Varkala Day Trip From Trivandrum: A Full Tour Review

So, you’re looking to swap the somewhat energetic vibes of Trivandrum for the calmer, more picturesque shores of Varkala? A day trip seems like it might be just the ticket. After spending a fair bit of time bouncing between these two Kerala spots, I’ve put together a little review to tell you all about that day tour from Trivandrum to Varkala, what you can expect, and perhaps some insider tips to hopefully make the most of your time. Anyway, hopefully, this write-up assists in deciding if it’s actually worth fitting into your Kerala visit.

Why Varkala? The Cliffside Charmer

If you ask me, Varkala has got a special kind of allure. You know, unlike some beaches, this place isn’t just about the sand and the sea; it’s really about that dramatic cliff face overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is, very, very unique. Actually, it’s almost as though the place has got this chilled-out atmosphere that seems to just seep into you, so it’s a fantastic contrast to the louder city experience of Trivandrum. Apparently, tourists flock here really for that tranquil vibe, to do some sunbathing, grab a bite at the cliffside restaurants, and take in the scenery that stretches out for miles. Yet, what you may not realise is it is also one of Kerala’s growing adventure-tourism hot-spots, too. The kind of traveler who usually passes on Kerala as “only backwaters” might just find themselves falling for it.

Getting There: The Guided Experience

The organised day tour is possibly a straightforward way of getting from Trivandrum to Varkala, particularly if time is pretty tight, yet you value convenience over possibly saving some money. Generally, what this includes is pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Trivandrum, a fairly comfy car (depending on who you book with, I suppose), and a driver who doubles, more or less, as a guide. In some respects, don’t expect, anyway, extensive historical or cultural explanations, though. Usually, the guide will likely provide some context to the locations and then give you some free time to poke around yourself.

Now, if you’re feeling like being more self-sufficient, trains and buses are options that locals depend on quite heavily. However, they can, in a way, be a bit crowded, and you might need to actually do a bit of planning around schedules and connections, which can just take up more time than one anticipates, too. It almost sounds boring compared to relaxing on a beach though, right?

What to See: The Itinerary Highlights

So, depending on the tour, some sights are likely on the agenda. The Janardanaswamy Temple, thought of as an ancient and pretty significant temple, often kicks things off. Yet, a visit can really depend on your own interest in cultural sights; I’d recommend giving it a shot regardless to learn something interesting. Next, there’s naturally, Papanasam Beach, often called Varkala Beach, that is very known for its believed-to-be holy waters, where taking a dip can cleanse sins, it’s said. As a matter of fact, what I did love about this place was just strolling along the cliff, hopping into the shops, and catching that breathtaking sunset. You will see people dipping in the waters, maybe splashing some around for the cameras, and mostly soaking it all up.

Black Beach tends to be, more or less, another cool stop on the list, slightly north of Varkala. It has quieter vibes, I feel. As a matter of fact, I spotted some enjoying watersports or taking boat rides, too, which is something for the adrenaline seekers!

Food Scene: A Taste of Kerala

Alright, if you happen to ask me about what I recall most from Varkala, so many, many years from visiting there, that, certainly, is the food. The cliffside restaurants typically serve everything from classic Kerala seafood dishes to international cuisine. Yet, if you are there, I believe it’s very worth it to go for the local stuff; so think fresh fish cooked in banana leaves, prawn curries with coconut milk, and spicy fish fries. These restaurants really have the views, alright, so eating great food while seeing an Arabian Sea sunset seems pretty close to perfect, I have to admit.

Making the Most of Your Trip: Tips and Tricks

So, time in Varkala will almost certainly fly by. First, start super early from Trivandrum so you can bypass peak traffic, alright. It may make the biggest difference for your time to travel to Varkala. Remember to just dress comfortably. In a way, think light cotton clothing, sunscreen, and a hat; the Kerala sun can be pretty unforgiving, for example. Still, be mindful of the tide times if you plan to actually swim or explore the beaches extensively. By the way, bartering can be pretty normal at some of the shops, yet do so respectfully and just keep a smile on. It is often not like you see on the TV, where tourists need to bicker or stand ground to get some good shopping done. Actually, as a matter of fact, remember to simply embrace that laid-back Varkala vibe. A bit of chilling out, trying things on offer, taking slow strolls… it truly is often the key.

Potential Drawbacks: Be Prepared

Just a little thing to be mindful of… Varkala, I find, can very much get crowded, especially during the tourist season or on weekends. Naturally, that picture-perfect beach view with basically no one around? Usually does not exist. Anyway, the vendors can also sometimes come across a bit too pushy for some, I think, trying to actually sell souvenirs or services. However, that can really be part of that Indian experience, or really anywhere you go for that matter.

Traffic, now, between Trivandrum and Varkala, tends to be kind of a buzzkill. Always a slight downer, sitting for what seems like hours on the road! That being said, planning around peak times or leaving a little early might do the trick!

Alternatives to the Guided Tour: DIY Varkala

Now, should you want to actually try doing Varkala yourself, consider public transportation. I’ve mentioned that already, but it gives you total control of where you actually go, for how long you stay, too. Still, you may have some struggles with schedules and booking issues; in that case, there are a lot of taxi services running, though be prepared for some high prices, alright.

Another nice thought might be renting your own vehicle if you like that feeling of independence, but know what you’re up against, I’d say, as roads can be fairly chaotic, at least to visitors.

Is the Day Trip Worth It? My Final Thoughts

Right, wrapping things up now; a day trip to Varkala, anyway, is a cracking way of escaping the somewhat faster-paced Trivandrum. Depending on what you’re aiming for, this trip can very, very easily suit you. However, keep travel times and tourist numbers at the back of your mind as, very often, you could expect longer trips on roads to/from, and longer waiting times. In the same way, if you want more independent choices and less time spent getting to spots on the list, go independent and book a vehicle to drive you around!