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Majestic Kerala – Varkala & Trivandrum trip

When we think of Kerala, the first thing which comes to mind are the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey or the lush green mountains of Munnar or the old historical places and colourful streets of Kochi. But there are lot of beautiful places and serene beaches in Kerala to explore for, which lot of tourist dont tend to visit often. In our last December trip we planned to visit the places of Varkala and Trivandrum where we covered a lot of beautiful spots which we would be covering in full in this blog. We made this trip during Christmas, hence once again reiterating that with December coming in, do definitely set out to explore Kerala.

Things to know about Varkala & Trivandrum

Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country,” is a beautiful blend of lush greenery, pristine backwaters, and rich cultural heritage. This southwestern Indian state is famous for their Ayurvedic treatments, Kathakali dance, and vibrant festivals. Kerala’s cuisine, worth mentioning a mixture of coconut and spices, offers delightful dishes like appam with stew and their fish curry. Notebale places to visit in Kerala are Kochi, Allepey, Munnar, Thekkady, Varkala, Wayanad etc.

Varkala, a happening coastal town in Kerala, brings stunning cliffs that dramatically descend into the Arabian Sea. This tranquil haven is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and spiritual renewal. Varkala is filled with cozy cafes, Ayurvedic centers, and vibrant markets, creating an exciting atmosphere where adventure and peace beautifully coexist. Its actually more beautiful than Goa that’s what we felt. Whether you’re looking to soak in the sun or explore rich cultural traditions, Varkala has for sure something special for everyone.

Trivandrum, Kerala’s only capital, is where tradition and modernity beautifully mix up. This happening city, perched on India’s southwestern coast, captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and lush greenery. The legendary Padmanabhaswamy Temple, with its majestic carvings and treasures, stands as a proof to Trivandrum’s historical significance. on the other side, the serene Kovalam Beach offers the perfect escape with its inviting sands and gentle waves. Strolling through the bustling markets or visiting world-class museums, you’ll find that Trivandrum’s energy and charm are simply irresistible, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about history, nature, and culture.

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Varkala and Trivandrum is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rains and the summer months (March to May) for their heat and humidity. We went during the December Holidays.

Our Itinerary

You can choose the below itinerary to get the best experience in Kerala like we did.

Day 1 – Pune to Trivandrum. Night halt at Trivandrum.

Day 2 – Early morning train from Trivandrum to Varkala. Stay at Varkala, Explore local beaches and cuisine.

Day 3 – Whole day sightseing at Varkala and explore Jatayu Earth Center.

Day 4 – Whole day sightseing at Varkala. More relaxing day with other beaches and temples to explore around

Day 5 – Varkala to Kovalam via Trivandrum. Stay in Kovalam and explore the serene Kovalam beach

Day 6 – Whole day sightseing at Kovalam including boating at Poovar Islands, Azhimala Shiva temple and Chenkal Shiv Linga

Day 7 – Kovalam to Trivandrum, offering prayers at Padmanabhaswamy Temple and back to Pune

Majestic Kerala – Varkala & Trivandrum trip – Day 1

Kerala, often celebrated as God’s Own Country, is a land where nature, spirituality, and history blend seamlessly. My recent seven-day trip through Trivandrum, Varkala, and Kovalam was nothing short of magical, offering a glimpse into Kerala’s serene beaches, ancient temples, and cultural heritage.

The journey began with a flight from Pune to Thiruvananthapuram, popularly known as Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. This city is steeped in history, with its name derived from “Anantha” (the serpent deity) and “Puram” (city), signifying the abode of Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha.

We reached late at night and immediately checked in to our hotel to have a quick night of rest. Next day we had an early morning train from there to Varkala. Hence booked a hotel which was near to the train station known as Safire Residency so that to and fro is easier from there.

Majestic Kerala – Varkala & Trivandrum trip – Day 2

An early morning train ride brought me to Varkala, a coastal town unlike any other in Kerala. We took the 16346 Netravati express from Trivandrum and got down in Varkala in an hour or so. And as soon as we got down, we started liking the vibe of the place, as its so nice and calm and peaceful all around. The best thing about South of India is cleanliness and educated people all around with good communications and infrastructure, which makes a journey more easier and comfortable as well.

Unlike the flat beaches of Kovalam, Varkala is famous for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, known as the Varkala Formation, a geological wonder.

After checking in our hotel called Aaronic Stay, we headed straight to Varkala Beach, also called Papanasam Beach, believed to wash away sins according to Hindu mythology. The beach was absolutely spectacular and the beautiful cafes along the cliff was too picturesque for clicking nice photos. People from all over the world would come and enjoy the hospitality in Kerala.

There are plenty of popular and renown cafe to choose from in the cliff and the advantage for us was our hotel was bang on right at the forefront of the cliff. We had a nice brunch at the Cafe Del Mar sitting and soaking sunlight along the bay. The noodles and the fresh lime was just perfect as a starting comfort food for us.

With an entire sleepless night we were too tired to roam around in the scorching sun, hence decided to take rest and come back during sunset.

If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss the sunset from the cliff—it’s pure magic. Our favourite moment was watching the sun melt into the horizon while enjoying a plate of grilled prawns at a cozy café. The mix of international travellers, soulful music, and the salty breeze made it feel like a world away from the hustle of city life. We enjoyed the rest of the evening with delicious Kerala food and just enjoying the buzz in the area.

Majestic Kerala – Varkala & Trivandrum trip – Day 3

The next day was dedicated to exploring the Jatayu Earth Center, an awe-inspiring attraction that combines mythology with adventure. According to the epic Ramayana, Jatayu, the mythical bird, fought Ravana to save Sita and fell on these very hills.

