Backwaters and beach: Alleppey and Varkala

Day 1: Arrive in Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

• Marari beach afternoon · 3 h. A quiet fishing beach 30 min north; swim only in calm conditions, as currents can be strong.

Local tip: A quiet fishing beach 30 min north; swim only in calm conditions, as currents can be strong.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

• Overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters · Full day. Boarding is around noon and check-out around 9am; boats cruise until about 5:30pm, then moor. Meals by the onboard cook are included. Check the licence, the route (Kuttanad paddy canals beat the crowded main channel) and AC hours before paying.

Local tip: Boarding is around noon and check-out around 9am; boats cruise until about 5:30pm, then moor. Meals by the onboard cook are included. Check the licence, the route (Kuttanad paddy canals beat the crowded main channel) and AC hours before paying.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Alleppey (Alappuzha) → Varkala

Varkala · Alleppey (Alappuzha) to Varkala, Private car ~2.5–3h (train ~2h)

• North Cliff walk and sunset · 2 h. Cafés line the cliff path above the beach; stairs lead down to the sand. Watch the edge in the dark.
• Papanasam beach and Janardanaswamy temple · 2 h. Hindu families perform rites for ancestors on the beach in the morning; give them space. The temple's inner sanctum is for Hindus only.

Local tip: Cafés line the cliff path above the beach; stairs lead down to the sand. Watch the edge in the dark.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Varkala

Varkala

• Ayurvedic massage · 1.5 h. Pick a centre with a resident doctor and separate therapists for men and women.
• Kappil lake and beach with a canoe ride · 2.5 h. Where the backwater meets the sea 8 km north of the cliff; quiet and good at sunset.
• Cliff-top yoga class · 1.5 h

Local tip: Pick a centre with a resident doctor and separate therapists for men and women.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Varkala

Varkala

• Surf lesson at Varkala · 2 h. Beginner lessons run Oct–Apr; mornings are cleaner before the wind picks up.
• Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island) boat trip · 2 h

Local tip: Beginner lessons run Oct–Apr; mornings are cleaner before the wind picks up.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Depart from Varkala

Varkala

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.