Nature Escapes: Places to Visit Around Varkala

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📍Distance: ~12 km (20–25 min drive from Varkala cliff)

🌿 What it's like:
This peaceful viewpoint surprised me. A narrow road leads you through a sleepy village to a long rock groyne where the backwaters meet the sea. It’s not a sandy beach but a stretch where the waves crash beautifully on either side of the stone path. This is one of the best sunset point in varkala.

💡 My experience:
I went in the evening and just sat there, watching the sun drop behind the horizon and the fishermen pull in their nets. It’s quiet, raw, and cinematic.

🛣️ How to get there: Easy by scooter or auto. The last stretch is a bit bumpy but manageable.

🕓 When to go: Best during sunrise or sunset. Locals don’t recommend staying after dark—it gets isolated and slippery.

🍴 Food nearby: A couple of tea stalls sell hot chai, fried banana chips, and boiled eggs.

Muthalapozhi Viewpoint

📍Distance: ~8 km (15 min drive from Varkala)

🏄‍♀️ Activities: Kayaking available (₹200–300/hr)

🌿 What it's like:
This is where the lake and sea almost kiss each other—split only by a narrow road. I came here early one morning and watched the sun rise while kayaking through still backwaters lined with coconut trees.

💡 My experience:
The water was calm, perfect for beginner kayaking. I spotted birds, waved at locals doing their morning routines, and even found a tiny spot to dip my feet.

🛣️ How to get there: A straight ride on the Edava–Kappil road, scenic and smooth.

🕓 When to go: Early morning or before sunset. Not advisable after dark as it gets foggy and deserted.

🍴 Food nearby: Small stalls by the road selling snacks, coconut water, and fish curry meals in the afternoon.

Kappil pozhi estuary

📍Distance: ~50 km (1.5 hours by car or train to Munroturuttu station)

🏄‍♀️ Activities: Canoe rides, kayaking

🌿 What it's like:
This place feels like stepping into a different rhythm of life. You float past narrow water canals, under bridges, and between homes hidden in banana groves.

💡 My experience:
I did a 2-hour canoe ride in the backwaters, which cost ₹500. I also tried kayaking (₹300/hr), which was peaceful and slow-paced. The villagers are kind, and a few homestays serve traditional Kerala meals.

🛣️ How to get there: You can take a train to Munroturuttu (from Varkala or Kollam) or drive down. I hired a cab, and it cost me around ₹600.

🕓 When to go: Mornings are best—less heat and better birdwatching. Try to leave by 5 PM.

🍴 Food nearby: Many homestays offer meals on pre-booking. I had fish curry, rice, and local mango pickle for ₹250.

Munroe Island

📍Distance: ~45 km (1.5 hr drive + 5–10 min boat ride)

🏄‍♀️ Activities: Boating, walking through forested trails

🌿 What it's like:
A tiny green island in the middle of the lake, home to an old Shiva-Parvati temple. I felt like I was entering a storybook when I arrived by boat. It’s quiet, spiritual, and dense with coconut trees.

💡 My experience:
A local boatman rowed me across for ₹100, and I explored the inner trails. I also kayaked a bit around the edge—nothing strenuous, just peaceful gliding.

🛣️ How to get there: Drive to Nedunganda or Anjengo village and ask for boat rides. Most locals know the way.

🕓 When to go: Avoid late evenings—boats stop, and the island is not lit. Try visiting before 4 PM.

🍴 Food nearby: A few roadside eateries serve puttu, kadala curry, and fresh tapioca snacks.

Golden Island (Ponnumthuruthu Island)

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