We hired a two wheeler first thing in the morning and headed towards the Earth centre after having a lumpsum breakfast. With our map set in we travelled from Varkala to a place called Chadayamangalam in Kollam which is like 26-30 km. The road which leads to the earth centre is absolutely majestic with the view of greenery all around and surrounded by coconut trees is definitely worth remembering. One of the best roads every to drive a two wheeler.

Upon reaching we booked two tickets of Rs 400 each for the site visit and cable car combined. At the summit, apart from the bird sculpture, there’s a small museum narrating the story of Jatayu and a 6D theater that brings the legend to life. There is a small cafe at the top as well to have quick snacks. For adventure lovers, the center also offers activities like zip-lining and trekking, though we focused more on soaking in the views and the cultural vibe.

Today, the site hosts the world’s largest bird sculpture, spread across 65 acres, symbolizing valor and sacrifice. The cable car ride to the top offered panoramic views of Kerala’s lush landscape, making it a must-visit for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. We took around 1-1.5 hours to explore and then came down and started our return back to Varkala. We had a quick stop in a local food joint to have some quick food for lunch as it was already mid noon by then.

Upon returning to Varkala we went to a nearby beach to explore called Edava Beach to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Majestic Kerala – Varkala & Trivandrum trip – Day 4

This day was all about slowing down and soaking in Varkala’s spiritual aura. We visited ancient temples like Janardanaswamy Temple, which dates back over 2,000 years which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu .

We had a nice lunch on the rooftop restaurant of Hindustan Beach Resort. You should definitely have one lunch there just for the view we felt.

In the evening we set out for a visit to the Anjengo Light House which is situated around 14 km from the Varkala main town. The road is quite narrow but the place is absolutely fantastic. You should definitely climb to the top to get the endless view of Arabian Sea on one side and the Kerala Backwaters on the other. Do not miss this place when you visit Varkala. Just opposite to it was the Anjengo fort , a British fort built in 1699. By the time we reached it was closed hence we could not get inside.

We returned to our base after that. The next day we had our train back to Trivandrum, hence we had an early dinner and went back to bed early as well.

Majestic Kerala – Varkala & Trivandrum trip – Day 5

Leaving Varkala behind, we traveled back via Trivandrum and headed to Kovalam, one of Kerala’s most iconic beach destinations this time around. We took an auto to reach Kovalam from Trivandrum which is around 16km from the main city. We booked our stay in a nice cozy hotel called Moon Valley Cottage in Kovalam. If you are booking this hotel , please call the hotel staff as public transport like bikes, autos, cars are not allowed to enter any hotel premises near the beach area.

After having a heavy lunch and taking rest in the afternoon we reached just in time for a mesmerizing sunset at Lighthouse Beach. Kovalam’s history as a tourist hotspot dates back to the 1930s when European travellers discovered its pristine shores. Today, it remains a favourite for those seeking calm waters and golden sands. Over the weekend the place is filled with tourists and travellers coming from all parts of Trivandrum and nearby cities to have a relaxing holiday. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to explore near the beach but not many compared to Varkala.

Majestic Kerala – Varkala & Trivandrum trip – Day 6

The sixth day was packed with experiences that showcased Kerala’s beautiful diversity. After the breakfast we booked an autorickshaw to explore the nearby places of Kovalam. The first spot which we headed for was Poovar Islands.

A boat ride through the Poovar Islands offered a glimpse of tranquil backwaters fringed with coconut palms—a scene straight out of a postcard. We booked for ourselves an hour ride which costed us around Rs 2,500 to and fro. What made the ride truly magical were the sights and sounds of nature. We spotted vibrant kingfishers diving for fish, elegant herons standing still like statues, and the occasional Brahminy kite soaring above. The boatman stopped at a sea shore on the other side to click some pictures as well. You should definitely go for this experience.

From Poovar, we headed towards the famous Azhimala Shiva Temple, perched on a cliff with breath-taking ocean views. This temple definitely comes as Rank no 1 in terms of most searched Shiva idols in India. The temple is famous for its massive 58-feet statue of Lord Shiva in a meditative pose, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of crashing waves. The name “Azhimala” actually means “mountain by the sea,” perfectly describing its dramatic setting.

From there we headed towards the Chenkal Shiv Linga, a massive monolithic structure that exudes spiritual energy. Nestled amidst serene greenery, the temple is known for its massive monolithic Shiv Linga, considered one of the largest in Kerala. Standing before this towering structure, carved from a single stone, felt humbling—it radiates a sense of timeless devotion and spiritual energy.

Majestic Kerala – Varkala & Trivandrum trip – Day 7

On day 7 we returned to Trivandrum and headed towards the majestic Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, one of the richest and most revered temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple’s Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings are a testament to Kerala’s artistic heritage.

After offering prayers, we boarded our flight back to Pune, carrying memories of serene beaches, sacred shrines, and soulful sunsets.

Why this trip was so special ?

This journey through Varkala, Kovalam, and Trivandrum will always hold a special place in our heart because it was more than just a vacation—it was an escape into serenity. From watching mesmerizing sunsets on Varkala’s cliffs and feeling the salty breeze on Kovalam’s shores to offering prayers at the historic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, every moment felt like a pause from the chaos of everyday life. The mix of natural beauty, spiritual experiences, and warm local hospitality made us feel connected—not just to Kerala, but to ourselves. It was a trip that reminded us how beautiful life can be when you slow down and truly take it all in.

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