When most of the individuals refer to Varkala, we associate the images of the grandiose cliffs, the sand beaches and the colorful cafes that are overlooking the Arabian sea. But there is another of the treasures in Varkala, and these are its still backwaters, lakes, and lagoons.It is these water ways, where you actually feel connected with nature and feel the peaceful side of Kerala.
In Mangroves Aqua Ventures Varkala, we are sure that boating is not only a leisure sports activity, but also a ride through nature, culture and relaxation as well. Boating in Varkala is something that each and every traveler will find something different when they are on a kayak, houseboat, or just making a simple canoe ride.
This guide will take you through all you need to know about boating in Varkala- the kinds of boats, the most suitable locations, prices, season and a few tips to an insider to ensure that your experience is not forgotten.
Why Boating in Varkala is Special
Kerala boats of the backwaters globally and in most cases Alleppey takes the center stage. Nonetheless, Varkala is more personal and less busy. In this case, the great masses of tourist boats will not stand in your path. Better, you will have serene waters, green vegetation and the peaceful music of nature.
Boating in Varkala is not only about the experience. It is about taking your time, observing fishermen in action, observing village life of locals along the banks, observing passing migratory birds, and experiencing cool breeze as you sail down under the waving coconut palms. It is the best of both worlds, the beauty of the backwaters of Kerala plus the added beauty of the cliffs and the coastline of Varkala
Types of Boating Experiences in Varkala
Varkala offers boating options for every mood—whether you want adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience. Let’s look at the most popular ones.
1. Kayaking
Kayaking is also one of the most exciting activities that can be carried out in Varkala in case you are more of an adventurist and would like to be in the close touch with nature. A kayak can also use minor canals and hidden waterways unlike larger vessels and can access untested places. It is also eco-friendly and peaceful in addition to being a good jump to the rest and leisure that a traveller would need in Varkala.
Best Place: There are two best places for boating in varkala, Anchuthengu Backwaters and Kappil Lake, which can be selected to get a chance to experience kayaking and to see the natural beauty that render boat riding in Varkala so extraordinary.
Activities: Birdwatching, beautiful mangroves, serene waters and spectacular sunset or sunrise.
Time: The events of most kayak trips are 2-3 hours and it is enough to visit the landscape at your own pace.
Best Time: in the early mornings or evenings, when the waters are smooth and the golden light is your ride magic.
Kayaking is also a good exercise, however, it is even better that you can reach boating in Varkala just as it was: the silence, very close to nature, and most satisfying in a most fulfilling manner.
2. Houseboats
The best known experience in Kerala backwaters is the houseboat and Varkala has its peaceful version. Imagine a classic wooden boat that has been converted into a floating home and it is floating slowly in calm water. Houseboats are ideal for families, couples or any person who would want to have a break from the stressful world since they have bedrooms, a dining room and a deck where they can relax.
Period: Overnight and short day tours are some of the alternatives.
- These include the crew members, comfortable rooms and Kerala delicacies made fresh.
- Such items as candlelit dinners on the water, the sunset on the deck, and waking up to the sounds of birds are highlights.
- Boating in Varkala is not as commercial in boating as Alleppey and here you can have a more personal and natural experience.
3.Canoe Rides
Canoe rides are an ideal compromise between houseboats and kayaking, which is too luxurious and adventurous. This is a relaxing form of boating conducted through a small boat led by a local boatman and carried out in Varkala. As the canoe sails down small canals, you will get an opportunity to witness the true village lifestyle- children playing on the water, women washing your clothes and fishermen mending their nets. These silent cruises embrace the soul of the traditional Kerala, and boating is a part of culture and nature in Varkala.
- Best When: travelling with the family, older travellers, or just in need of a comfortable and safe ride.
- Time: It takes one to two hours.
- Why Go: Canoes will enable you to experience how the locals use the waterways in their lifestyles, which will be a real feel of the heritage of Kerala.
