Kerala's Coastal Charms: A Varkala & Kovalam Escape

Travel Adventure

Kerala's Coastal Charms: A Varkala & Kovalam Escape

Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences

4
Days
21
Activities
1
Traveler
1

Day 1: Arrival in Varkala & Cliffside Sunsets

Thursday, October 30, 2025
+1
Activities
5

Arrival and Transfer to Varkala

Varkala, Kerala
Pre-paid taxis are recommended to avoid haggling. The drive takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Keep your hotel address handy.

Check-in at Varkala Cliff Hotel

Varkala North Cliff
Popular options range from luxury resorts like The Gateway Hotel to charming guesthouses. Book well in advance as this is a popular season.

Lunch at a Cliffside Cafe

Cafe del Mar, Varkala North Cliff
Most cafes offer a mix of Indian, Continental, and Tibetan cuisine. It's a great spot to acclimatize to the laid-back atmosphere of Varkala.

Explore Varkala North Cliff

Varkala North Cliff
This is the main hub of activity in Varkala. Bargaining is common in the shops. The views of Papanasam Beach below are spectacular.

Sunset Dinner with Fresh Seafood

Theeram Restaurant, Varkala
Confirm the price of the seafood by weight before ordering. A perfect way to end your first day.
2

Day 2: Spiritual Varkala & Backwater Serenity

Friday, October 31, 2025
+2
Activities
6

Visit Janardanaswamy Temple

Janardanaswamy Temple, Varkala
Dress code is strict: men must wear a mundu (available for rent outside) and be bare-chested; women should wear a saree or full-length clothing. Non-Hindus may be restricted from entering the inner sanctum.

Papanasam Beach

Papanasam Beach, Varkala
Be mindful of the strong currents if you decide to swim. The southern part of the beach is where Hindu rituals are performed.

Explore Sivagiri Mutt

Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala
The ashram is a peaceful place for contemplation. Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the place. The annual Sivagiri Pilgrimage happens in late December.

Authentic Kerala Lunch

Sreepadam, Varkala Town
This is a great opportunity to try local vegetarian dishes like Avial, Thoran, and Sambar.

Boating at Kappil Lake

Kappil Lake, near Varkala
You can hire a pedal boat or a small motorboat. The view from the bridge over the lake is breathtaking. Weather Backup: If it rains, consider an Ayurvedic massage or a Keralan cooking class instead.

Dinner on the Cliff

Darjeeling Cafe, Varkala North Cliff
Many places have live music or a very relaxed ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
3

Day 3: Journey to Kovalam & Lighthouse Views

Saturday, November 1, 2025
+2
Activities
6

Leisurely Breakfast in Varkala

Hotel Restaurant or Local Cafe
Take your time and soak in the last views of the Varkala cliffs before checking out.

Travel from Varkala to Kovalam

Kovalam, Kerala
The drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You can ask the driver to stop at a viewpoint if you see one.

Check-in at Kovalam Beach Resort

Near Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam
Consider staying near Lighthouse Beach for easy access to the main attractions and restaurants. The Leela Kovalam offers unparalleled luxury, while many other good mid-range options are available.

Lunch at a Beach Shack

German Bakery, Lighthouse Beach
Enjoy some grilled fish or a traditional Kerala fish curry with rice.

Climb the Vizhinjam Lighthouse

Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Kovalam
The lighthouse is usually open from 3 PM to 5 PM (closed on Mondays). There are over 140 steps to the top, but the view is well worth the effort. Check timings locally as they can change.

Dinner at The Tides

The Tides, The Leela Kovalam
Reservations are highly recommended. For a more casual option, there are many excellent restaurants along the beach promenade.
4

Day 4: Kovalam's Coves & Farewell to Kerala

Sunday, November 2, 2025
Activities
4

Explore Hawa and Samudra Beaches

Hawa Beach & Samudra Beach, Kovalam
A walk from Lighthouse Beach to Samudra Beach offers different perspectives of the coastline. You can watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch at Hawa Beach in the early morning.

Visit Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour

Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour
The harbour is a sensory experience – lively, noisy, and a photographer's delight. Wear sturdy footwear. Weather Backup: If it's raining, visit the Napier Museum and Sree Chitra Art Gallery in Trivandrum city instead.

Farewell Kerala Lunch

Sujatha Restaurant, Kovalam
This is your last chance to savor the unique flavors of the Malabar coast.

Transfer to Airport for Departure

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
The airport is only about 30-40 minutes from Kovalam. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight's departure time.