Varkala Tunnel

Darjeeling Cafe

InDa Cafe

Chilakoor Beach

Arattu Festival in Janardhanaswamy Temple

Sarkara Devi Temple

Saint Sebastian's Pilgrim Church Moongode

Kappil Beach

Asparagus

Varkala Aquarium

Papanasam Beach

Kappil Lake

Varkala Lighthouse

Kaduvayil Juma Masjid

Vishnu Temple

Varkala Cliff

Janardhanaswamy Temple

Anjengo or Anchuthengu Fort 

Sivagiri Mutt

Ponnumthuruthu

Varkala Tour Packages Starting @ Rs.<PRICE>

Varkala

How to reach Varkala | Directions and Route

Places to visit in Varkala | Tourist Places and More

Things to do in Varkala | Activities and More

Best Time to Visit Varkala | Best Season and Climate

Varkala Travel Guide, How to Reach, Places to Visit - Kiomoi

Varkala Travel Guide | Varkala Tourism - Kiomoi

How To Reach Kerala by Air, Train, Road

Kerala Food, Famous, Traditional and Culture Food

Best Places to Visit in Kerala with Family during Monsoon in June

 Things to do in Kerala with Family - Kiomoi

Best Time to Visit Kerala, Family, Honeymoon

Kerala Travel Guide, How to Reach, Places to Visit - Kiomoi

Kerala Tourism and Travel Guide in 2025

<div bis_skin_checked="1"><h2 class=""><b>Kerala Backwaters Tour – Thoughtfully Planned Boat &amp; Houseboat Experiences</b></h2><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">A Kerala backwaters tour is where travel slows down and everyday life quietly takes over. As your boat moves through calm canals lined with coconut palms, villages appear along the banks — fishermen at work, children waving, temple bells echoing faintly in the distance. The rhythm is gentle, unhurried, and deeply calming.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">For travelers looking beyond rushed sightseeing, tours to Kerala backwaters offer something rare — space to breathe, observe, and truly relax. Whether you choose a full houseboat stay or a short cruise, the experience becomes one of the most memorable parts of a Kerala journey.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><h2 class=""><b>Why Kerala Backwaters Tours Feel So Different</b></h2><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">What sets Kerala backwaters boat tours apart is their natural pace. Spread across regions like Alappuzha, Kumarakom, and Kollam, the backwaters form a network of lakes, canals, and lagoons that showcase Kerala at its most authentic.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">On backwater tours in Alleppey, Kerala, there’s no rush to reach a landmark. Instead, the journey itself becomes the highlight. You watch daily life unfold quietly — nets being cast, boats crossing paths, and homes opening directly onto water. This slower rhythm is why travelers of all kinds — couples, families, and senior travelers — choose <a href="https://www.kiomoi.com/holidays/kerala-tour-packages-192" target="_blank"><b>Kerala backwaters tour packages</b></a> as a core part of their holiday.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><h3 class=""><b>Kerala Backwaters Tour Packages – What You Can Expect</b></h3><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">At Kiomoi Travels, our <a href="https://www.kiomoi.com/holidays/kerala-backwater-and-beaches-0152" target="_blank"><b>Kerala backwaters tour</b></a> packages are designed for comfort, flexibility, and genuine experience. They work equally well as a standalone holiday or as part of a longer Kerala itinerary.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Houseboat &amp; Boat Tour Experiences</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">A key highlight of any Kerala backwaters boat tour is the houseboat stay. These floating homes typically include:</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Comfortable bedrooms with modern amenities</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Open decks for scenic views</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Freshly prepared local meals</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Overnight stays surrounded by still waters</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Many travelers tell us that waking up to mist-covered canals and quiet village sounds becomes the most peaceful moment of their trip.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><h3 class=""><b>Kerala Backwaters Day Tours – Short &amp; Relaxed Experiences</b></h3><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Short on time? Kerala backwaters day tours and Kerala backwaters day tour options offer relaxed cruising without overnight stays. These are ideal for families, senior travelers, or those combining backwaters with beaches or hill stations as part of a wider Kerala holiday.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><h4 class=""><b>Alappuzha Kerala Backwaters Tours &amp; Beach Combinations</b></h4><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Many guests prefer Alappuzha Kerala backwaters tours due to easy access and well-developed boat routes. Alappuzha remains one of the most popular starting points for houseboat journeys.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">For travelers wanting variety, a <a href="https://www.kiomoi.com/states/kerala-25" target="_blank">Kerala beach</a> and backwater tour blends inland calm with coastal openness. After drifting through quiet canals, the journey continues to Kerala’s beaches — creating a balanced holiday that feels both refreshing and unhurried.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><h2 class=""><b>Best Time to Plan Tours to Kerala Backwaters</b></h2><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">The most popular season for tours to Kerala backwaters is from October to March. During these months, the weather remains pleasant, humidity stays manageable, and boating conditions are ideal.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">The monsoon season offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Landscapes turn lush green, crowds reduce significantly, and the backwaters feel especially serene. With thoughtful planning, this season works beautifully for couples and slow travelers.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><h3 class=""><b>Kerala Backwaters Tour Cost &amp; Pricing Overview</b></h3><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">The Kerala backwaters tour cost depends on:</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Type of boat (standard, deluxe, luxury)</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Duration (day cruise or overnight stay)</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Travel season</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Inclusions such as meals and transfers</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Because of these factors, Kerala backwaters tour packages price can range from budget-friendly day experiences to premium private houseboat stays. Booking early during peak travel months helps secure better availability and preferred boat options.</div><h2 class=""><b><br>How to Reach the Kerala Backwaters</b></h2><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Most Kerala backwaters tour packages begin from Kochi, which is well connected by flights, trains, and road networks.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Alappuzha: Around 1.5 hours by road</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Kumarakom: Easily accessible via Kottayam</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Organized tours usually include transfers for convenience</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">This easy connectivity makes backwaters a seamless addition to most <a href="https://www.kiomoi.com/holidays/kerala-best-seller-tour-0671" target="_blank">Kerala itineraries</a>.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><h4 class=""><b>Local Experiences &amp; Travel Advice from Kiomoi Travels</b></h4><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Food plays an important role in the backwater experience. Expect fresh seafood, rice-based dishes, coconut-rich curries, and mild spices prepared onboard. Meals are simple, authentic, and deeply satisfying.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">When planning your <a href="https://www.kiomoi.com/attractions/kochi-backwaters-in-kochi-1294" target="_blank">Kerala backwaters</a> tour, choosing the right duration and boat category makes a noticeable difference. A relaxed itinerary ensures you experience the backwaters without feeling rushed — something Kiomoi Travels prioritizes while planning each journey.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><h4 class=""><b>Plan Your Kerala Backwaters Tour with Confidence</b></h4><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">The beauty of the backwaters lies in their subtlety. They don’t impress with crowds or monuments — they stay with you through quiet mornings, gentle scenery, and moments of stillness.</div><div bis_skin_checked="1"><br></div><div bis_skin_checked="1">If you’re looking for a journey that feels calm, meaningful, and well-paced, a Kerala backwaters tour package by Kiomoi Travels is not just worth planning — it’s worth remembering.</div></div>

