Varkala is Kerala’s coastal gem, perfect for budget travelers seeking sun, spirituality, and serenity. Whether you want scenic cliff walks, holy dips, or Ayurvedic massages, this guide covers the best wallet-friendly activities in town. From free beach time to low-cost adventures, we’ll help you make the most of Varkala without overspending. Explore the affordable side of paradise today!

Soak in the Sun at Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is the ultimate free destination for sun, sea, and spiritual vibes. With dramatic cliffs and golden sand, it's perfect for a day of leisure without spending anything. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply watch the waves roll in. The beach is also known for its cleansing rituals and vibrant sunset gatherings. Families, solo travelers, and couples all find it peaceful and picturesque. No need for entry fees—just your essentials and you're good to go.

• Carry snacks from Amazon Pantry to avoid buying overpriced café items near the beach.
  
  
• Shop for budget swimwear under ₹300 during Myntra clearance sales with SuperCoin discounts.
  
  
• Use PhonePe QR codes to buy coconut water and snacks and enjoy cashback on every spend.

Cost: Free entry; spend ₹30–₹100 for snacks, drinks, or mat rentals.

Pro Tip: Visit during early morning or golden hour for soft light, smaller crowds, and memorable photos without paid tours.

Discover Janardanaswamy Temple

This ancient 2,000-year-old Vishnu temple near Papanasam Beach is both sacred and culturally rich. You can walk inside the peaceful premises, admire its Kerala-style architecture, and witness serene rituals. There’s no entry fee, making it perfect for budget travelers seeking spirituality. The temple is a major pilgrimage site and often hosts religious festivals. Locals believe a dip in the nearby sacred pond washes away sins. Modest clothing is required, so plan your attire in advance.

• Buy traditional kurtas under ₹499 from Ajio using seasonal promo codes during Indian festivals.
  
  
• Use Paytm UPI at nearby flower shops or coconut stalls for cashback on small puja items.
  
  
• Visit on festival days like Vishu or Onam to witness free cultural processions and rituals.

Cost: Entry is free; optional puja items may cost ₹50–₹100.

Pro Tip: Arrive before 8 AM to enjoy spiritual quietude and avoid tourist crowds without needing a guide.

Enjoy the Cliff Walk

The Varkala Cliff is a stunning coastal stretch offering dramatic sea views and casual eateries. The walk itself is free and runs along cafés, shops, and eco-friendly stalls. You can chill on benches, take photos, and enjoy live drumming or flute artists along the route. It’s a mix of rustic charm and boho energy—ideal for relaxing without spending. Several cafés also display free art and local crafts. The natural breeze and sounds of the ocean add to the magic.

• Browse handcrafted jewelry and sarongs priced under ₹200 from vendors accepting UPI with cashback.
  
  
• Use Swiggy Dineout to find cafés with weekday BOGO drink deals along the cliff.
  
  
• Shop affordable cotton dresses from Flipkart Fashion using bank-offer coupons.

Cost: Free for the walk; snacks or shopping may cost ₹50–₹300.

Pro Tip: Weekdays and early evenings offer the best experience with less footfall and more peaceful ambience.

Dip in the Varkala Natural Spring

Located at the base of the cliff near Papanasam Beach, this natural freshwater spring is a hidden treasure. The water flows constantly from a rock formation and is believed to have healing powers. Locals use it for bathing, especially before temple visits. It's completely free and accessible all day. The spring is surrounded by coconut trees, making it an ideal spot to relax. You don’t need to carry anything expensive—just your essentials and a towel.

• Buy refillable bottles for under ₹199 from Flipkart to store the spring water safely and sustainably.
  
  
• Use Amazon Pantry during festival offers to get budget soap bars for natural bathing.
  
  
• Shop quick-dry towels online with DMart coupon codes for ₹100–₹150 to avoid renting.

Cost: Free to access; accessories like towels and soap may cost ₹50–₹150.

