5 reasons for spending a weekend at Varkala

5 reasons for opting to spend a weekend in Varkala
5 reasons for opting to spend a weekend in Varkala. Photo: Istock

Do you love the sun-kissed beaches, good seafood and some moments of peace? Then, Varkala is the place to be. Here are five reasons that will convince you to spend some quality time at Varkala. 

1) The beaches

Varkala is one of those places where you can walk down the cliff and onto the beach. And you can spend hours on this peaceful beach. You can catch the swell of the surf or go paragliding off the cliff. And explore the cliff and the land beyond. When and if you get bored, you can take an auto-rickshaw to Kappil or one of the other beaches in the area.  Or take a boat to Ponnumthuruthu, one of the islands off Varkala, which has an ancient temple. 

5 reasons for opting to spend a weekend in Varkala
5 reasons for opting to spend a weekend in Varkala. Photo: Istock

2) Of faith and new thoughts

The Janardhana Temple, a main landmark of the area is over 2000 years old. Wander over to the Sivagiri Mutt, built in 1904, this was one of those places where a lot of national leaders gathered to meet the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru during his lifetime.  Also read: Varkala and its famous guests

Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi
Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi. Photo: Onmanorama

3) Food

Take a stroll on the cliff and you will find restaurants that caters to cuisines from across the globe. Find one that suits your taste, if you are not happy, try another the next meal. 

5 reasons for opting to spend a weekend in Varkala
5 reasons for opting to spend a weekend in Varkala. Photo: Istock

4) Nightlife

Unlike Goa and other places beyond Kerala, there are no pubs and discos at Varkala. But that does not mean that the place shuts down and goes to sleep early like the rest of Kerala. The nightlife revolves around the restaurants on the cliff, and during the season, there will be a lot of places that people gather together over a mug of beer. 

5 reasons for opting to spend a weekend in Varkala
5 reasons for opting to spend a weekend in Varkala. Photo: Istock

5) In and around

You can find a place to stay at Varkala and explore the nearby areas at your own pace. The village life beyond the touristy Varkala is rustic and charming.  The fishing village of Anchuthengu with the ancient fort, boating on Kappil lake and a trip to explore the ancient tunnel in Varkala is a must. If you can strike up a conversation with one of the boatmen, you could take a trip to Ponnumthuruthu, an island off Varkala known for an ancient Siva temple. 

5 reasons for opting to spend a weekend in Varkala
The beaches around Varkala. Photo: Istock
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