Kerala's Coastal Charms: A Varkala & Kovalam Escape
Complete Journey Overview
Kerala's Coastal Charms: A Varkala & Kovalam Escape
Kerala's Coastal Charms: A Varkala & Kovalam Escape
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1: Arrival in Varkala & Cliffside Sunsets
Arrival and Transfer to Varkala
Arrive at Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). After collecting your luggage, proceed to the pre-paid taxi counter for a hassle-free transfer to your hotel in Varkala. The journey offers scenic glimpses of Kerala's lush landscapes.
Check-in at Varkala Cliff Hotel
Check into your pre-booked accommodation. A hotel or guesthouse along the North Cliff is recommended for stunning sea views and easy access to cafes and shops.
Lunch at a Cliffside Cafe
After settling in, head to one of the many cafes perched on the cliff edge. Enjoy a relaxed lunch with a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. Try some fresh juice and a light meal.
Explore Varkala North Cliff
Take a leisurely stroll along the paved walkway of the North Cliff. The path is lined with an eclectic mix of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts, as well as numerous cafes and yoga studios.
Sunset Dinner with Fresh Seafood
Choose a restaurant on the cliff to watch the stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea. Most restaurants display the day's fresh catch on ice out front. You can pick your fish (seer fish, prawns, calamari) and have it prepared to your liking (grilled, tandoori, or in a Keralan curry).
Day 2: Spiritual Varkala & Backwater Serenity
Visit Janardanaswamy Temple
Start your day with a visit to the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple, a major Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It's an important pilgrimage center with impressive South Indian temple architecture.
Papanasam Beach
Walk down to Papanasam Beach, located just below the temple. The name translates to 'destroyer of sins,' and it's believed that a dip in its holy waters can wash away one's sins. The beach is divided into a spiritual side and a tourist side.
Explore Sivagiri Mutt
Visit the Sivagiri Mutt, a renowned ashram founded by the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The serene, sprawling campus is a center for pilgrimage and spiritual learning.
Authentic Kerala Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant away from the main cliff area to taste authentic Keralan cuisine. Look for a place serving 'meals ready' or a traditional Sadhya (a vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf).
Boating at Kappil Lake
In the afternoon, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Kappil Lake, where the tranquil backwaters meet the Arabian Sea. A narrow sandbar separates the two. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the serene lake, surrounded by coconut groves.
Dinner on the Cliff
Return to the Varkala Cliff for your final evening. Explore a different restaurant and enjoy the cool sea breeze and the sound of the waves.
Day 3: Journey to Kovalam & Lighthouse Views
Leisurely Breakfast in Varkala
Enjoy a final breakfast in Varkala, perhaps trying some local breakfast items like Appam with stew or Puttu with kadala curry.
Travel from Varkala to Kovalam
Check out from your hotel and hire a taxi for the scenic coastal drive to Kovalam. The journey takes you through small towns and green landscapes.
Check-in at Kovalam Beach Resort
Arrive in Kovalam and check into your hotel. Accommodations here range from luxury cliff-top resorts to more budget-friendly options closer to the beach.
Lunch at a Beach Shack
Head straight to the beach for lunch. The promenade along Lighthouse Beach is filled with restaurants and shacks serving delicious food with a view of the waves.
Climb the Vizhinjam Lighthouse
After relaxing on the beach, climb the iconic red-and-white striped Vizhinjam Lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of Kovalam's crescent beaches and the surrounding coastline.
Dinner at The Tides
For a special dinner experience, dine at The Tides, a specialty seafood restaurant at The Leela Kovalam. It offers a romantic setting right by the sea with an exquisite menu.
Day 4: Kovalam's Coves & Farewell to Kerala
Explore Hawa and Samudra Beaches
Spend the morning exploring the other two beaches that make up Kovalam's crescent. Hawa Beach (Eve's Beach) is a hub of activity with local fishermen, while Samudra Beach to the north is quieter and more serene.
Visit Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour
For an authentic local experience, take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the bustling Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour. Witness the vibrant chaos of the fish auction and the colorful boats returning from the sea.
Farewell Kerala Lunch
Enjoy one last Keralan meal. Find a local restaurant and try Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish marinated in spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and steamed) or a hearty fish curry meal.
Transfer to Airport for Departure
After lunch, head back to the hotel to pick up your luggage. Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) for your flight home, filled with memories of Kerala's beautiful coastline.