One of the easiest but most fulfilling methods of boating in Varkala is a canoe ride, which is most favored by people who like to explore the place calmly without being in a hurry or having adventure.
4.Fishing Boat Trips
An indispensable element of the culture of Varkala has always been fishing, and you can get a glimpse of the ancient practice when you attend the boats of local fishermen. These tours, unlike other forms of boating in Varkala, are not merely sightseeing tours, but they are directly into the life of the community in the coasts. You will learn to see how nets are laid, have interesting adventures of the ocean, and even attempt to fish, should you feel like it.
- Morning Trips: A morning trip will be arranged to see fishermen with their fresh catch. It is an enjoyable experience of boating in Varkala enjoying the cool beauty of the sunrise.
- Evening Trips: Even less serious and more fun, you are able to see the golden rays of the sunset on the water, and probably even fish on your own.
- Special Touch: In addition to the activity, these experiences underscore the human relationship- being in the same space with fishermen, how they do things, and the impact of the sea on their lives.
Fishing boat tours are considered to be one of the most genuine types of boating in Varkala by those who do not only want to spend time on the beach but also want to experience something more vivid, cultural and communal.
5.Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding is the best activity that the tourists should take on in order to have something active, adventurous and one to remember. Being able to combine the elements of balance, fitness, and entertainment in one experience, this adventurous form of boating in Varkala is an adventure to experience. And you are riding on a good board and you are using a paddle to sail over the water. Although it may sound complicated in the beginning, it can be learned by the majority of beginners and therefore can be offered to individuals who have never tried the same.
Where to Try: Kappil Lake or the serene backwaters of Anchuthengu are the most appropriate places, such like boating in Varkala.
Best For: The tourists who prefer fun during exercising, like to challenge their balance, or simply take fantastic photos on the water.
Why Try It: SUP gives one a different perspective of the surroundings and he/she can sleep in the serene nature, and at the same time be on the go.
In addition to a workout, stand-up paddleboarding is another most entertaining way of boating in Varkala. You can make an early morning backwater run in morning sun or you can get the sunset on a ride at sunset and SUP has everything, adventure, relaxation and great memories on one beautiful ride.
Best Places to sail in Varkala.
When you are on the brink of traveling it is all about whether you choose the right place. Both the destinations possess their beauties and go on to show why it is so memorable to have a boat in Varkala. They are places of a blend of nature, history and culture which remain memorable, composed of serene backwaters to scenic lakes.
Anchuthengu (Anjengo) Backwaters: It has a peaceful canal system, old fort and old light tower, hence this location is a perfect kayaking or canoeing spot. It ranks among the most scenic spots to go boating in Varkala, as well as to have history and nature.
Kappil Lake: Kappil Lake is said to be quite beautiful and it has very beautiful scenery at the interception of the backwaters and Arabian Sea. It is among the most photographed places to boat in Varkala either in kayaking or paddle boarding.
Edava Lakes and Canals: This is not a crowded area like some others as it has a lot of greenery that offers a good natural atmosphere. Nature lovers are aware of its secret since they want to enjoy spending their time boating in Varkala devoid of distraction.
Ponnumthuruthu Island (Golden Island): It is one of the serene Islands that one can get to by boat and contains an ancient Temple and gorgeous views. It is the best location to infuse spirituality and boating in Varkala.
These are all locations that reveal the other side of the region whether it be history, adventure or peace and boating in Varkala is a diverse and satisfying affair.
The Ideal Going Boating Times of Varkala.
Varkala also is a boating destination which also depends on the time of the year thus when the right time is picked then the experience could be very pleasant.
November to March: This is the period of the year that the season is considered to be the most viable season to boat in Varkala. The weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, the waters are still and the weather is wonderful to go kayaking, go canoe riding or even go on an easy ride in the houseboat.
