Top 7 things to do in Varkala with Kids in Summer Vacation

Today in this travel blog, we are going to discuss about the top 7 things to do in Varkala with kids during this summer vacation. Varkala is a costal town located in Kerala, it was formerly known as Balita in the northern suburb of Thiruvananthapuram. Varkala is regarded one of the best travel destination due to its culture and beaches. But apart from being a place regarded as a top spot for its extra-ordinary beaches, it is known for plenty of other things.

Let us delve into the this amazing costal town to bring to a list of things to do along with your kids so that their summer vacation and happiness are not undermined.

1. Riding Banana Boat

We are no scientists but banana boating is probably one of the most exciting and thrilling water sport activity which will also allow you to spend a good quality time with your children while they also enjoy this unique sport. This fun activity usually requires a group of members during which you ride the banana boat by being pulled by a speed boat. Do not worry as you will be guided by a an experienced guide who will show you the way to hold on to the banana boat and while enjoying the refreshing and cool waters hit you while your at it.

Best time to Visit: March to October

Location: Kapill beach in Varkala

Price: Rs 500 per person

2. Visiting the Varkala Aquarium

The Varkala Aquarium is located in the Thiruvambadi area of Varkala and is maintained by the Kerala fisheries Department, which hold different kind of fish breeds. Jellyfish, Tortoise and some of the exotic fishes such as the Giant Gourami, Alligator Gar, Redtail Catfish, Angelfish, Scorpion Fish, local Karimeen and Blood Red Parrot Cichlids for visitors to see, especially for the young ones.

The Varakala Aquarium also has a playground where the children can also spend sometime playing. The aquarium features ana amazing 3D theater with the latest equipment that showcases half an hour short clip about the sea world that takes the kids on a knowledgeable and fun aquatic journey, as it add-ons to you and your kids overall travelling experience.

Best Time to Visit: Varkala Aquarium can be visited anytime from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Location: Thirunvambadi

Price: Rs 30 per person – Entry Fee

3. Meet the Gentle Giants in Kaveri Elephant Park

Probably the best one in this list of top 7 things to do in Varkala with kids is to attend this Elephant sanctuary. Elephants are undoubtedly one of the most magnificent creatures on earth, they are not just large but playful and kind creatures on earth. Now, imagine spending your time with this amazing mammals in their natural habitat along with your kids. Yes, it can all happen inside the Kaveri Elephant Park (Anathavalam) located in South Paravur, Malanyankulam that welcomes children and adults to celebrate an extraordinary wildlife experience with these wonderful creatures.

The Kaveri Elephant Park is spread across 4.75 acres of land that is filled with green landscape and multiple activity hub spots that allow to have a family picnic and spend time with these gentle creatures. It also feature a small aquatic museum and Kaveri Bird Park area where you get to meet exotic bird such as the ostrich.

Best Time to Visit: The Kaveri Elephant Park Is open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Weekends, always best to visit in Monsoon season.

Location: Malanyankulam

Price: Rs 100 for adults/ Rs 50 for children –

4. Visit the Varkala Cliff

Varkala somehow has a distinct similarity to that of Goa but definitely on a smaller scale, One of the best thing of Varkala is it’s cliff, which are divided into two parts known as North Cliff and South Cliff. Both the cliffs are visited based on the interest of the individuals. You and your family can visit the North Cliff which is ideal if you want to enjoy a vibrant beach experience that includes enchanting views of the Arabian Sea and bustling with swanky hotels, restaurants and clubs.

Meanwhile, The South Cliff is more renowned for those who prefer tranquil and serene environment rather than that to a bustling nightlife. It is the perfect spot for relaxation and yoga which allows you to unwind and imeerse yourself in the natural beauty Varkala Cliff has to offer.

Best Time to Visit: It is recommended to visit the Varkala Cliff during the high monsoon season as the you get to see spectacular Arabian Sea and its high tides

Location: The Varkala cliff is located about 5 kilometers from the Varkala beach.

Price: Free

5. Experience culture in Janardana Swami Temple

If in Varkala it a must to visit Janardana Swami Temple located on a small hillock near the Papanasam Beach which is about 3 kilometers away from the Varkala Railway Junction. This holy shrine in Kerala is dedicated to Lord Janardhana ( a from of Lord Vishnu).

The Janardhana Swami Temple is about 2000nn years old which has evidences of its renovation dating towards the reign of Umayamma Rai from (1677 to 1684 AD. Fun fact: Varkala is dervied from the name Varkalam, which was the bark garment thrown by Sage Narada, the same Sage Narada who supposedly advised the Devas (Celestial beings) to perform penance at the Janardana Swami Temple to uplife a curse that was once put on to them.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the temple is from March to April as the temple celebrates it main festival known as Arattu.

Location: On SJSTV Road, Near Papanasam Beach, Varkala

Price: Free

6. Enjoy the Sun on Varkala Beach

It would be wrong to not visit Varkala Beach with your family, as Varkala Beach is one of the prominent reason for its large amount of tourists. It is a splendid white sand beach that has very laid back and chilled charm to it. Unless like Goa, Varkala beach has that unique Bohemian Edge that attracts visitors from near and far. Don’t be shocked to see flock of westerners, backpackers and Indian tourists from other states as Varkala is known for its diverse crowd.

The beach also offers an amazing dining experience with impeccable chill out cafes that offer you smoothie bowls , fresh juice with the spectacular view of the sea. The Varkala beach is not just known swimming and sun bathing as it attracts many surfers as well during its high tides.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Varkala beach is from Ocotober to March as its less humid, as well as budget-friendly during the monsoon season.

Location: Varkala

Price: Free

7. Take pictures at the Anchuthengu Fort

The Anchuthengu Fort is the last one in our list of top 7 things to do in Varkala with kids, this fort has a huge historical significance in Kerala, which was constructed in the year 1685 sign of the first initial British Settlement by the East India Company. The fort played an important role within the trading and communication industry as it was used as a signaling station for ships that would arrive near the port with cargo goods. The architecture is still very much intact after many years which was made from laterite blocks and cemented with lime mortar.

The Anchuthengu fort features four bastions and a central pavilion and is a protected monument under the Archaeological survey of India. Tourists can come and visit this majestic fort which can take about 30 minutes for the whole tour around it. You can take really good picture in its lush garden which has been well maintained.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the fort is from October to February, open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM all days.

Location: Anchuthengu

Price: Free

Varkala is one of the best places in Kerala that is home to plethora of beaches and amazing things to do with your family, if you are planning a trip anytime soon , consider adding this to your travel plan by visiting it this summer vacation.