Pro Tip: Visit before noon for a fresh flow and to avoid long waits at the natural spring's basin area.

Trek to Kappil Lake

Kappil Lake, just 7 km from Varkala, is perfect for trekking and enjoying Kerala’s backwater beauty. The trail is shaded, scenic, and ideal for walking or cycling. Once there, you’ll be greeted by calm waters and stunning bridges. You can picnic, birdwatch, or take photos—all without entry fees. Optional boat rides are available at a minimal charge. It’s an offbeat activity, which means fewer tourists and a truly peaceful experience if you go early.

• Rent bicycles through Rapido or local vendors at ₹150/day and explore without taxi fares.
  
  
• Use DMart online coupons to carry pre-packed snacks and fruit juices for your picnic.
  
  
• Pay for shared rickshaw rides using UPI to unlock cashback on short trips.

Cost: Free for the trek; boat rides start at ₹50, food and drinks extra.

Pro Tip: Go just after sunrise to enjoy pleasant weather, great light for photography, and peaceful surroundings.

Visit Varkala Lighthouse

The Varkala Lighthouse is a hidden gem that gives panoramic views of the coastline and cliffs. It's a quiet, non-touristy attraction where you can escape the crowd. You’ll enjoy a short climb to the top for photo-perfect frames. The structure itself is colonial in design, perfect for history enthusiasts. It’s located a little off the beach, making it a peaceful afternoon stop. Most visitors spend 30–45 minutes here, soaking in the scenery and history.

• Buy binoculars from Flipkart’s clearance sales for under ₹299 and improve your viewing experience.
  
  
• Pay the minimal entry fee using UPI apps to unlock cashback via Google Pay or PhonePe.
  
  
• Get sun protection gear like caps or sunglasses on Snapdeal using discount codes to save big.

Cost: ₹10 per person entry, with optional extras for gear or transport.

Pro Tip: Visit around 4 PM to enjoy soft daylight, avoid the midday sun, and capture Instagram-worthy photos without the rush.

Indulge in Ayurveda Massages

Varkala is known for authentic Ayurveda experiences offered at local centers, perfect for budget wellness seekers. Instead of booking at luxury spas, choose traditional therapy homes run by certified locals. You'll find rejuvenating full-body massages, steam therapy, and herbal treatments at very reasonable rates. Many centers also give combo packages for longer sessions. It's an excellent way to unwind after beach activities. Booking early or during the off-season often gets you better rates.

• Explore Nearbuy Varkala for verified massage centers offering up to 60% off on services.
  
  
• Use PhonePe to pay and get cashback during specific promo days, reducing your cost further.
  
  
• Buy herbal oils and wellness products on Amazon India during sale periods for long-term benefits.
  

Cost: ₹400–₹699 per session depending on the service package.

Pro Tip: Morning appointments offer better availability, cleaner environments, and off-peak pricing in most massage parlors.

Enjoy Live Music at Cliff Cafés

The cliffside cafes in Varkala often host live acoustic music that draws both locals and tourists. Most events have no entry fee—you only pay for what you eat or drink. You can enjoy a mix of local folk, fusion, or even reggae music. These settings are intimate, relaxed, and budget-friendly. The music often starts post-sunset and goes on until late evening. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy Varkala’s creative, coastal spirit affordably.

• Use Swiggy Dineout to find cafés offering music events along with food discounts.
  
  
• Use Paytm UPI to pay and grab scratch card rewards while settling your café bill.
  
  
• Opt for weekday evenings when entry is free and BOGO food deals are more likely.

Cost: ₹100–₹250 depending on what you order; no cover charges at most venues.

Pro Tip: Visit midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) for a more chilled atmosphere and discounted menu prices with fewer crowds.

