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Kerala, India · Trip plan

3 days in Varkala

Red laterite cliffs above the Arabian Sea, with cafés along the edge.

Best time
Oct – Mar
Ideal length
3 days
A day, mid-range
₹4,500 per person
Trip for two
about ₹27,000

Planning a 3-day trip to Varkala? Here's a day-by-day Varkala itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

The cliff cafés reopen after the monsoon and the sea calms down; winter sunsets from North Cliff are the best in Kerala.

Varkala is Kerala's only cliff-backed beach: red laterite cliffs drop to the sea, with a path of cafés, yoga shalas and Ayurveda centres along the top. It's relaxed, social and great for sunsets.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

October to March: 27–32°C, sunny with calm seas from December.

Create my Varkala trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Varkala

  • 01

    North Cliff

    A cliff-top path of cafés, yoga shalas and sunset spots.

  • 02

    Papanasam Beach

    The holy beach below the cliffs.

  • 03

    Janardhana Swamy Temple

    A 2,000-year-old Vishnu temple.

  • 04

    Kappil Beach

    Where the backwaters meet the sea, a short ride north.

Day by day

Varkala itinerary for 3 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Cliffs and sea

    Morning
    Swim at Papanasam Beach below the cliffs.
    Afternoon
    Lunch at a cliff café on North Cliff, then rest through the afternoon heat.
    Evening
    Sunset from North Cliff, the best in Kerala, then seafood dinner where you pick your fish.

    Swim between the lifeguard flags only.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Temple and backwaters

    Morning
    Morning yoga class on the cliff, then the Janardhana Swamy Temple.
    Afternoon
    Drive to Kappil, where backwaters meet the sea; take a boat on the lake.
    Evening
    Back for a quiet dinner on Black Beach.

    Cover shoulders and knees at the temple.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Ayurveda morning

    Morning
    A traditional Ayurvedic massage at a certified centre.
    Afternoon
    Lunch of Kerala meals on a banana leaf.
    Evening
    Head to Thiruvananthapuram for your flight.

    Book massages at licensed centres, not beach touts.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Varkala in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in Varkala

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Ayurveda morning”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in Varkala

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Andaman Islands.

What it costs

Varkala trip budget

StylePer person, a day3 days for two
Budget₹1,800₹10,800
Mid-range₹4,500₹27,000
Luxury₹14,000+₹84,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Varkala is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Varkala for every budget

  • Budget

    Guesthouses on North Cliff

    North Cliff

    Sea views and breakfast, steps from the cafés.

    from ₹1,500 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Cliff-top boutique stays

    Odayam & Black Beach

    Quieter, with pools and balconies.

    from ₹5,500 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Ayurveda resorts

    Edava & Kappil

    Full treatment programmes in a garden by the sea.

    from ₹14,000 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Varkala

  • Kerala fish curry

    Tangy with kodampuli.

  • Appam and stew

    Lacy rice pancakes with coconut stew.

  • Banana fritters

    Pazham pori, the perfect tea-time snack.

Getting there

How to reach Varkala

Travel
Varkala Sivagiri station is 3 km away; Thiruvananthapuram airport is about 50 km.
Getting around
Walk the cliff; autos for town and the temple. Rent a scooter for Kappil and Edava.
  • Swim only between the flags; currents are strong.
  • Shoulders and knees covered near the temple.

Before you go

What to pack for Varkala

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • ID (Aadhaar or licence)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops

Good questions

Varkala trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Varkala?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: North Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Janardhana Swamy Temple. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day Varkala trip cost?

Roughly ₹1,800 a day per person on a budget, ₹4,500 mid-range and ₹14,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹27,000 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Varkala?

Oct – Mar. The cliff cafés reopen after the monsoon and the sea calms down; winter sunsets from North Cliff are the best in Kerala.

Where should I stay in Varkala?

Budget: Guesthouses on North Cliff (North Cliff), from about ₹1,500 a night. Mid-range: Cliff-top boutique stays (Odayam & Black Beach), from about ₹5,500 a night. Luxury: Ayurveda resorts (Edava & Kappil), from about ₹14,000 a night.

How do I reach Varkala?

Varkala Sivagiri station is 3 km away; Thiruvananthapuram airport is about 50 km.

Is 2 days enough for Varkala?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Ayurveda morning". 3 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Varkala?

October to March: 27–32°C, sunny with calm seas from December.

What food should I try in Varkala?

Kerala fish curry: Tangy with kodampuli. Appam and stew: Lacy rice pancakes with coconut stew. Banana fritters: Pazham pori, the perfect tea-time snack.

How do I get around Varkala?

Walk the cliff; autos for town and the temple. Rent a scooter for Kappil and Edava.

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