Author: bilsinnvarkala@gmail.com

Beyond the Beach: A Guide to Varkala’s Secret Mangrove Forest

Activities

Varkala is famous for its cliffs and surf, but just a short distance inland lies a hidden world that most tourists drive right past. Where the Ithikkara River meets Paravur Lake, a sprawling network of emerald-green mangrove forests and narrow canals awaits.

Whether you want an active morning of paddling or a lazy afternoon of drifting, this ecosystem offers a level of peace you won’t find on the main beach. At Bils Inn, we’ve partnered with the best local operators to give our guests exclusive discounted rates on these must-do water adventures.

The Kayaking Adventure (For the Active Explorer)

If you want to feel the water beneath you and navigate through the tightest “Mangrove Tunnels,” kayaking is the way to go.

  • Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes of pure exploration.

  • The Experience: This is a guided trip, meaning you’ll have a local expert leading the way. You can choose a single-seater for solo focus or a double-seater to share the effort with a friend.

  • The Highlights:

    • The Mangrove Tunnel: Paddle through the longest mangrove tunnel in Kerala—a natural green cathedral overhead.

    • Bat Island: A unique spot where you can see local wildlife up close.

    • Private Island & Water Walking: We take you to a shallow “water walking” area where the lake bed is firm enough to step out and explore on foot.

    • Migratory Bird Sightings: Keep your eyes peeled for rare birds that call these narrow canals home.

Bils Inn Guest Perk: While the standard rate is 800Rs, our guests pay just 600Rs per person.

Country Boating (For the Slow-Life Lover)

Not everyone wants a workout on their holiday. If you’d rather sit back with your camera and a cold drink, the Country Boat is your private floating lounge.

  • Duration: 2 Hours.

  • The Experience: This is a private boat for just you and your family/friends. A local boatman will do all the rowing while you enjoy the scenery. No motor noise, no crowds—just the sound of the oars hitting the water.

  • The Highlights:

    • Deep Exploration: You’ll still see the famous tunnels and Bat Island, but from the comfort of a traditional wooden boat.

    • The Swimming Spot: Your boatman will take you to a safe, secluded swimming area where you can jump in and cool off in the calm backwaters.

    • Golden Hour: This is the ultimate way to witness a Paravur Lake Sunset.

Bils Inn Guest Perk: Book a private boat for up to 5 people for just 2500Rs.

What to Bring for Your Trip

One of the best things about booking through the Bils Inn partner network is that we take the stress out of the logistics. The kayaking team provides all the essential safety gear, including:

  • Certified Life Jackets (mandatory for all guests).

  • Waterproof Phone Pouches to keep your tech dry while you snap photos of the mangroves.

  • Expert Safety Briefing before you hit the water.

Since the gear is handled, you only need to focus on your personal comfort. Here is what we recommend bringing from the Inn:

1. A Change of Clothes & A Towel

This is our top insider tip. The Ithikkara River and Paravur Lake have some incredibly clear, calm spots perfect for a swim. We highly recommend taking a dip in the backwaters—it’s the ultimate way to cool off mid-paddle. You’ll want a dry set of clothes and a towel waiting for you when you get back to the base.

2. Sun Protection (The Kerala Sun is Strong!)

Even though you’ll spend plenty of time under the “Mangrove Arches” and in the “Mangrove Tunnel,” the open stretches of the lake can be bright.

  • Waterproof Sunscreen: A high SPF, water-resistant formula is key.

  • A Wide-Brimmed Hat: Great for keeping the glare out of your eyes while bird watching.

  • Polarized Sunglasses: These help you see deeper into the clear water to spot fish and underwater roots.

For those looking to grab some sun protection before they head out, a long-lasting waterproof sunscreen or a lightweight quick-dry towel are great additions to your beach bag. These will keep you comfortable both on the water and back at the Inn.

How to Book Your Discounted Trip

Ready to explore the “Amazon of Kerala”? Don’t book at the standard tourist rates.

  1. Stay at Bils Inn: Ensure you are a registered guest to unlock the discount.

  2. Talk to Us: Mention your interest at the front desk or via our guest WhatsApp group.

  3. Pick Your Slot: We recommend the 6:30 AM sunrise slot for the best bird watching or 4:30 PM for the sunset.

Planning a Group Trip to Varkala? Why Booking a Private Apartment Beats Multiple Hotel Rooms

Vacation

Planning a getaway with your entire squad or a large extended family is an exciting prospect—until you start looking at the logistics. In a coastal paradise like Varkala, Kerala, most travelers find themselves forced into the “Hotel Trap”: booking four or five separate rooms, being scattered across different floors, and having no private space to actually hang out together.

If you’re planning a trip for a group of up to 9 people, there’s a better way to experience the red cliffs and golden sands of the Arabian Sea. Welcome to Bils Inn, where we’ve designed the ultimate “home base” for group adventures.

The Struggle of Group Travel (And How We Fix It)

When you book a traditional hotel, the group often feels fragmented. You meet in the lobby, you eat in a crowded restaurant, and by the time you retreat to your separate rooms, the “togetherness” of the trip is lost.

At Bils Inn, we offer a spacious, fully furnished 3-bedroom apartment setup that allows your group to stay under one roof without feeling cramped. Here is why savvy group travelers are choosing us over traditional hotels:

1. True Togetherness in Common Spaces

When you book for a group of 9, Bils Inn transforms into your private coastal retreat. Unlike a hotel where you’re surrounded by strangers in the hallway, our layout ensures your group has the entire space to yourselves. It’s the ultimate “slumber party” vibe—where the shared experience of waking up under one roof and heading to the beach together makes for memories that separate hotel rooms just can’t provide.

Bils Inn Varkala Rooftop

2. The Power of a Fully Equipped Kitchen

Eating out for every meal with 9 people is not only expensive—it’s a logistical nightmare to find a table during peak season on the Varkala Cliff.

  • Save Money: Prepare your own breakfast or late-night snacks.

  • Local Flavors: Visit the local Varkala fish market, bring back the catch of the day, and use our fully functional kitchen to cook a traditional Kerala-style meal exactly how you like it.

  • Health & Convenience: Perfect for families with kids who have specific dietary needs or for those who simply want a home-cooked meal after days of travel.

3. Proximity Without the Noise

We understand that “groups” come in all shapes and sizes. Our flexible layout is perfect for:

  • Friend Reunions: Split the cost of the entire apartment for a budget-friendly stay that feels premium.

  • Large Families: Keep the kids close and the grandparents comfortable in a secure, homely environment.

  • Yoga Retreats: Looking for a base for your small yoga group? Our serene atmosphere is the perfect complement to your practice.

Ready to Book the Ultimate Group Getaway?

Stop scrolling through endless hotel listings and trying to coordinate multiple bookings. Experience Varkala the way it was meant to be—with your favorite people, all in one place.

Book the entire Bils Inn apartment for your group today!

Contact us directly for group discounts and availability: