Varkala is one of Kerala’s most beautiful coastal destinations, known for its dramatic laterite cliffs, golden beaches, Arabian Sea views, spiritual landmarks and relaxed beachside atmosphere. If you have only one day in Varkala, a well-planned itinerary can help you experience its most popular attractions from sunrise to sunset.

This Varkala one day trip itinerary covers Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Janardanaswamy Temple, Kappil Beach and Backwaters, Edava Beach and the Black Sand Beach at Odayam, with time for breakfast, lunch and sunset.

Varkala One Day Trip Itinerary at a Glance

Why Visit Varkala?

Varkala stands out because it combines a spectacular coastline with distinctive red laterite cliffs. Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is one of the major attractions in the area and has both tourism and religious importance. The cliffs beside the Arabian Sea are also recognised as a significant geological feature known as the Varkala Formation.

Beyond the beach, Varkala offers temples, backwaters, quieter beaches, cafés, wellness experiences and adventure activities. This makes it a good destination for couples, families, solo travellers and weekend visitors.

6:00 AM – Start at Varkala Cliff

Begin your Varkala day trip early at Varkala Cliff.

The early morning is ideal for enjoying the coastline before the day becomes hot and crowded. Walk along the cliffside, enjoy the sea breeze and watch the changing colours over the Arabian Sea.

Varkala Cliff is more than a viewpoint. The cliff area is lined with restaurants, cafés, shops and accommodation, making it one of the liveliest parts of Varkala. Kerala Tourism highlights the combination of the cliff, beach and sea as one of the defining features of the destination.

Things to do at Varkala Cliff

• Enjoy the sunrise and sea views
• Walk along the cliff
• Take photographs
• Explore the local shops
• Have breakfast later at one of the cliffside cafés

7:00 AM – Visit Papanasam Beach

After enjoying the morning at the cliff, head down to Papanasam Beach, commonly known as Varkala Beach.

Papanasam is one of Varkala's most important beaches. It is known not only for its scenery but also for its religious significance. The name Papanasam is traditionally associated with the belief that bathing in the waters can cleanse one's sins.

The beach is also a popular place for relaxing, walking along the shore and enjoying the dramatic cliff backdrop.

If you plan to enter the water, always check the sea conditions and follow local safety instructions. Kerala Tourism notes that waves can sometimes be strong at Varkala Beach.

8:30 AM – Breakfast at Varkala Cliff

After your morning beach visit, return towards the cliff area for breakfast.

Varkala has a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, so this is a good opportunity to enjoy breakfast with a sea view.

You can look for Kerala-style breakfast dishes, South Indian favourites, fresh juices, coffee or a lighter international breakfast depending on your preference.

For a one-day trip, keeping breakfast around this time gives you enough energy for the sightseeing ahead.

10:00 AM – Visit Janardanaswamy Temple

Next, visit the historic Janardanaswamy Temple, one of Varkala's important spiritual attractions.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Janardana Swamy and is located close to Papanasam Beach. Kerala Tourism describes the temple as an ancient pilgrimage centre with a history extending back around 2,000 years.

The temple is especially significant in connection with rituals for departed souls, adding an important spiritual dimension to a Varkala trip.

Travel tip

Dress respectfully when visiting the temple and follow the temple's current visitor rules. Temple access, timings and permitted areas can change, so check locally before planning your visit around a specific time.

11:30 AM – Explore Kappil Beach & Backwaters

After the temple visit, continue towards Kappil Beach and Kappil Backwaters.

This is one of the most scenic places to include in a Varkala itinerary because it combines two different landscapes: the Arabian Sea and peaceful backwaters.

Kappil is known for its lush surroundings, calm waterways and scenic coastal landscape. Kerala Tourism notes that the backwaters offer opportunities for boating and birdwatching, while the beach provides a quieter setting for walking and relaxation.

What to do at Kappil

• Enjoy the beach views
• Walk along the shoreline
• Take photographs from the bridge
• Explore the backwaters
• Consider a boat ride if time and local services permit
• Watch for birds around the backwater area

The combination of sea, lake and greenery makes Kappil one of the best places to visit near Varkala for nature lovers.

1:00 PM – Lunch

By early afternoon, take a break for lunch.

You can choose a restaurant around Varkala town, the cliff area or along your route back from Kappil.

For an authentic Kerala food experience, consider trying dishes such as:

• Kerala meals
• Fish curry
• Appam and stew
• Parotta and curry
• Fresh seafood
• Vegetarian Kerala dishes

If you are travelling during a busy weekend or holiday, allow extra time for finding a table and travelling between locations.

3:00 PM – Relax at Edava Beach

After lunch, head towards Edava Beach.

Edava offers a more relaxed coastal experience and is a good choice if you want to spend some quiet time away from the busiest parts of Varkala.

Edava has also gained attention as a surfing destination. Kerala Tourism's 2025–26 event calendar highlights the International Surfing Festival held at Edava Beach near Varkala, reflecting the area's growing profile for surfing and water-based activities.

Spend this part of the afternoon walking, relaxing and enjoying the coastal scenery.

4:30 PM – Visit Black Sand Beach at Odayam

Continue to Black Sand Beach, also known as Thiruvambady Beach, near Varkala's North Cliff.

This beach is less crowded than the famous Papanasam Beach and is known for its distinctive dark sand and peaceful atmosphere. Kerala Tourism describes Thiruvambady as a quieter beach where visitors can enjoy a more secluded coastal experience.

Odayam is also located close to Varkala, making it convenient to include in an afternoon sightseeing route.

Why include Odayam in your Varkala itinerary?

If Papanasam Beach gives you the classic Varkala experience, Odayam provides a quieter alternative. It is particularly appealing for travellers who enjoy photography, peaceful walks and less-crowded beaches.

6:00 PM – Return to Varkala Cliff for Sunset

Finish your Varkala one-day trip where you started: at Varkala Cliff.

The cliff provides an excellent setting to watch the sun go down over the Arabian Sea. The combination of the sea, laterite cliffs and changing evening sky makes sunset one of the most memorable experiences in Varkala.

Varkala Beach is particularly known for its sunset views, and the cliffside also gives you plenty of places to sit, walk and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Take some time to enjoy the sunset rather than rushing to the next attraction. If you are visiting Varkala for photography, this is one of the best times of day to capture the coastline.

Best Places to Visit in Varkala in One Day

If you are short on time, these are the key attractions to prioritise:

1. Varkala Cliff

The signature landscape of Varkala, offering panoramic Arabian Sea views, restaurants and a lively atmosphere.

2. Papanasam Beach

Varkala's iconic beach, known for its scenic coastline and religious significance.

3. Janardanaswamy Temple

An important historic and spiritual landmark close to Papanasam Beach.

4. Kappil Beach & Backwaters

A peaceful combination of beach, backwaters, greenery and boating opportunities.

5. Edava Beach

A quieter coastal stop that is also associated with surfing.

6. Black Sand Beach

A less-crowded beach near North Cliff, known for its distinctive dark sand.

Best Time to Visit Varkala

The best period for a comfortable Varkala sightseeing trip is generally during the cooler and drier months.

Kerala Tourism specifically recommends October to March for visiting Kappil Beach and its backwaters, when the weather is more suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The monsoon months can bring heavy rainfall and rougher sea conditions. Monsoon can make the landscape particularly green, but beach activities and outdoor sightseeing may need more flexibility.

For the most comfortable one-day itinerary, plan for an early start and avoid spending too much time in direct afternoon sun.