Varkala· 6 min
10 Things to Do in Varkala
Beyond the cliff walk — how to spend your days here without rushing a single one.
The Zenways Journal
All Varkala guides.
Every guide we've written, plus the ones we're working on next.
Varkala· Coming soon
What Is Varkala? A First-Timer's Guide
The cliff, the beaches and what daily life here actually looks like.
Varkala· Coming soon
Varkala Cliff & Beach Guide
How the cliff, North Cliff and the beaches below connect.
Varkala· Coming soon
Why Varkala Is Different
How this stretch of Kerala coast compares to Goa and the south.
Varkala· Coming soon
The Different Areas of Varkala
Cliff, Papanasam, Odayam, Edava — where to base yourself.
Varkala· Coming soon
Best Time to Visit Varkala
Seasons, weather and what changes through the year.
Varkala· Coming soon
How Many Days Do You Need in Varkala?
Honest advice on how long to stay.
Varkala· Coming soon
How to Get to Varkala
Trains, the airport at Trivandrum, taxis and autos.
Things to Do· Coming soon
Beaches in Varkala
Papanasam, Black Beach, Odayam and the quieter coves.
Things to Do· Coming soon
Yoga & Wellness in Varkala
Drop-in classes, morning practice and where people go.
Things to Do· Coming soon
Ayurveda in Varkala
What to expect from treatments on the cliff.
Things to Do· Coming soon
Exploring Varkala by Scooter
Where the coast road takes you on two wheels.
Things to Do· Coming soon
Things to Do in Varkala When It Rains
Wet-season plans that still make for a good day.
Things to Do· Coming soon
Varkala at Night
Evenings on the cliff after the sun goes down.
Culture & Local Life· Coming soon
Janardhana Swamy Temple
The temple above Papanasam beach and how to visit respectfully.
Culture & Local Life· Coming soon
Sivagiri Mutt
The pilgrimage site on the hill above town.
Culture & Local Life· Coming soon
Sree Narayana Guru
The reformer whose legacy shapes this part of Kerala.
Culture & Local Life· Coming soon
The Story of Papanasam
Why the beach is named for washing away sins.
Culture & Local Life· Coming soon
Kerala Food & Culture
An introduction to eating and living the Kerala way.
Culture & Local Life· Coming soon
Local Markets
Where to buy fruit, fish and everyday things in town.
Culture & Local Life· Coming soon
Local Life in Varkala
The town beyond the cliff, and its daily rhythm.
Beyond Varkala· Coming soon
Kappil
Where the backwater runs alongside the sea, north of town.
Beyond Varkala· Coming soon
Edava
The quiet village and beach up the coast.
Beyond Varkala· Coming soon
Nearby Beaches
Beaches within an easy ride of Varkala.
Beyond Varkala· Coming soon
Day Trips from Varkala
Backwaters, temples and Trivandrum in a day.
Beyond Varkala· Coming soon
Hidden Places
Corners of the coast most visitors never reach.
Eat & Drink· Coming soon
Kerala Food: What to Order
A plain-language guide to the dishes you'll see.
Eat & Drink· Coming soon
Seafood in Varkala
How the catch-of-the-day works on the cliff.
Eat & Drink· Coming soon
Vegetarian & Vegan in Varkala
Eating well without meat or fish.
Eat & Drink· Coming soon
Breakfast in Varkala
Appam, puttu, fruit and where to start the day.
Eat & Drink· Coming soon
Cafés & Coffee
Where to sit with a coffee and no plans.
Eat & Drink· Coming soon
Local Recommendations
The places we actually send guests to.
Plans & Itineraries· Coming soon
24 Hours in Varkala
One day, done properly — arrival to sunset.
Plans & Itineraries· Coming soon
2 Days in Varkala
A weekend that covers the water and the cliff.
Plans & Itineraries· Coming soon
7 Days in Varkala
A full week, including everything beyond town.