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Weekend Getaway
Varkala and Munroe Island 2-Day Trip: Itinerary, Kayaking Cost
Team Social Exoticamp
25 Aug 2026
Dream of cliffside sunsets over the Arabian Sea one evening, and quiet canoe rides beneath palm-lined canals the next?
A Varkala and Munroe Island 2-day trip is the ultimate tropical escape you need to experience.
Nestled along southern Kerala, this journey pairs the vibrant, bohemian charm of the Varkala cliffs with the untouched scenic beauty of Munroe Island. In just 48 hours, you can hike red-sand bluffs, marvel at cultural wonders, indulge in authentic coastal delicacies, and paddle through tranquil mangrove canals at sunrise.
Whether you are planning a solo getaway or a lively Varkala group trip, here is your complete Kerala weekend itinerary to make every moment count without the stress of over-planning.
The short word on this: Yes, absolutely!
Varkala and Munroe Island sit just 45 to 50 km apart in southern Kerala, conveniently close to Trivandrum and Kollam. Because of this short distance, you can easily cover both destinations in a single 2D/1N weekend.
If you have a tight schedule and want a fast, high-reward journey, this Varkala 2-day trip delivers plenty of memorable moments without feeling rushed.
Getting here is smooth and budget-friendly thanks to excellent public transit connectivity.
Here is an hour-by-hour itinerary to make the most of your time:
Pickup: Meet your driver at the Tenkasi transit point (accessible via overnight train/bus).
Relax in private transport as you begin your picturesque drive crossing into southern Kerala’s verdant foothills.
Enjoy a refreshing morning stop at the Thenmala Dam zone, taking in sweeping reservoir vistas and the lush forest cover of the eco-tourism belt.
Arrive at Chadayamangalam to explore the iconic Jatayu Earth's Centre. It is home to the world’s largest functional bird sculpture perched atop a rocky hillock.
(Package inclusion: Entry tickets and sightseeing are pre-arranged).
Drive to the coastline and step onto the breathtaking Varkala Cliff.
Stroll past bohemian seaside boutiques, handicraft stalls, and quaint clifftop cafes. Grab a cool drink or late lunch while gazing out over the panoramic expanse of the Arabian Sea.
Head down the cliff stairs directly to the sandy beach to catch the vibrant red-and-orange coastal sunset.
Check in to your private campsite set right beside the beach (hosted at a local surfing school/beachside property).
Unwind with fellow travellers over hot tea, followed by a freshly prepared BBQ (veg & non-veg), a hearty local dinner, and a peaceful night under the stars in cosy dome tents.
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Wake up early to catch the first golden rays breaking over the backwater channels.
Gear up for a 30 to 45-minute sunrise kayak session through narrow mangrove tunnels and calm, glass-like waterways where big boats can't reach.
Return to the base for piping hot South Indian breakfast (appams, stew, or idlis) served with fresh tea and coffee.
Freshen up and complete checkout formalities.
Board a traditional guided country canoe/boat transfer through the heart of Munroe Island’s network of backwater canals and open lake lagoons.
Glide beneath low-slung bridges, watch coir-making artisans, and experience tranquil village life at the delta where the Kallada River meets Ashtamudi Lake.
Board the transfer vehicle for your return drive to Tenkasi, arriving in time to board your evening trains or buses back home.
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 2 Days / 1 Night |
| Price | ₹4,999 / Adult • ₹3,799 / Child (3–10 yrs) |
| Inclusions | Tenkasi transfers, Dome tents, Day 1 Dinner & BBQ, Day 2 Breakfast, Jatayu entry, Sunrise Kayak (30–45 mins), Munroe Island Country Boating |
Click Here to Book Your Varkala and Munroe Island With Exoticamp
Munroe Island Kayaking: Timing, Costs, & Options
Munroe Island kayaking is one of the most therapeutic water activities in South India. Narrow waterways wind under low-hanging bridges and dense mangrove archways that large houseboats simply cannot access.
Pro Tip: Avoid midday (11:30 AM to 03:00 PM) as humidity rises sharply under open sunlight.
| Experience Type | Duration | Typical Cost (per person) | Highlights |
| Self-Paddled Kayak (Single / Tandem) | 1.5 – 2 Hours | ₹400 – ₹700 | Complete freedom, mangrove tunnels, peaceful pace |
| Shikara / Country Canoe (with Boatman) | 2 – 2.5 Hours | ₹800 – ₹1,500 per boat (up to 4-5 people) | Relaxed, guided storytelling, ideal for families & photographers |
| All-Inclusive Package Tour | 2 Days / 1 Night | ₹4,999 (via Exoticamp) | Tents, transfers, kayaking, meals & boating included |
The best time to plan this Kerala weekend itinerary is from October to March, when the sea breeze is balmy, and the cliff views are crystal clear.
If you visit in July, monsoon rains bring an abundance of lush scenic beauty, but open-water activities may see a quick schedule change. Always keep a flexible backup plan for wet days.
To reach your destination fast, take an early train to Varkala Sivagiri from Trivandrum or Tenkasi.
When planning your Varkala Munroe Island itinerary, note that passenger trains take just 45 minutes to the island station in Kollam district. If you join an organised Varkala group trip, private transfers are provided directly from the pick-up point to eliminate transit stress.
For the best Munroe Island kayaking experience, set out at sunrise.
The morning water across the delta and vast lake is calm, offering a quiet journey through narrow mangrove canals where local inhabitants live.
Always wear the life vest provided by your boat operator, and never step beyond the marked safety borders along the fragile laterite cliff edges.
A budget Varkala 2-day trip requires about ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per person to cover tent stay costs, meals, and canoe hire.
Read reviews in advance before you book a beachside or riverside campsite, so you don't spend extra time commuting. Indulge in authentic local food like spicy fish curry and appams, take a relaxing canoe ride, and pack light, breathable clothes to enjoy every single day of your getaway!
If you prefer skipping the stress of negotiating separate cab rates, purchasing entrance tickets in queues, and finding verified campsite stays, you can book an all-in-one curated weekend.
The Exoticamp Varkala & Munroe Island Trip Package organizes your entire 2-day experience starting at just ₹4,999/adult. It takes care of:
Book Your Varkala & Munroe Island Trip With Exoticamp Today!
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Popular Post
Walking or renting a bicycle is ideal for exploring the village roads. But country canoes and kayaks are the only way to navigate the narrow interior water canals.
Yes. All authorized kayak and country boat operators provide mandatory life jackets, and the inner village canal waters are calm, shallow, and guided by experienced local rowers.
No, there is no entry fee to access Munroe Island itself. You only pay for specific activities like canoe cruises, kayak rentals, or private village walking tours.
Digital UPI payments work in most homestays and cafes, but ATMs are limited. Carry sufficient cash for local boatmen, small tender-coconut vendors, and local auto-rickshaw rides.
Munroe Island is significantly quieter and less commercialized than Alleppey. So, it offers narrow, intimate mangrove tunnels and canoe trails that large commercial houseboats cannot navigate.
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