Day trip to Varkala from Trivandrum: guided backwater tour

Varkala's history lives in its temples and backwaters, not its monuments.

This eight-hour guided day trip from Trivandrum takes you to Varkala by private car with a live guide who speaks English and Hindi. You'll visit Anchuthengu Fort with its views across the fort complex and gardens, Janardana Swami Temple (over 2,000 years old), Ponnumthuruthu Island with its Hindu shrine, Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala Cliff's red sandstone formations, and Veli Lake. The guide shares stories about the city's history, culture and religious significance; snacks and local tips are included, and lunch is at your own expense at a multi-cuisine restaurant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Varkala and nearby attractions

• Drive from Trivandrum to Varkala
• Visit Veli Lake and Tourist Village
• Explore Anchuthengu Fort and learn history
• Visit Ponnumthuruthu (Golden) Island temple
• See Sivagiri Mutt holy site
• Visit Janardana Swami Temple (Varkala Temple)
• Walk along Varkala Cliff and beach
• Enjoy lunch at multi-cuisine restaurant (own expense)

The Experience

You leave Trivandrum in an air-conditioned car and drive into the Indian countryside toward Varkala, a coastal town about an hour away. Your guide travels with you and begins pointing out the landscape as you go. The journey itself is part of the experience — you're moving through Kerala's rural terrain, not rushing through a city.

The stops unfold across the day. Anchuthengu Fort, built by the British East India Company as a signalling station for ships arriving from England, sits on a rise with views across its complex of palaces, temples and gardens; your guide explains what each structure was and why it mattered. Janardana Swami Temple, a 2,000-year-old shrine, draws pilgrims and sits near the Varkala Cliff — a distinctive red sandstone formation that drops to a beach below. Ponnumthuruthu Island, ringed by acacia trees in the middle of a backwater lake, holds a smaller temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. Sivagiri Mutt, one of Kerala's holiest sites, rounds out the religious landmarks. Veli Lake, a scenic spot with a beach, playground and floating café, offers a different kind of pause. Your guide's role is to connect these places — to tell you what they mean locally, what beliefs matter there, and how the city's history shaped them.

Lunch happens at a multi-cuisine restaurant you choose (and pay for separately). The eight-hour window means you move without rushing, but you also cover real ground. You return to Trivandrum with the same driver and guide, carrying the stories and the photographs.

What’s included

The tour includes an air-conditioned car for all destinations, a private guide fluent in English and Hindi who shares stories about the city's history and religious significance, snacks during the day, and local tips and recommendations.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yo Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the sedan if you're traveling as a couple or small group and want a nimble vehicle through the countryside; pick the SUV if you're a larger party or prefer more space. Either way, the fixed eight-hour window and included guide mean you move through Varkala's temples, backwaters and clifftops without building the day yourself — the route holds together, and you focus on what you're standing in front of.

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Top questions

What is Anchuthengu Fort and why does it matter to Varkala?

Anchuthengu Fort was built by the British East India Company and served as the first signalling station for ships arriving from England. The fort complex includes palaces, temples and gardens, and your guide explains its role in the city's history and colonial past.

How old is Janardana Swami Temple?

Janardana Swami Temple is over 2,000 years old and is also known as Varkala Temple. It's one of the main religious sites you visit on the tour.

What makes Varkala Cliff worth seeing?

Varkala Cliff is a unique red sandstone formation that rises above the Arabian Sea, with steps leading down to a popular beach below. The views from the top are part of what makes the cliff a distinctive landmark in the area.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price; you'll eat at a multi-cuisine restaurant at your own expense. Snacks and drinks other than those provided are also at your own cost.

Can I choose between a sedan and an SUV for this trip?

Yes, you can book either a sedan car tour or an SUV car tour at checkout. Both options include the same guide, itinerary and inclusions; the vehicle type is your choice.

What's included in the tour besides the car and guide?

The tour includes the AC car for all destinations, snacks during the day, a highly trained guide who speaks English and Hindi, and local tips and recommendations. Entry fees to historical sites and any boat rides are not included.