Varkala sits on a rare stretch of Kerala coast where red laterite cliffs, recognised as a geological monument, meet the Arabian Sea. It's small enough to get around by auto-rickshaw or scooter, and most of the best things to do are on or near the water.
1. Learn to surf (or get better)
Varkala has become one of India's easiest places to learn to surf. The beach breaks on the South Cliff side give beginners forgiving whitewater, and most people are standing up within their first two or three sessions. Lessons include the board, rash guard and instructor, so you only need swimwear and sunscreen.
Beginner group lessons at Sky's Surf School run from ₹1,300–₹1,800 for 1.5–2 hours, and there are 3, 5 and 7-day camps if you want to progress properly. Read our guide to surfing in Varkala for seasons and what to expect.
See lessons and camps at Sky's Surf School →
2. Walk the cliff at sunset
The cliff-top path along the North Cliff is Varkala's high street: cafés, bookshops, tailors and yoga studios, with the sea glowing orange below around sunset. Start near the Helipad and wander north towards Black Beach, then stay for dinner. BLG Surf Bistro is our sundowner spot up here.
Parts of the path are unfenced, so take care near the edge, especially after dark.
3. Beach-hop from Papanasam to Kappil
- Papanasam (Varkala Beach): the main beach below the cliff and a sacred site, with lifeguards in season. Families come here for rituals for their ancestors, so dress modestly near the temple end.
- Black Beach: at the north end of the cliff, known for its darker sand and quieter feel.
- Odayam: further north, wide and peaceful, with a few relaxed cafés.
- Kappil: where a backwater lake meets the sea, great for sunset.
See North Cliff vs South Cliff for how the two sides of town differ.
4. Kayak the backwaters
You don't need to go to Alleppey for backwaters. The calm lake at Kappil, north of town, and the waterways around Anchuthengu to the south are both lovely by kayak or canoe, especially early in the morning when the birdlife is out and the water is glassy.
Ask about Outlive's kayaking and experience packages →
5. Yoga, Ayurveda and recovery
Kerala is the home of Ayurveda, and Varkala is full of yoga shalas and massage centres. After a few days of paddling, a sunset yoga class or a traditional Abhyanga oil massage makes a real difference. Our recovery sessions include ocean-view yoga from ₹400 and Ayurvedic Abhyanga from ₹2,500.
Yoga, Ayurvedic massage and ice plunge at Outlive →
6. Janardhana Swamy Temple and Sivagiri
The Janardhana Swamy Temple above Papanasam is one of Kerala's old Vishnu temples and a big part of why Varkala is a pilgrimage town. A few kilometres inland, Sivagiri Mutt is the resting place of the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru and draws huge crowds for the Sivagiri pilgrimage around New Year. Dress modestly, and note that some temple areas are open to Hindus only.
7. Day trip to Anchuthengu and Ponnumthuruthu
South of Varkala, Anchuthengu (Anjengo) has an old English East India Company fort and a lighthouse you can climb for views of the coast. Nearby, Ponnumthuruthu, the “golden island”, is reached by boat through the backwaters and has a small temple. It makes an easy half-day trip by auto or taxi.
8. Eat the day's catch
Seafood is the thing to eat in Varkala. At God's Own Country Kitchen you pick your fish, prawns or crab and choose how it's cooked: banana leaf, fry, curry or tandoori. Start the day with a Kerala breakfast of appam, puttu and kadala curry, and end it with sundowners on the North Cliff.
Where to base yourself
Most of these are easiest from the South Cliff, close to the surf and the temple, with the North Cliff a short ride away. Compare areas in where to stay in Varkala, or browse Outlive's places to stay. Short on time? Follow our 3-day Varkala itinerary.
Things to do in Varkala: FAQs
Is Varkala worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like the sea. The cliffs are unique on Kerala's coast, the beaches are good for learning to surf, and it's easy to mix busy café evenings with quiet beach days.
How many days do you need in Varkala?
Three days covers the highlights: a surf lesson, the cliff walk, a couple of beaches and a backwater trip. Many people stay a week or more once they settle in.
Can you swim in Varkala?
Yes, but the sea can have strong currents, especially from June to September. Swim where lifeguards are on duty, follow the flags and don't swim after dark or after drinking.
Can beginners surf in Varkala?
Yes. The beach breaks on the South Cliff side are well suited to first-timers, and lessons include a board, rash guard and instructor.
