Varkala is a chill beach town, but did you know there are some amazing places to explore just a short drive away? If you’ve got an extra day during your stay, a day trip can add adventure to your beach vacation.
One of the top spots to visit nearby is Jatayu Earth’s Center, also known as Jatayu Park — home to the world’s largest bird sculpture! Let’s look at the Varkala to Jatayu Park distance, how to get there, and what else you can explore nearby.
Jatayu Earth’s Center is a mix of adventure, art, and mythology. It’s built around a massive sculpture of Jatayu, a mythical eagle from the Indian epic Ramayana. The statue sits on top of a hill and looks amazing in photos!
Take the cable car ride up to the sculpture for awesome views
Explore the Ramayana-themed museum inside the hill
Try adventure activities like ziplining, rock climbing, and rappelling
Relax at the Ayurveda cave resort or visit the food court for snacks
📌 Most visitors spend around 3–4 hours here, so it’s a perfect half-day trip.
Wondering how far it is from Varkala? Don’t worry — it’s not too far at all.
Distance: Around 40 km
Travel time: About 1 to 1.5 hours by road
Taxi or Cab: Easiest option. You can book locally or through apps like Ola or Uber (available in nearby towns).
Auto-rickshaw (for short rides): Can be arranged but not ideal for long-distance.
Rental Scooter or Car: Great if you want to explore more places on your own.
Bus: Budget option, but may involve switching buses.
📌 Need help planning your route? Check out our How to Reach Varkala guide for more transport tips.
If you’re up for more exploring after Jatayu Park, there are a few hidden gems nearby that are worth a quick stop.
Palaruvi Waterfalls – A beautiful waterfall about 1.5 hours from Jatayu Park
Kottukal Rock Cut Temple – A small, ancient cave temple for history lovers
Chadayamangalam Town – Great for local snacks and shopping
You can also combine your trip with a return visit to the Varkala Cliff for dinner and sunset after a fun day out.
Taking a break from the beach and heading out on a day trip is a great way to make your Varkala trip even more exciting. With the short Varkala to Jatayu Park distance, it’s super easy to plan — and totally worth it.
From giant sculptures to ziplines and nature trails, Jatayu Park gives you a fun mix of culture and adventure, all in just a few hours.
📌 Looking for more nearby getaways or hidden gems? Stay tuned for more day trip ideas in our Travel from Varkala series.