Janardhana Temple:
The 2000 year old Janardhana Temple is one of the important tourist attractions in Varkala. The original temple was a Vishnu shrine, which was destroyed by tidal waves. Many years later a Pandyan king rebuilt the shrine. Non-Hindus are prohibited from entering the inner sanctum sanctorum.

Sivagiri:
The 'Sivagiri Pilgrimage' is usually conducted between 30th December and 1st January every year. The Sivagiri Mutt - a religious retreat was founded by Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) the renowned philosopher and social reformer of modern Kerala. Even decades after the Guru breathed his last here in 1928, his Samadhi (resting place) continues to be thronged by thousands of pilgrims. The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangham, a religious organization established by the Guru to propagate his concept of 'One Caste, One Religion, One God'.

Varkala Tunnel:
This 924 ft tunnel was built in the19th century and it took nearly 14years to be completed. A prominent tourist attraction in Varkala, the tunnel is a must-visit site on your tour to Varkala.

Kappil Lake:
Lying on the outskirts of Varkala town, this scenic lake gives way to enchanting world of Kerala backwaters.

Varkala Papanasam Beach:
Varkala spa, 42 km away from Thiruvanathapuram, is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. The sight of the sun melting into the sea would blossom your poetic sense.

During monsoon, bellowing waves engulf the beach lying beneath towering cliff and mineral water spring. The mineral water gushing from the hill is believed to have medicinal properties.