Things to do in Varkala Town

Top Things to Do in Varkala Town, India - Varkala Town Attractions

Things to Do in Varkala Town


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Top Attractions in Varkala Town

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Islands
Ponnumthuruthu is an island which is situated about 12km south of Varkala. You can board a country boat from Nedunganda and take a tour through the backwaters for about 30 minutes to reach Ponnumthuruthu. This lush island is a perfect getaway for those who seek a break from the hustle and bustle of the urban life. This island is known for the Shiva Parvathi temple, which is also called `Thuruthu kshethram’ by the natives. The temple is situated amidst thick coconut groves, which has grown over the entire stretch. The temple is more than 100 years old and the entire island is Valiyapurackal family property. The temple was in ruins for a long time but about a decade ago, it was rebuilt.Valiyapurackal family owns the island and the temple. The island is a must see, thanks to the enchanting ambience. Even the jetty at Nedunganda village from where the journey to Ponnumthuruthu starts is peculiar. It is a makeshift jetty and the walkway to the ferry is made up of coconut husk, mud and the waste from coir. A view of the island from the ferry during evening will surely soothe any nature-lover’s mind. The greenery of the island will have a distinctive glow when the evening rays of the sun caress it. The island is also a haven of different types of flora and fauna. It will surely be a bird watcher’s delight to visit the island, thanks to the cormorants, egrets and herons seen in this area. Eagles and gulls too can be found here. Various water birds too can be seen here. The mainland on the other side of Ponnumthuruthu is a coir village. There is a small coir-making unit near the ferry. Travellers can visit the unit. It is delighting to view the boats carrying husks waving through the backwaters to reach the island. Sivarathri festival Sivarathri is a major festival celebrated at the Siva Parvathi temple at Ponnumthuruthu. It is the festival that makes alive the otherwise less frequented island. Many devotees spend the night on the island during Sivarathri and the place lit with lights is an enchanting sight.
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What travellers are saying

  • snmishra
    Bengaluru, India92 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely white sand beach I've seen so far in Kerala. One can spend hours on the beach on swimming, water sports or just sitting quietly looking at the waves. Enjoy the view from the cliff and the food available there. Not very crowdy and you'll find many non Indians enjoying this place. Good place and you can plan for a day here.
    Written 2 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deb P P
    Bristol, UK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are many tailors on the cliff, but head a little further and this is the ONLY one you should take your business to. Whether for bespoke, copies, or alterations, the workmanship at Asparagus is exceptional. Huge selection of silks, cottons, linens, block prints. Only wish I had found them sooner. Highly rate this wonderful tailors in Varkala.
    Written 21 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Akshat G
    309 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Views are breathtaking from this narrow stretch of North cliff/ Varkala cliff. Street is full of cafes and other shops. Overall go there to experience the vibe and soak in views of the ocean. Sit in one of the cafes.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sooraj km
    Thrissur, India28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's a pilgrim place for Hindus. We will love this place due to its natural beauty and climate condition.its Sree Narayan Guru samadhi place.
    Written 14 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mihir C
    Kolkata (Calcutta), India116 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is a 2000 year old temple of Janardhana (Vishnu).
    It is also known Papanasham Temple. Local people come here for puja.
    Written 5 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Raj PR
    Chennai (Madras), India198 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is strentch from Varkala breaches, can spend 1 hour including kayaking, speed boat near Kappil Beach situated 15mins away from Varkala Cliff.
    Written 11 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JforTravel
    Chennai (Madras), India288 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Kappil lake on one side of the road and Arabian sea on the other. Drove by this place, did not go for boating. I am sure an evening boat ride at the lake would be worth it.
    Written 5 January 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kamalika0505
    Kolkata (Calcutta), India174 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Safe place to spend a quality 'alone' time, relaxing. Not very crowded. Enjoy the view from the nearby eateries. More or less clean beach though rituals are performed. Coast guards are there to keep watch on you. Second trip to the sea beach. There are shops which sell garments. Price is bit on higher side, most probably due to the foreign tourists. Auto stand is nearby.
    Written 3 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vip_foodie
    Bengaluru, India1,374 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited the Golden Island on day 2 of my Kerala trip. It is situated around 10-15 kms from Varkala Centre. Plan was to visit Munroe Island but it was closed so we decided to visit this island. Kayaking happens near the island and there is a temple at the island. We took a boat ride to reach the island. It cost 1300 bucks for 6 people. We witnessed beautiful backwaters through the boat ride.
    Written 10 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • wanderlust121
    7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    the staff was very rude because we had cameras with us even though we weren't using it. But the view is stunning. It's beautiful over there, see the water and be on top of all those palm trees
    Written 24 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Helen62Cumberland_BC
    Port Alberni, Canada9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the most lovely Temples we have seen, although we also loved the Kali Temple too. I love to see local temples, eat local foods as well as hang out with local folk to get the real feel of the area. We love Varkala!
    Written 7 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AbiramPonnuswami
    Chennai (Madras), India103 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A small and well maintained aquarium. They have a good collection of fish breeds. It is situated closer to the Edava beach.
    Written 2 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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