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Situated in the southern state of Kerala, India, Varkala stands among the many beautiful coastal towns, right on the Arabian Sea. With picturesque red cliffs, tranquil beaches, and spiritual ambience, Varkala is a major tourist destination for domestic and international visitors. With such variation in attractions, places to visit near Varkala offer something for every type of traveller. The town offers a package of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual rejuvenation. From the iconic Varkala Cliff to serene Papanasam Beach, Varkala captures visitors’ hearts with its tranquil charm and laid-back vibes.
10 Places To Visit Near Varkala
The surroundings of this small coastal town in Kerala offers much through its inherent charm. Here are the top 10 places to visit near Varkala:
1. Varkala Cliff
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Varkala Cliff is one such charming natural wonder that draws visitors from all over the world. This iconic red sandstone cliff rises to 15 metres above the Arabian Sea, giving breathtaking views of the coastline. The cliff faces a crowded promenade with numerous shops, cafés, and yoga studios, making it an ideal venue for hanging out. This cliff’s unique geology and pictorial setting have made it a tourist attraction near Varkala.
Distance From Varkala: 2.5 km
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2. Papanasam Beach
Photo: Robert Harding Video / Shutterstock
Papanasam Beach, widely known as Varkala Beach, is an astonishing cliff beach along the Arabian Sea. This beach is prized for its clean sands, unpolluted tranquil waters, and unique geological formations of the adjoining cliffs. Papanasam Beach is a revered point for Hindus, as it is believed that a wash in this water cleanses their sins. Above the steep cliffs lies a hectic promenade with shops, cafes, and yoga studios. Other activities one could engage in are swimming, sunbathing, and visiting the local temples/ashrams.
Distance From Varkala: 2.3 km
3. Kappil Beach And Lake
Photo: Ikroos / Wikimedia Commons
Kappil Beach and Lake are located approximately 8 kilometres north of Varkala, and the place condenses the entire coastal and backwater experience into one location. The beach is made up of soft, golden sand with gentle waves, while the adjacent Kappil Lake is a serene estuary that finds its gentle merge into the Arabian Sea. One could take a placid boat ride along with coconut grooves and an overall tranquil atmosphere. The bridge across the lake has water poles that meet the horizon, creating a breathtaking view.
Distance From Varkala: 8 km
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4. Thiruvambadi Beach (Black Sand Beach)
Photo: editor CrazyYatra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of these unique spots is the Thiruvambadi Beach, or Black Sand Beach. It lies at a distance of about 10 kilometres from Varkala. The beach gets its name from the black sand that covers it and is supposedly caused by the mineral deposits in that area. This beach, accessible by climbing down from the North Cliff or driving down Thiruvambady Road, is secluded from the crowds of the more popular beaches in Varkala, allowing one to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. This beach is ideal for a quiet stroll, sunbathing, or simply observing the magnificent natural scenery.
Distance From Varkala: 3.1 km
5. Anjengo Fort
Photo: Shubham Maurya / Wikimedia Commons
This fort, located 12 km from Varkala, is the local historic landmark. Known as Anchuthengu Fort, it was built in the late 17th century and was one of the first strongholds of the British East India Company in Kerala. This was basically a spice trading centre. Today, it reflects the colonial history of the region and has been open to visitors to catch a glimpse of the area’s rich history. There are four bastions, a cemetery dating back to 1704 A.D., and a well-maintained garden. Anjengo Fort is a must-visit for history buffs in the Varkala region.
Distance From Varkala: 12 km
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6. Sivagiri Mutt
Sivagiri Mutt is a famous ashram and spiritual centre just 6 kilometres from Varkala. It was the headquarters of Shri Narayana Guru, a saint of great reverence and social reformer and philosopher who played an indispensable part in the social and spiritual awakening of the Ezhava community in Kerala. The mutt campus sprawls over 200 acres and features distinctive multi-tiered white terraces. Visitors can stroll around the tranquil grounds, attend spiritual discourses, seek knowledge, and visit the final resting place of the Guru, which is situated on a hillock here and attracts thousands of pilgrims annually.
Distance From Varkala: 6 km
7. Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island)
Photo: Emmanuel DYAN / Wikimedia Commons
Known as Golden Island, Ponnumthuruthu is a beautiful island about 20 kilometres from Varkala. Only accessible by boat, this peaceful island has a 100-year-old Shiva-Parvati temple amidst lush groves of coconut and sandy beaches. It is said that the Travancore Royal Family queens used to hide their gold and ornaments on this island, thus the name “Golden Island.” You can spend a serene day amidst the natural beauty of the island, visiting the temple, and enjoying the tranquil backwater setting. This island is a haven for bird watchers with a variety of migratory birds.
Distance From Varkala: 20 km
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8. Bekal Fort
Photo: Phadke09 / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, Bekal Fort is the state’s biggest and most well-maintained fort. This great fort was constructed in the 17th century by the Ikkeri Nayakas, sprawling over 40 acres with massive laterite walls. One of the distinct characteristics of the fort is its keyhole-shaped architecture, combining the traditional and military styles of Kerala. It currently remains one of the cultural and historical monuments that epitomise the rich heritage of this spot of the country and has become one of the tourist spots with its sceneries of breathtaking beauty and historical temperaments.
Distance From Varkala: 60 km
9. Kilimanoor Palace
Photo: Fotokannan / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the town of Kilimanoor, Kilimanoor Palace is an old royal residence from the 18th century. The palace is of immense importance due to being one of the living places for the celebrated Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. You can find some typical styles of Kerala architecture like Nalukettu, plus small and medium-sized buildings, ponds, wells, and sacred groves within this 15-acre palace complex. It reflects the highly rich cultural history of Kerala and keeps the memory of the Travancore royal dynasty alive.
Distance From Varkala: 25 km
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10. Edava Beach
Photo: Ikroos / Wikimedia Commons
It lies 6 km away from Varkala and forms a secluded, serene, and picturesque portion of the beach on the Arabian Sea. With the surroundings of tall palm trees, the tranquillity renders peace away from the noisy spots of tourist destinations. Here, the sea and backwaters meet, separated by a narrow strip of land. During the rainy season, the blue lagoon meets the Arabian Sea and forms spectacular views. It provides surf spots for adventure to the seekers and boasts an old 17th-century warehouse to its credit.
Distance From Varkala: 6 km
Varkala and its surrounding areas offer diverse natural, cultural, and historical attractions for visitors to explore, from the iconic Varkala Cliff and Beach to the serene Kappil Lake and Ponnumthuruthu Island. With its picturesque landscapes, rich heritage, and array of activities, places to visit near Varkala offer an unforgettable experience. Begin planning your trip to Varkala’s surrounding destinations today by TripXL, your one-stop-shop for all travel needs.
Cover Photo: Shantham11 / Wikimedia Commons