kerala backwaters tour

Kanyakumari

Kochi

Munnar

Thiruvananthapuram

Alleppey

Kumarakom

<div>Varkala Beach, beautification of tranquillity and solitude, straddles unending against ruffling ocean and is crowned with laterite red cliffs. Varkala, also known as the Dakshina Kashi, is a famous Hindu pilgrimage, where thousands of Hindus visit to wash their sins in the waters of Papanasham Beach and pay reverence to the Samadhi of Shri Narayan Guru, located on the clifftop. The beach-wet spirit of Varkala appeals pilgrims and ardent travelers, alike. Contrastingly, on one side where it is a venerated Hindu pilgrimage, on the other it is populated by hip hep hippies lazing on the sea-shore, showcasing the verisimilitude that Varkala is.</div><div>A handful of nature, a bag filled with handicrafts and mind smeared with quietude Varkala is an experience. Visit this season.</div>

Find complete information about varkala tourism including attractions, things to do, weather, festivals, how to reach and much more on our Varkala Travel Guide. 

<div>Shopping makes up a favorite time pass and a way to explore real Varkala. The main bazaar and markets are located on the beachside which appears more resilient in the evening with merrier crowd emerging from all sides. Colour filled stalls of all sizes, selling an abundance of handicrafts, align the beach expanse. There are souvenir shops, old bookstalls and handloom products in all colors. Painted with hues of setting sun, the beach emerges even more beautiful with shops and eating joints on scaled all along. The beach and its shops provide a resplendent sight for tourists.&nbsp;<br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Specialty:</span>&nbsp;Varkala is one place to fill your bags with local traditional handicrafts, artifacts, beach crafts, trinkets, and knick knackers. Don’t forget to pick up the conch shells, interiors and souvenirs. A specialty of the beachside shops are horn-carved decorative piece that can be found in the whole of Kerala. As the beach is quite popular for coconut trees, coconut shell items can be found in abundance. Another item of purchase is utilities made of coir. Besides the regular items of purchase, one can shop from Tibetian shops, traditional attire and local jewelry. Artificial ornaments and jewelry from Rajasthan and Kashmir sweep the jewelry stall.</div><div>Moving ahead toward the city market you can lay your hand on of aromatic spices, tea or coffee.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Shopping Tips at Varkala</span></div><div>Varkala is not a place to look for brands.</div><div>Bargaining is allowed but depends on the individual.</div><div>Fetch and try your hand more at seaside restaurants and shops.</div><div>It is always better to buy local goods and handicrafts.</div><div>Language can be a problem to converse with the locals, so better is to give in sign language.</div><div><br></div><div><div>Trying out local dishes is always a traveller’s uncharted itinerary, inescapably. Moreover, eating your heart out fits the bill when touring southern cities of India. And why not, you wake up to the world’s best breakfast!!! Varkala being a foodies’ paradise, serves excellent sea side (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) food such as s marlin, teamed or coconut-curried freshly caught shark, fresh fish thali plates or butterfish, as well as pasta, pizza and. Many and most of the restaurants in Varkala are located on North Cliff; few good ones can be spotted on the South Cliff too. As a speciality, all the restaurants are sea-facing and serve South Indian, though scarce, Italian, French and Continental. Gauge your pick from the list of restaurants and hotels to gorge on the most delicious food you ever had.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Budget Vegetarian Restaurants</span></div><div><br></div><div>JA Tourist Hotel: The restaurant is famous for rooftop location and serves excellent food, including Chinese and Italian.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Cafe Italiano: Masters Italian food: pizza, spaghetti and bread. Mama Chompos Pizzeria specializes in pizza, pasta and breads, alongside local gourmet.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Oottupura Vegetarian Restaurant is a decent enough place for mouth-watering vegetarian food. It serves breakfast (puttu), dinner and lunch.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Anandan Tourist Home, just across the railway terminal has an excellent variety of South Indian delicacy.