5 special things to do in Varkala, Kerala

Varkala became my home-base back in 2015, as my life partner is local from here, and I just love this place.

My usual work before the 'corona period', involved so much traveling and moving around, so that whenever I used to come to Varkala between the tours, I would mainly relax, chill out and not do so much.

During the Covid period I stayed here for 20 month continuously and discovered so much more about Varkala, and my love to the life in here has deepened.

I want to share with you few recommendations for things to do and see in Varkala,

that are much beyond the main Varkala beach and the famous vibrant and touristic North Cliff.

1) A morning in Edava

Early morning go to see the Fishermen come back to shore with their night's catch.

The scene is very photogenic. to see groups of men pulling their small and colorful fishing boats back to shore, cleaning and fixing the nets and negotiating the prices with the local vendors that come to buy from them. Another thing you will see here in the morning is the surfers, as Edava beach is one of the main hubs for surfing in Varkala. Maybe you will also want to give it a try and take a surfing lesson ?

2) Odyam Beach and The Lotus Pond

Cross the North cliff and continue walking north towards the Black beach and further north towards Odayam beaches. part of the year the whole beach is open and exposed and you can walk on the sand all the way, and on other times there small isolated beaches and need to walk on the pathway that goes parallel to the coastline.

At one point, little before Maadathil resort, you will come across a natural pool that many of the days is a bathing hub for water buffalos. This is your mark to turn right. walk for 20 meters and suddenly the stunning sight of the lotus pond will reveal itself. The best time to visit the Lotus pond is between June to December. On the dry months the pool also dries ...

Very rarely do i see other people when i go there and this is one of my favorite meditation spots in the area.

3) Sivagiri Ashram

Sree Narayan Guru is one of the most known sages of Kerala. He lived between 1856 and 1928. On top of being a spiritual teacher he was also a social reformer. His main massage was against the cast system and about the equality of all men and that there is only 1 God. He encouraged all the people to educate themselves and become self sufficient.

The Ashram is located about 2 KM from Varkala railway station and it is very beautiful and well maintained. On the top of the hill there is the Samadhi shrine of the revered Guru.

When visiting the Ashram you can also have a glimpse of the room where Sree Narayan used to stay. There is also a Sarada Devi (goddess) temple in the premises and it is not uncommon to see a wedding ceremony taking place in this temple.

On the last days of every December there is an annual festival in the Ashram that attracts thousands of devotees, coming from all over Kerala and the area becomes very vibrant with the bright yellow color dress, that is associated with the Sree Narayan Guru Math.

4) SUP in Kappil lake

Kappil is located about 8 Km north of Varkala cliff, and it is a place to visit by itself.

Here the backwaters, the lake and the sea join together to create a stunning scenery.

You can go there with an auto rikshaw, or rented scooter, but Kappil can be also be reached by a nice and easy 3 hours walk along the beautiful coast line.

SUP or a 'Stand up Paddle' on the lake is an experience activity I really enjoyed.

The activity can be arranged with one of the surfing schools of Varkala.

We were 3 ladies and it was a 'first time' for all of us. we had a super nice and friendly guide that joined us and instructed us. When we were there the lake was full with fresh water blue jellyfish, those jellyfishes are do to sting and it was so beautiful to see them swim around us.

After gaining some confidence we also tried to do some balancing Yoga poses on the SUP and also jumped to the water to swim in the lake.

5) The Hidden fresh water spring on the South Cliff beach

Personally after a dip in the sea, and wallowing in the sandy beach, the thing I like to do the most is wash my self with vibrating natural spring water in a perfect temperature.

On the very peaceful spot along the South Cliff beach hides a beautiful fresh water spring surrounded by a lush greenery. It also have a place to seat in the shade, which is exactly what is needed in the hot hours.

To reach there get down the stairs to the beach from "Jungle Cliff" restaurant, and once reaching the beach turn left (south). Not long after you will find it...