Varkala Aquarium

The Varkala Aquarium in Kerala, situated close to Thiruvambadi Beach, is a government-operated facility that offers an interesting insight into marine life. The aquarium was established by the Kerala Fisheries Department in 2014. Today, it is one of the popular attractions in Varkala and a favored destination for families with kids.

The aquarium building consists of three stories and a spiral staircase, with different levels of exhibits. Large tanks containing various fish species, including scorpionfish, angelfish, koi, piranhas, and eels, are on display. The fish tanks are located along the spiral walkway, while an open tank on the top floor offers an aerial view of all the fish.

In addition to fish exhibits, the aquarium also features a 3D theater where visitors can watch informative videos on marine life, accommodating up to 50 people at a time. The theater shows run every half hour, and the aquarium also provides educational programs upon request for school students and other groups.

The aquarium is open to the public every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, with the best time to visit being in the afternoon to avoid crowds. A visit of an hour is sufficient to explore the aquarium completely. The entrance fee is INR 30 for adults and INR 15 for children under 12 years of age, and the 3D theater has no separate fee.

Varkala Aquarium is an ideal location to discover marine life while spending quality time with family and friends. It is also a great option for rainy days when beach activities are not feasible. Visitors can combine their visit to the aquarium with other nearby attractions, including Varkala Beach and Cliff, Black Sand Beach, Janardhana Swamy Temple, and Sivagiri Mutt.

The aquarium is conveniently accessible by bus, taxi, or auto from Varkala Railway Station or Varkala Bus Stand, which are both approximately 4 km away. Alternatively, visitors can take a scenic walk along the Varkala Cliff or a boat ride from Papanasam Beach to reach the aquarium. The closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located 43 kilometers away.