Varkala Tour Packages

Varkala Holiday Packages

Varkala combines cliffside sea views, beaches, temples, backwaters and a relaxed coastal atmosphere within one Kerala destination. The town is best known for Varkala Beach and the cliff rising above the Arabian Sea, but a longer stay can also include Janardhana Swamy Temple, Kappil Lake, Thiruvambady Beach, Ponnumthuruthu Island and Anchuthengu Fort. Travellers can balance beach time with water sports, spiritual experiences, local food and quieter excursions beyond the main cliff area.

Choose from 23 Varkala holiday packages starting from ₹ 10711. Options in 2026 range from 1-night/2-day and 2-night/3-day Varkala escapes to 3-night/4-day stays focused entirely on the destination. Longer Kerala itineraries combine Varkala with Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam and Poovar, Kanyakumari and other popular stops. Depending on the package, inclusions can include 3-star to 5-star hotels, intercity car transfers, airport pickup and drop, activities and selected meals.

Varkala Trip at a Glance

October to March is Varkala's peak travel season, with pleasant days and clear skies suited to beaches, outdoor sightseeing and water-based activities. April and May form the moderate season, while June to September receives heavier rainfall and is treated as the off-season.

Why Visit Varkala?

Varkala works well for travellers who want a coastal holiday with more variety than simply spending every day on the beach. The cliff, temples, backwaters and nearby heritage attractions allow you to change the pace of the trip without travelling long distances every day.

• Spend time at Varkala Beach: Also known as Papanasham Beach, this is the destination's defining coastal attraction. Set aside time for the beach itself as well as the cliff above it, where you can walk, dine and watch the sea.
• Walk along Varkala Cliff: The elevated cliffside offers Arabian Sea views, sunset spots, cafés and local shopping. It is particularly suited to travellers who prefer slow evenings rather than packed sightseeing.
• Add water sports: Swimming, surfing, snorkelling and paragliding are among the activities highlighted for Varkala. The exact options available can depend on sea and weather conditions.
• Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple: The ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu gives Varkala an important pilgrimage dimension. It is also associated with the annual Arattu festival.
• Explore backwater scenery: Kappil Lake offers coconut-fringed views, peaceful walks and pedal boating, while Ponnumthuruthu Island combines backwaters with a temple and birdlife.
• Combine the coast with Kerala's hills and backwaters: Multi-destination packages can take you from Munnar's hills to Alleppey's backwaters and then towards Varkala and Kovalam's beaches in one journey.

Types of Varkala Packages

Beach Packages

Beach packages keep the holiday centred around Varkala's coast. These suit travellers who want time for the beach, cliff walks, cafés and water activities without moving between several hotels.

The package funnel includes standalone Varkala stays from 1 night/2 days to 3 nights/4 days, so you can choose the amount of beach time according to your schedule.

Family Packages

Varkala family packages suit travellers looking for a combination of easy sightseeing and relaxed beach time. A family itinerary can include Varkala Beach, Kappil Lake and selected local attractions without requiring strenuous activity.

We offer Varkala under the family theme, with both short stays and longer Kerala holidays available.

Honeymoon & Romantic Packages

Couples can choose a Varkala-focused stay or combine the destination with other parts of Kerala. Longer romantic packages include combinations of Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala and Kovalam & Poovar, with selected options featuring romantic experiences alongside sightseeing.

A slower Varkala stay gives couples more time for cliffside dining, sunsets and beaches instead of spending most of the holiday on intercity transfers.

Adventure Packages

Adventure-focused trips can include water sports and other outdoor experiences. Surfing, snorkelling, swimming and paragliding are among Varkala's activities, while Varkala package themes also include adventure holidays.

Choose activities according to the season and local operating conditions rather than assuming every experience will be available throughout the year.

Leisure Packages

Leisure packages suit travellers who want a slower Kerala holiday. Options include standalone Varkala stays as well as combinations such as Alleppey + Varkala + Kovalam & Poovar and Munnar + Alleppey + Varkala.

Luxury Packages

The Varkala funnel includes luxury options that combine the destination with a wider Kerala circuit. Selected longer itineraries use a mix of 5-star and 4-star hotels, along with airport transfers, activities and selected meals.

