5 Best Sights in Varkala, Kerala

The pristine Anchuthengu beach, 12 km (7½ miles) south of Varkala, is the location of a lighthouse and the ruins of the British Anjengo fort, built in 1695, which at various times was under Dutch and Portuguese attack. Anchuthengu ("Five Coconuts"), was the site of the first trade settlement of the East India Company, and therefore the beginning of British India. It was also the site of the first rebellion against the British, when locals, unhappy with the conduct of the British traders, banded together to oust them. All that remains of the 1695 fort is its four walls and a few tombstones from the adjacent cemetery. Like so many other areas of southern and central Kerala, the sea pleasantly merges with the backwaters here—be sure to bring a camera.

Known as Dakshin Kashi, or the Varanasi of the south, Varkala is a major center for the worship of Vishnu. At the Janardhana Swamy temple, you can see what happens at a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination—the prayers; the morning and evening aarti (devotions), when the gods are feted with oil lamps; and the customs of the devotees. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the inner sanctum, but you can certainly view the architecture and soak up the atmosphere of this pretty and very busy 2,000-year-old temple.

Photographs of the deity are not allowed, and there may be a charge for using a camera outside.

Sparkling Odayam, the next beach north of Varkala, is considered part of the town but is about 2 km (1 mile) away. It's quieter and even prettier—well worth visiting for an afternoon of sun or to watch a spectacular sunset. Thiruvambady Beach, still more tranquil, is a black-sand beach a climb down from the Cliff. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; sunset; swimming; walking.

A pristine strip of sand backed by a steep cliff, this is probably one of South India's prettiest yet most happening beaches. Unlike many Goan beaches, its beauty has not been marred by overdevelopment, such as hotels that are too close to the water. At what's also known as Papanasam beach, which means "to wash away your sins," a dip here may be a chance to dissolve your life's regrets in the Arabian Sea. You are bound to see plenty of pilgrims doing just that. Plenty of vendors will also come by, offering coconut water or slices of fresh pineapple. There are a few rip currents in these waters, so obey the signs. From the beach you can climb up to the Cliff for some souvenir hunting or to have a bite or a cool drink from the dozens of thatched shacks. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming; surfing; walking.

Kathakali and Mohiniyattam performances take place here during the busy season, 5–7 pm. Come early to see the elaborate preperformance makeup being applied.