<a href="https://universaladventures.in/state/Varkala" target="_blank">Varkala</a>, a calm and quiet hamlet that is backed by palm-covered red cliffs, lies on the outskirts of the <a href="https://universaladventures.in/state/Thiruvananthapuram" target="_blank">Thiruvananthapuram</a> district. It has several tourist attractions that include a beautiful beach and numerous water-based adventure activities. Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for tourists and is fast becoming a popular health resort with thrilling adventures like surfing, paragliding, and many more. It is a popular tourist beach destination in southern India, attracting visitors with its black beaches and breathtaking views.

A refreshing and rejuvenating activity which you can take part in as you hear the sound of the ocean crash against the golden shores upon where you are calming your soul. Usually done as a group and coordinated by a trained yoga instructor, this activity has many physical and mental benefits. The landscape plays a major role in this activity. It has become a hub for yoga activity and this yoga retreat is a must to remove the knots in your mind and body.

Location: Varkala beach
Best Time to Do: Sunrise and sunset
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: 200 INR to 300 INR

Varkala is not only known for its splendid beaches but also known for the steep red cliffs on the shores of the beaches. Climbing the cliffs to get a breathtaking view of the sea with the sun setting in the background is a view nature lovers would kill for. The climb in itself is entertaining and not too tiring, so even a novice can view this awe-struck scene. As the locals say, this is where the magic happens.

Location: Varkala cliff
Best Time to Do: Sunset
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: nil

Varkala is a coastal town with many water activities due to the presence of backwaters. It is an escape from one's daily life and offers a variety of thrill-seeking activities. It is also known as the best beach town for backpackers. If there is one thing that Varkala isn't lacking along with water adventure sports is the food. So be sure to plan for Varkala the next time you plan to enjoy and relax on the cool luxurious beaches along the Arabian sea.&nbsp;

<a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Varkala/things-to-do?adventure=Paragliding" target="_blank">Paragliding</a> is one of those activities that you will remember throughout your life no matter where you fly. But flying from the gorgeous cliffs of Varkala into the golden beaches is an experience like no other and is unique to this place. The greenery of this place is unmatched and paragliding at Varkala Lets you fill your eyes with such blissful scenery. High in the air through the clouds and mist, paragliding at Varkala gives you a bird's view of the astounding valley below.

Location: Varkala Helipad Road, Varkala
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: 3000 INR

<a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Varkala/things-to-do?adventure=Kayaking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 140, 26);">Kayaking</a> is an interesting way to explore a river, it involves extreme skills to maneuver it, but once you get hold of it, it becomes extremely fun. There aren't many places that host this enthralling activity, but you can count on Varkala to find this Olympic sport. You can experience the beautiful countryside village paddling through the backwaters and lakes of Kerala. Immerse in the calmness of the place amongst stunning nature and wildlife of God's own Country.Location: <a href="https://universaladventures.in/products/watersports-combo-at-papanasam-beach-varkala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 140, 26);">Papanasam Beach, Varkala</a>&nbsp;Best Time to Do: October to MarchDuration: 2 hoursPrice Range: 1000 INR

Surfing is a trying task for newbies, but once you get a hang of it it is one of those sports that you keep wanting to do over and over again until you ride that perfect wave. Even when you want to ride a more significant wave and then a bigger one. Yes, that's how addicting surfing is. Surfing in the clear and pristine waters of the Papanasam beach in Varkala is a delightful experience. There are many schools that teach surfing so even if it's your first time you can have an enjoyable experience.

Location: Papanasam Beach, Varkala
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: 4000 INR

Feel surfing is not your cup of tea but still, you want to try something equally fun? Look no further, we have the right activity for you - Paddle Boarding. Paddleboarding is a water sport in which participants are propelled by a swimming motion using their arms while lying or kneeling on a paddleboard or surfboard in the ocean. It is a much easier task than surfing but doesn't remove the fun of floating in the beautiful waters of the Arabian sea.

Location: Papanasam Beach, Varkala
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: 2000 INR

Do you feel driving on a gravel road is a bit too boring? How about driving on water?&nbsp;
You can ride a small jet-propelled vehicle that skims across the surface of the water and typically is ridden like a motorcycle. Ride a <a href="https://universaladventures.in/products/jet-ski-in-papanasam-varkala" target="_blank">jet ski</a> on the turquoise blue waters accompanied by red cliffs on your side like there is no tomorrow. This is an experience that one can find in Varkala and is highly recommended by anyone who has taken part in this activity.&nbsp;
 
Location: Papanasam Beach, Varkala
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: 450 INR

Feeling lying down on a paddle and floating isn't adventurous enough? Then, may I suggest you stand up? Yup, you heard that right. A derivative of paddleboarding is stand-up paddleboarding also called <a href="https://universaladventures.in/products/stand-up-paddle-sup-in-varkala-kerala" target="_blank">stand-up paddle surfing</a>. It generally involves a paddle to propel forward unlike using your own hands in normal paddle boarding. Use this paddleboard to explore the beautiful backwaters of Kerala and catch some insights into the life of locals. An enriching experience that is not hard but at the same not easy too but it is rewarding

Location: Papanasam Beach, Varkala
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: 1500 INR

Get enchanted by the beauty of the night sky from your tents on a top of a cliff that overlooks the enticing Arabian sea. You can sit around the campfire and warm yourself from the chilly night breeze and get freshly roasted animals or veggies (if you are a vegetarian) and gaze at the clear night sky while getting lost in it. There are many spots around Varkala where one can find this experience and is a must-have if you wish to reconnect with nature

Location: Varkala
Best Time to Do: March to October
Duration: 1 day
Price Range: 1800 INR

A fun group activity where you take part as a group and you ride a <a href="https://universaladventures.in/products/banana-ride-in-papanasam-beach-varkala" target="_blank">banana-shaped boat</a> (the name gives it away right?). It is a recommended activity to do as a group as it is extremely enjoyable and fun for all. Your group will be given a life jacket and an experienced guide will be rowing the boat through the sea. All you need to do is sit back and let the cool waters of Varkala splash your face.

Location: Kapill beach, Varkala
Best Time to Do: March to October
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: 500 INR&nbsp;

Top 10 Things to do at Varkala

India > Kerala > Varkala

5 Aug 2026

Explore in Varkala

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