Customised Packages

Customisation can be useful if you want to alter accommodation, duration or selected itinerary elements. We offer Varkala packages across different budgets, with customisation available on selected options.

Multi-Destination Packages

Varkala combines naturally with Kerala's hill stations, wildlife areas, backwaters and southern beaches. You can add Munnar and Thekkady for hills and nature, Alleppey for backwaters or Kovalam & Poovar for more coastal time. Kanyakumari can also be added to a southern coastal itinerary.

Popular Package Combinations

The package includes examples such as Kerala Bliss - Munnar to Varkala Retreat, Southern Escape - Varkala, Kovalam & Kanyakumari, Kerala Odyssey - Hills, Wildlife & Coast and longer 7-night/8-day Kerala itineraries.

How Much Does a Varkala Trip Cost?

Varkala holiday packages start from ₹ 10711. The final trip cost depends on whether you choose a simple standalone beach stay or combine Varkala with several Kerala destinations.

Standalone Varkala packages include 3-star hotel options with selected meals, while longer Kerala itineraries can include 3-star, 4-star or 5-star hotels, intercity car transfers, airport pickup and drop and multiple activities.

When comparing Varkala trip packages, check how much time the itinerary actually gives you in Varkala. A longer package does not necessarily mean a longer beach stay if most nights are allocated to other Kerala destinations.

What's Included in Your Varkala Package

The inclusions differ considerably between standalone Varkala stays and multi-destination Kerala holidays.

A 2-night/3-day Varkala option, for example, can include a 3-star hotel and selected meals, while another 2-night/3-day option adds intercity car transfers, airport pickup and drop and a visit to Varkala Beach.

May Be Included Depending on the Package

• 4-star or 5-star accommodation
• Houseboat day cruise
• Airport pickup and drop
• Intercity car transfers
• Varkala Beach visit
• Kathakali show
• Periyar Lake boating
• Spice plantation tour
• Jatayu Earth's Center excursion
• Couple-focused experiences
• Tour-manager assistance

Review the final inclusion list before booking rather than assuming that an experience shown on another Varkala itinerary is part of yours.

How to Choose the Right Varkala Package

• Decide how much beach time you want: Choose a 2N/3D or 3N/4D standalone stay if Varkala itself is the priority.
• Choose a wider Kerala route carefully: Add Munnar for hills, Alleppey for backwaters or Kovalam & Poovar for more beach time.
• Check nights allocated to Varkala: Multi-destination packages often include only one night here.
• Compare hotel categories: Options range from 3-star stays to higher-category Kerala circuits.
• Review transfers: Private intercity travel becomes particularly useful when several destinations are included.
• Check activities: Water sports and local experiences can depend on weather and availability.
• Consider the pace: A 7N/8D circuit covering several Kerala destinations involves more road travel than a relaxed Varkala-only break.
• Match the season to your priorities: October to March is better suited to beaches and outdoor activities.

Why Book a Varkala Package Instead of Planning Your Own?

A Varkala-only trip is relatively straightforward, but the logistics become more involved when you add Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam or Kanyakumari.

A package can bring accommodation, airport transfers, intercity road journeys, activities and selected meals into one itinerary. This reduces the need to separately coordinate different hotels and transfers across Kerala.

Packages can be particularly useful for families and couples who want a clear itinerary before travelling, while standalone Varkala stays remain suitable for travellers looking for a simpler beach holiday.

Who Should Visit Varkala?

• Beach Lovers: Varkala Beach, Thiruvambady Beach and Kappil Beach offer different coastal settings.
• Couples: Cliffside sunsets, cafés and longer romantic Kerala itineraries suit relaxed couple trips.
• Families: Beaches, lakes and local sightseeing can be combined at a manageable pace.
• Pilgrims: Janardhana Swamy Temple gives Varkala an important spiritual dimension.
• Adventure Travellers: Surfing, paragliding and other water-based activities provide more active options.
• Food Lovers: Seafood and Kerala cuisine are central to the coastal experience.
• Leisure Travellers: Varkala works especially well when the holiday includes unscheduled beach and cliff time.

Ideal Trip Duration

How Many Days Are Enough for a Varkala Trip?