Try Budget Yoga Drop-In Classes

Varkala’s wellness scene includes yoga sessions ideal for travelers who want flexibility. Drop-in classes are great if you're visiting briefly and want to avoid costly full packages. Trainers offer hour-long sessions on beaches or at shalas around the cliff area. Most cater to beginners and include meditation too. You don’t need gear beyond a mat and water bottle. It’s one of the healthiest and cheapest ways to start your Varkala day.

• Buy yoga mats from Amazon using Lightning Deals to cut costs on session gear.
  
  
• Look for community-hosted sessions advertised on hostel notice boards with no signup fees.
  
  
• Use ClassPass India for drop-in deals and combo offers across multiple yoga centers.
  

Cost: ₹200–₹300 per session depending on timing and location.

Pro Tip: Morning beach classes offer the best energy and light, and some even include free breathing exercises post-session.

Shop at Varkala Market

The bustling markets near Varkala town are ideal for souvenir shopping without splurging. Local stalls offer incense, handmade jewelry, fabrics, and Ayurveda products at negotiable prices. Bargaining is part of the culture, so don’t hesitate to haggle politely. You can find better prices compared to tourist shops on the cliff. Many vendors now accept UPI, allowing you to earn cashback as you shop. It’s a vibrant experience packed with local character and color.

• Compare online prices on Flipkart before buying to negotiate smartly with local vendors.
  
  
• Pay via SBI YONO-linked UPI accounts and enjoy instant cashback on offline payments.
  
  
• Look for combo deals (like 3 incense packs at ₹50) that offer better value than singles.

Cost: ₹50–₹300 depending on what you buy and your haggling skills.

Pro Tip: Visit on weekday evenings when footfall is low and vendors are more willing to reduce prices to increase sales.

Stay in Budget Homestays

Forget pricey hotels—Varkala has homestays offering cozy stays under ₹499 per night. These places often include essentials like Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms, and local breakfast. They’re usually family-run and give insights into real Kerala living. Booking in advance and staying a little away from the cliff brings prices even lower. You’ll also get access to home-cooked meals at a fraction of restaurant costs. For longer stays, hosts may offer discounts or extra services.

• Use MakeMyTrip or Goibibo coupons during sales like Republic Day or Diwali Dhamaka.
  
  
• Pay via HDFC credit cards to unlock limited-time booking discounts and additional cashback.
  
  
• Explore Zingoy and MagicPin for homestay coupon stacking to reduce final booking amounts.
  

Cost: ₹300–₹499 per night for basic rooms; discounts apply during off-season and longer bookings.

Pro Tip: Book directly with hosts found on trusted platforms to avoid platform fees and secure better rates or free meals.

Conclusion

Varkala proves you don’t need a fat wallet to enjoy Kerala’s coastline. With cliffside views, ancient temples, and authentic wellness experiences, every rupee goes far. Plan smart, use the right hacks, and explore these budget-friendly gems. Whether solo or with family, this seaside town ensures memorable moments without breaking your bank. Now, go discover Varkala’s best for less!

For more travel savings, local promo codes, and wallet-friendly experiences across India, check out the latest offers on our SavePlus deals page and start exploring smart!

FAQ

What are the best free things to do in Varkala?
You can enjoy Varkala Beach, walk along the cliff, visit Janardanaswamy Temple, or explore the natural spring—all without spending a rupee.

Are Ayurvedic massages in Varkala affordable?
Yes, many local Ayurvedic centers offer massages starting at ₹400–₹699, and you can find discounts via apps like Nearbuy or Paytm.

How can I travel cheaply within Varkala?
Use shared rickshaws, rent a cycle for ₹150/day, or walk short scenic routes like the cliff and Kappil Lake trek to save money.

Is Varkala safe for solo budget travelers?
Absolutely! Varkala is tourist-friendly, safe for solo travel, and filled with affordable guesthouses, local eateries, and plenty of public spaces.

When is the best time to visit Varkala on a budget?
Visit between July and September or just before the peak tourist season (October–November) for great weather and lower accommodation costs.