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Shri Padman, situated next to the temple tank, it has too good food and comparatively cheap food. Juice Shack: Pocket-sized juice bar which has all kinds of juices.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Non-Vegetarian Restaurants</span>&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Sea Rock Cafe (Non-Budget Class): Serves both, Kerala and Italian Food.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Kerala Coffee House offers scrumptious Italian Sea Food; Cocktails; Pizzas.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Seaview Beach Resort serves all kinds of decent Chinese, Kerala and Italian cuisine.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Trattoria: A Tibetian Restaurant which well-prepares western food.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Cape Comorin Restaurant (Taj Garden Retreat)</span></div><div>A fabulous restaurant, it is only the stylish restaurant in Varkala proffering an excellent view from the top of the hotel which gives an added edge to the hotel. Highlights constitute of local Kerala dishes from drumstick theeyal to beef ullarthiyathu; ‘Bar’ – Snacks and Refreshments; ‘Sunken Bar’ – Cocktail bar with great views; ‘Sunset Lounge’ – Snacks and drinks bar by the sea-side.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Note:</span>&nbsp;Sample out the seafood in Varkala, taste and try the South Indian Cuisine, hunting for north Indian delicacies chances to be rare. Cafe Restaurants near beach are opened till midnight; catch it during the pricking silence of the night.</div></div>

Read about the things to do in Varkala that you should must do on your trip. Do not miss these best activities in Varkala in 2024.

Get the complete guide to the best places to visit in Varkala that you should must explore. Do not miss out on these exciting and beautiful places on your Varkala Trip.

Checkout the best time to visit Varkala with complete information about the best season of Varkala and Climate to ake the best out of your trip.

<div>Varkala Beach, a long stretch of sand against the Arabian Sea, lies 54 km away from northwest of Thiruvananthpuram and 20 km south of Kollam beach in the state of Kerala. Known for its tempting beaches and serene aura, away from the plaudits and throngs of the city, it is commended for its sanctities of pilgrimage and emerald water lure. Hit in thousands by tourists all from across the globe, the beach has been modified with proposed plans for toning the infrastructure and connectivity up to Varkala. The arterial connection, linking the Varkala to other parts of India, lies 10 km away at Kallamballam Junction which is connected with NH-47. There is yet another way for transportation, i.e. Boat Ferry. An important transit point along the National Waterway No 3, linking Colachal (Tamil Nadu) in the south with Kottapuram in Kerala, Varkala is coming out a big way, easing and facilitating the journey for its tourists. Hit Varkala for a rendezvous with its seascape and composed air. Check here to choose your means of transportation.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Driving Direction</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div>Varkala town is located in Trivandrum district, Kerala, South India. It is a place where hills are located close to the sea. The revelers here can go for the adventure activities like paragliding and other sporting activities. Further more if the travelers are traversing to Varkala by road then they can make a visit to Varkala beach, Janardhana Swami Temple, Sivagiri Mutt and Vishnu temple. The Trivandrum airport is the nearest airport to Varkala. It is just 45 kilometers away from Varkala and can easily be reached by taxi or bus. The Varkala Rail Head is the nearest rail head and most of the trains coming from Kochi or Trivandrum stop at Vrakala railway station. The Kerala state transport buses also provide regular services up to Varkala. The people who are travelling Varkala by their own vehicle can take NH 47 road route link to reach Varkala.</div>

Get complete information on how to reach Varkala by Air, Road, and Train. Get complete guide to directions and routes to Varkala on our guide.

Faq in Varkala Tunnel

FAQs

Is a washroom facility available for tourists at Varkala Tunnel?

Are there any activities available for tourists at Varkala Tunnel?

Who do you recommend to visit Varkala Tunnel?

Is a guide available at Varkala Tunnel?

Accessible to Physically Challenged?

Similar Attractions