• 1 to 2 days: Suitable for a quick coastal escape. The funnel includes a 1N/2D standalone option.
• 3 days: Gives you more time for the beach, Kappil Lake and sightseeing without making the trip rushed.
• 4 days: The 3N/4D standalone format is better if you want beach time alongside nearby excursions.
• 5 to 8 days: Choose this duration for a Kerala circuit involving Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey or Kovalam.

Varkala Itinerary

• Short beach break: Spend time at Varkala Beach and the cliff, then visit Janardhana Swamy Temple before departure.
• 3-day Varkala holiday: Add Kappil Lake, Thiruvambady Beach and a slower sunset evening on the cliff.
• Extended Varkala stay: Include Ponnumthuruthu Island or Anchuthengu Fort and leave enough free time for beaches and cafés.
• Munnar + Alleppey + Varkala: Combine hill scenery with a backwater experience before finishing on the coast.
• Varkala + Kovalam + Kanyakumari: Use Varkala as the first coastal stop before continuing south.
• Full Kerala circuit: Combine Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala and Kovalam & Poovar over a week or more.

Best Time to Visit Varkala

• October to March: The preferred period for beaches, water sports and sightseeing.
• April to May: Temperatures rise, making early mornings and evenings more comfortable for outdoor exploration.
• June to September: Rainfall can affect beach and activity plans, although the coastal landscape becomes greener.

Places to Visit in Varkala

• Varkala Beach: The destination's signature cliff beach and a natural starting point for any trip.
• Varkala Cliff: Visit for sea views, dining, local shops and sunsets.
• Janardhana Swamy Temple: Explore the ancient Vishnu temple and its religious traditions.
• Kappil Lake: Walk beside the coconut-lined lake or hire a pedal boat.
• Ponnumthuruthu Island: Take a jetty ride to this backwater island, also known as Golden Island.
• Anchuthengu Fort: Explore the coastal fort and its historic setting.
• Thiruvambady Beach: Choose this black-sand beach for a quieter alternative close to North Cliff.

Things to Do in Varkala

• Walk along Varkala Cliff at sunset.
• Spend a few hours relaxing at Varkala Beach.
• Try surfing, swimming or paragliding when conditions permit.
• Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple and attend evening rituals.
• Take a pedal boat at Kappil Lake.
• Ride a jetty to Ponnumthuruthu Island.
• Explore Anchuthengu Fort.
• Browse the shops along the cliff.
• Try Kerala seafood and local coastal dishes.

Food and Shopping

What to Eat in Varkala?

Fresh fish, lobster and Kerala staples such as puttu and parotta are among Varkala's food experiences.

What to Buy in Varkala?

Look for:

• Kerala handicrafts
• Shell souvenirs
• Jewellery
• Clothing
• Small decorative items
• Coir products
• Spices
• Cliffside souvenirs

Beachside shopping for handicrafts, apparel, jewellery, shells and souvenirs are major highlights, while Kerala also feature coir handicrafts among regional products.

Essential Packing Guide for Varkala Trip

• Light cotton clothing
• Swimwear
• Comfortable sandals
• Walking shoes
• Modest clothing for temple visits
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat or cap
• Reusable water bottle
• Rain protection during monsoon
• Personal medicines
• Insect repellent
• Small day bag
• Power bank
• Government-issued ID

If water sports form part of your plans, keep quick-dry clothing and an additional change of clothes handy.

Varkala Travel Tips & Practical Information

• Plan beach activities for suitable weather: Sea conditions can affect water sports.
• Visit the cliff around evening: Sunset, dining and shopping work well together.
• Dress appropriately for Janardhana Swamy Temple: We advise modest clothing, and photography inside the temple is restricted.
• Allow enough time for Kappil Lake: Sunset is highlighted as a particularly good time to visit.
• Wear a life jacket for Ponnumthuruthu: The island requires a jetty journey.
• Keep monsoon plans flexible: Heavy rainfall can affect outdoor sightseeing.
• Check package inclusions: Standalone Varkala stays and multi-city Kerala itineraries differ significantly in transfers and activities.
• Do not overfill the itinerary: Varkala's appeal lies partly in having time for the beach and cliff without constantly moving between attractions.

How to Reach Varkala

Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest airport and Varkala has its own railway station with connections from places including Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers are practical for travelling around Varkala, while taxis are more convenient for longer excursions. For multi-destination Kerala packages, check whether airport pickup, drop and intercity car transfers are already included before arranging separate transport.