-
5 Days
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Max People : 26
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Jan 18’ - Dec 21'
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Min Age : 10+
Description
Destination Overview
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala Beach stands as Kerala’s most breathtaking coastal treasure. This unique beach offers a stunning combination of red laterite cliffs rising almost 100 feet from the water’s edge, creating a spectacular contrast against the azure sea and golden sands below. Unlike other Kerala beaches, Varkala’s elevated position provides panoramic views that stretch endlessly across the horizon.
Known locally as Papanasam Beach (where sins are washed away), Varkala holds spiritual significance with its 2000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple and natural mineral springs believed to have healing properties. The beach seamlessly blends spiritual tranquility with vibrant traveler energy, creating a distinctive atmosphere where yoga practitioners, ayurvedic seekers, and beach lovers converge.
The cliff-top promenade lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants offers everything from traditional Kerala cuisine to international fare, while the beach below provides a perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Varkala’s natural beauty, cultural significance, and relaxed ambiance make it an unforgettable destination that captures the essence of Kerala’s coastal allure.
Itinerary
Your Varkala adventure begins as you arrive at this distinctive coastal gem, where our representative welcomes you with refreshing coconut water before escorting you to your cliff-top accommodation. Settle into your sea-view room where the panoramic vistas of the Arabian Sea instantly transport you to vacation mode. The afternoon unfolds with a guided orientation walk along the red laterite cliff pathway, where shops selling colorful textiles and handicrafts alternate with cafes offering spectacular ocean views. As you stroll, your guide explains how these unique geological formations were created millions of years ago, making Varkala unlike any other beach in Kerala. Your first evening climaxes with dinner at a cliff-top restaurant where fresh seafood specialties are served as the sun melts into the horizon, painting the sky in dramatic hues of orange and purple.
Today explores Varkala's sacred dimensions, beginning with an optional sunrise yoga session overlooking the sea—the perfect introduction to the spiritual energy that permeates this ancient place. After breakfast featuring traditional Kerala puttu and fresh tropical fruits, visit the 2,000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple, one of the most revered Vishnu temples in the region. Your guide explains the temple's significance while local pilgrims perform rituals that have remained unchanged for centuries. Next, descend the steps to Papanasam Beach where the mineral springs emerge from the cliff face. Here, tradition holds that a dip washes away sins (papanasam), and you'll observe devotees performing rituals in the water. The afternoon brings a visit to the nearby Kappil Lake, where the backwaters meet the sea in a stunning confluence of ecosystems. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch beside the lake before returning for an evening of leisure to explore the cliff-top market.
Your third day awakens your senses through Kerala's renowned culinary traditions. Begin with a morning visit to a local fishing village where boats return with their fresh catch—watch the animated fish auction and select seafood for your cooking class later in the day. Next, explore a traditional spice garden where cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg grow abundantly; learn how these spices have shaped Kerala's history and cuisine. The afternoon features a hands-on cooking class with a local chef who guides you through authentic Keralan preparations, from perfectly spiced fish curry to delicate appams. Savor your creations for lunch while overlooking the sea. As evening approaches, witness an exclusive Kathakali performance arranged specially for you, where elaborate costumes, expressive facial movements, and traditional music tell ancient Hindu stories in this classical art form unique to Kerala.
Dedicated to rejuvenation, your fourth day embraces Kerala's Ayurvedic traditions with a morning consultation with an experienced Ayurvedic doctor who determines your dosha (body constitution). Based on this assessment, enjoy a personalized treatment utilizing medicated oils and traditional techniques passed down through generations. After your session, savor a light vegetarian meal designed according to Ayurvedic principles at a cliff-top cafe. The afternoon invites exploration of Varkala's natural beauty with a guided trek to the nearby Edava Beach and Kappil Lake estuary—a less-visited area where migratory birds gather among the palm groves. Here, the peaceful backwaters create perfect conditions for birdwatching and photography. Return to your accommodation for some leisure time before a sunset boat ride takes you along the coastline, offering a different perspective of the magnificent cliffs glowing red in the evening light.
Your final day celebrates Varkala's maritime character with a morning of ocean activities suited to your preference. Choose between a guided swimming session in the safe zones of the beach, introductory surfing lessons with experienced instructors, or a peaceful paddleboarding excursion along the coast. After working up an appetite, enjoy a special farewell lunch featuring a traditional Kerala sadhya—a feast served on banana leaf with over 20 different items representing the full spectrum of Kerala flavors. Spend your afternoon at leisure, perhaps shopping for last-minute souvenirs like handloom textiles or locally-made jewelry along the cliff. As your Varkala experience draws to a close, gather for a final sunset meditation session overlooking the sea, where the rhythmic waves and golden light create the perfect backdrop for reflection on your journey. Your adventure concludes with a beach farewell dinner under the stars, complete with fresh grilled seafood and the gentle sounds of traditional percussion instruments playing in the background.
Location
Faq
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
From ₹711.00
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