Kerala Beaches: Varkala & Kovalam
Two different beaches in one trip: Varkala's cliffs and cafés, then Kovalam's lighthouse bay with a day out to Poovar's estuary.
Trip at a glance
- Duration5 days / 4 nights
- Starts inVarkala
- RouteVarkala · Kovalam
- Places2 destinations
- StateKerala, India
- Ideal forBeach holidays, Couples' holidays
- Trip stylePrivate, customisable
- Package codeNX-1VXZ8B
Best time to visit: October to March



Trip overview
Two different beaches in one trip: Varkala's cliffs and cafés, then Kovalam's lighthouse bay with a day out to Poovar's estuary.
The route spends 2 nights in Varkala and 2 nights in Kovalam, so you get time for the main sights without changing hotels every day. It suits beach holidays and couples' holidays, and every day can be shortened, swapped or extended.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Varkala
- Arrive via Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) and transfer to your hotel
- Check in and settle in
- Later: Papanasam Beach: Sacred beach below the cliffs
Day 2Varkala: Kappil Beach and Paragliding (seasonal)
- Kappil Beach: Where backwaters meet the sea
- Paragliding (seasonal)
Day 3Varkala to Kovalam
- Travel from Varkala to Kovalam by private vehicle
- Check in at your Kovalam hotel
- Lighthouse Beach: Main beach with a climbable lighthouse
Day 4Kovalam: Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach
- Hawa Beach: Rocky headland beach
- Samudra Beach: Quieter northern beach
Day 5Depart from Kovalam
- Breakfast and hotel check-out
- Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) for your journey home
How this version is planned
- Beachfront or walk-to-beach hotels requested
- Boat and island trips planned for calm-sea mornings
- Free beach days between excursions
- A relaxed pace with two-night stays where possible
- One special dinner or experience suggested at each stop
This is a suggested itinerary. Sightseeing order may change with opening days, weather and local conditions; your final plan is in your written quote.
Good to know
- Varkala: Stay on North Cliff for the atmosphere; the walk down to the beach is steep, so pack light.
- Kovalam: Lifeguards patrol only parts of the beach; swim between their flags.
Questions about this trip
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KeralaVarkala
Varkala is the only place on the Kerala coast where red laterite cliffs drop straight to the beach.
KeralaKovalam
Kovalam is a string of crescent beaches south of Thiruvananthapuram, with a red-and-white lighthouse on the headland.
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