or duck roast. It is a raw, no-frills dining experience that gives you a genuine glimpse into Kerala's culinary soul.

Food Toddy Local Culture
pets

Kaveri Elephant Park

Wildlife · 28 km

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Kaveri Elephant Park offers a heartwarming experience for families and animal lovers. Set amidst lush tropical greenery, the park lets visitors interact with gentle temple elephants — from feeding sessions and baths to short rides through the surrounding forest trails. It is a peaceful, educational outing that children and adults alike will cherish.

Family Elephants Nature
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Kappil Beach

Beach & lake · 10 km

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Kappil Beach is a hidden gem where the tranquil Kappil Lake meets the Arabian Sea, creating a mesmerizing landscape. A narrow strip of golden sand separates the backwaters from the ocean, offering visitors a unique dual-view experience. Far less crowded than Varkala Cliff Beach, it is the perfect spot for a peaceful evening ride along the coastal road, with stunning sunset views over the lake.

Beach Lake Sunset
info About Varkala

Why Varkala Should Be on Every Traveler's List

Tucked along the southwestern coast of Kerala, Varkala is a destination that defies easy categorization. It is a beach town, a spiritual retreat, an adventure base camp, and a food lover's paradise — all rolled into one. The town's crown jewel is the Varkala Cliff (Varkala Formation), a dramatic geological wonder where ochre-red cliffs drop vertically into the turquoise sea. This 15-million-year-old formation is one of India's national geo-heritage sites.

Beyond the cliff, Varkala's hinterland is dotted with coconut groves, rice paddies, and winding laterite roads that are a joy to explore on two wheels. The nearby Jatayu Earth's Center is a world-record-holding adventure park, while the Mangrove tunnels of Nedungolam offer kayaking experiences straight out of a nature documentary. For those seeking spiritual solace, the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple (over 2,000 years old) and the serene Sivagiri Mutt provide moments of deep reflection.

Varkala is also a culinary destination in its own right. From fresh seafood platters at cliff-top cafes to the raw, authentic experience of a local toddy shop like Kariyilakkallu, the flavors here are bold and unforgettable. Whether you are planning a weekend escape from Bangalore, a week-long Kerala itinerary, or a solo soul-searching trip, Varkala rewards every kind of traveler. And the best way to experience it all? On a rented bike from Wander Wheels — pick it up at the station and ride into your own adventure.

Explore Every Corner of Varkala on Two Wheels

The best places in Varkala are not on main roads. Rent a scooter and discover them at your own pace.

Rent a Bike Now