April to May and September to October:The shoulder months to go boating in Varkala are also in April and September to October but during the afternoon it is very hot. Evenings and mornings are better and give beautiful light to be photographed.
June-August: This is the monsoon season and this is characterized with heavy rainfall and strong winds. The environment is green and full-bodied, but it is not the time to go sailing at Varkala, and most operators fail to carry out the tours.
In order to experience the most memorable time, it would be best to plan your boating in Varkala adventure during the period of the year that the weather, water body and the scenery are in unison i.e. during the cooler seasons.
Boating Guide so as to make the best out of it.
To have a wonderful time boating in Varkala it is necessary to prepare it in advance and consider several tips. These little details will lead to the fact that it will be so safer, easier and even more pleasant to travel.
Book Early: It is good for operators to boat in varkala, which are booked early when in high season. Early bookings should also be done to avoid disappointments.
Pack Essentials: You need to carry sunscreen, a hat, sun glasses and drinking water. You can get bored with spending this much time on the water and these requirements will calm you down.
Dress Cozy: Light and breathable clothing and dresses are to be worn in order to go boating in Varkala particularly when kayaking or doing something more active.
Select Certified Operators: Safety first. Ensure that the operators who you leave your business with in Varkala boating are accredited and reputable.
Take care of Nature: Clean up the backwaters. Cleared up of all the plastics or rubbish, and a good free atmosphere.
Photography Planning: Best time of the day to have still waters and good photography would be during mornings and evenings. This will be a treat to the memories of floating in Varkala to have a memory even more memorable. Catch the golden light.
Beyond Boating: What to do in Varkala other than boating.
Having spent some peaceful moments boating in Varkala, you would be interested in sightseeing everything the other sites of this tranquil seaside resort have to offer.
Take a walk through the famous cliffside. Going to one of the many cozy cafes with the sea view, and watching the waves as they crash the shore is the best place to have a leisurely breakfast or evening cup of coffee after spending the day on the water.
One should visit Papanasam Beach. You are in the mood to have a cool swim or just take a walk through the golden sands. It is a gorgeous way to unwind after your touring in the backwaters. In case you are intrigued by the local culture, you may wish to visit centuries old Janardanaswamy Temple. The cool spiritual atmosphere is a counterpoint to the noise of the beach.
To get a really good rest, treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage session in one of the wellness retreats that are so well available in Varkala -a wonderful way to rest the muscles that had been working hard paddling you about in Varkala.
Go to the market on the cliff side and then visit. It is a colourful street of stores where one may buy handmade jewellery, colourful clothes and other kind of special souvenirs – a small part of Varkala to be remembered.
All these experiences together with your visit to boating in Varkala would make your visit even more full and multi-layered: a mixture of nature, culture, rest and a few unique memories that you will carry with you even after visiting this place.
Why Mangroves Aqua Ventures Varkala.
Our idea of boating in Varkala at Mangroves Aqua Ventures Varkala is not only to get onto the water, but to make the moments you will never forget. You want to drift silently through the mangroves on a kayak, you want to spend a quiet evening with loved ones on a houseboat trip, you want to go fishing with local fishermen, we are ready to make it all come true.
What we want is to provide you with a safe, comfortable and authentic experience. Each of the trips that we propose is created in such a way that you would be able to get in touch with the soul of Varkala and its people, traditions, and amazing nature that makes this place so unique. Booking a ride with us means not only you book, you embark on a ride to the very core of this seaside beauty.
Final Thoughts
Cruising Varkala is not just an amusing thing to do but also a way of calming down and exploring a more spiritual Kerala. Imagine sailing in a still mangrove lake, seeing the light play on the surface or sitting on the deck of a house boat in the set having just a good meal.
Varkala is the best place to have the right combination of adventurous and serenity without the normal tourist stampede. Visiting again, make sure you do not limit yourself to the cliffs and cafes. You can enter a kayak, canoe or houseboat and have the backwaters reveal to you another face of this pretty town.