Location: 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Varkala is perhaps one of the rarest of rare places in India that is blessed with the best attributes of both the worlds- cliffs and sea. The red hills that guard the sparkling sea are about 1500 meters high. The Geological Survey of India has attributed them the name of “Varkala Formation” or Geological Mountain, as cliffs are highly unusual in an otherwise flat Kerela.
This Internationally acclaimed beach is Located about 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is famous for its sylvan surrounding; quiet, palm laced sandy shore and the cool breeze that blows from the Arabian Sea. Watching sunset in the Varkala Beach is an absolute delicacy. The medley of colors that adorn the western sky is enchanting and heavenly. This place is also an ideal spot for sunbathing and a hearty swim in the sea. There also are numerous natural water spouts on the sides of these cliffs that enhance the natural charm of the place. The mineral springs near the Varkala Beach are believed to have medicinal properties and hence many people come here to drink and bathe in the water of these mineral springs.

Location:16 km from Varkala
The Kovalam beach, Located about 16 km from Varkala is a haven for the lovers of nature.

Location: 36 km away from Thiruvananthapuram .
Located about 36 km away from Thiruvananthapuram, the name of Anjeno fort has been derived from the words, “anju thengu”, meaning ‘Five coconut trees’. It was built by the East India Company in 1684, to strengthen their firm hold over Kereal. The fort has also been part of the Military strategy of the company in the 17th and 18th century. Later, it served the British as a trading station, helping them to carry on with their business. Though what remains of the fort now is only a shadow of its former self, a distinct British style of architecture is still distinct. The fort is also coupled with a cemetery, where the former English inhabitants of the house lay buried. The beach in front of the fort is an ideal picnic spot for the tourists. A quaint mix of historical facts with geographical resourcefulness, the Anjuna fort is a must visit for the travelers.

Location: on the Beach road of Varkala
This temple, Located on the Beach road of Varkala is about 2000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It holds a special interest for the Hindus as it is the only temple in this part of the country that has been dedicated to the Janardana avatar of Lord Vishnu. Characterized with the typical Kerela style of architecture, like the round ‘Sactumsanctorum’, the square ‘mandapa’, a hall containing ‘Bali Pitha’, this temple seem to be a relic from the culturally and historically rich and glorious past of Kerela. Sree Janardan Swamy temple is also the venue for the annual festival of Arattu. A pompous procession with overtly decorated elephants is a hallmark of this festival. Though the non-brahmins are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum, the structure of the four armed deity truly enhances the spiritual experience and makes a visit to this ancient temple worthwhile.

Location: 3 km from Varkala
The Sivagiri Mutt is a pilgrimage site, primarily for the disciples of Sree Narayan Guru. Even after his death in 1928, the Mutt is thronged by hundreds of his disciples every year, particularly on the birth and samadhi days of the guru, observed in the months of August and September respectively. Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding and rituals mark the celebrations. The Sivagiri pilgrimage days from 30th of Dec to 1st of Jan also mark the assemblage of a huge number of devotees of the guru, clad in yellow. The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sivagiri Dharma Sangham, an organization found by the Guru and his saints to spread his words of “One Cast, One Religion, One God”. This Mutt guarantees a sublime spiritual experience and also assures a “peace of mind”.

Location: around 5km from Varkala Railway Station
The word ‘Papanasam’ means one which can bring about an ablution of sins. The Papanasam Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach that is a ‘must see’ spot for the nature lovers. The serene hinterland here, along with the charming sea casts an enchanting spell over the entire landscape.