Click it and Unblock the Notifications
If you're craving a laid-back beach escape with dramatic views, café hopping and spiritual calm, Varkala in Kerala is a perfect pick from Hyderabad. Unlike crowded beach towns, Varkala offers cliffside sunsets, quiet beaches and slow travel vibes, making it ideal for a short yet refreshing holiday.
How to Reach Varkala from Hyderabad
By Air: Fly from Hyderabad to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). From the airport, Varkala is about 45 km (1.5 hours by cab)
By Train: Direct and connecting trains available from Secunderabad to Varkala Sivagiri station. A comfortable option for budget travellers
By Road: Best avoided due to long distance unless part of a larger Kerala road trip
Day 1: Arrival in Varkala & Cliff Walks
- Reach Varkala by afternoon and check into a cliffside stay
- Head to Varkala Cliff, the heart of the town
- Enjoy a relaxed walk along the cliff, lined with cafés, souvenir shops and yoga centres
- Sunset at Varkala Cliff Viewpoint
- Dinner at a sea-facing café
Must-try: Kerala seafood, appam with stew, fresh coconut water
Day 2: Varkala Beach & Black Sand Magic
- Early morning visit to Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach)
- Take a dip in the sea or simply enjoy the waves
- Visit Papanasam Temple, known for ritual offerings
- Head to Black Sand Beach for a quieter experience
- Evening café hopping and live music at the cliff
Optional: Surfing lessons or a beachside Ayurvedic massage
Day 3: Kappil Beach, Backwaters & Slow Travel
- Morning drive to Kappil Beach, where the sea meets the backwaters
- Stop at Kappil Lake Viewpoint for photos
- Explore local villages and coconut groves
- Return to Varkala for shopping and relaxed beach time
- Sunset yoga or meditation session by the cliff
Tip: This day is perfect for slowing down; no rushing.
Day 4: Spiritual Varkala & Departure
- Visit Sivagiri Mutt, associated with Sree Narayana Guru
- Optional visit to Anjengo (Anchuthengu) Fort if time permits
- Check out and return to Trivandrum for your flight/train back to Hyderabad
Best Time to Visit Varkala
- October to March is ideal for beach weather
- February is great for clear skies and fewer crowds
- Avoid peak monsoon months if beach activities are a priority
Where to Stay in Varkala
- Cliffside stays: Best views and easy access to cafés
- Beach resorts: Quieter, ideal for relaxation
- Budget homestays: Great for long stays and workations
Why Varkala from Hyderabad?
- Easy connectivity via Trivandrum
- Less crowded than Goa
- Unique cliff-and-beach combo
- Ideal for solo travellers, couples and slow travel lovers
