Varkala Aquarium Varkala
A spiral-structured aquarium near Black Sand Beach, offering a glimpse of marine life and scenic coastal views at an affordable price.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Varkala Aquarium Varkala
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A spiral-structured aquarium near Black Sand Beach, offering a glimpse of marine life and scenic coastal views at an affordable price.
"Affordable and educational, with great beach views and a fun kids' play area."
🎯 Affordable Entry Fee
Tickets are just ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for kids. Free for children under 5.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's plenty of space for car parking, making it convenient for visitors arriving by vehicle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Fish Displays
Main Aquarium Halls
Explore a variety of aquatic life, including some rare species and jellyfish, offering a glimpse into marine biodiversity.
Black Sand Beach Views
Overlooking the coast
Enjoy scenic views of the unique black sand beach and the Arabian Sea from the aquarium's vantage points.
Kids' Play Area
Adjacent to the aquarium
A secure and spacious play zone for children, offering fun and entertainment with an amphitheater-style seating.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Entry, Educational Fun
Beyond the Fish Tanks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Entry Fee
Tickets are just ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for kids. Free for children under 5.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's plenty of space for car parking, making it convenient for visitors arriving by vehicle.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the black sand beach and the aquarium's unique spiral architecture.
🧸 Kids' Play Zone
The attached play area is a hit with children, offering a safe and fun environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Entry Fee
Tickets are just ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for kids. Free for children under 5.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's plenty of space for car parking, making it convenient for visitors arriving by vehicle.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the black sand beach and the aquarium's unique spiral architecture.
🧸 Kids' Play Zone
The attached play area is a hit with children, offering a safe and fun environment.
🚶♀️ Combine with Beach Visit
Located near Black Sand Beach, it's a perfect stop to combine with a beach outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Varkala Aquarium offers an affordable and educational experience, particularly enjoyable for families with its dedicated play area and proximity to Black Sand Beach. While the variety of fish is limited and some tanks are empty, the scenic coastal views and nominal entry fee make it a worthwhile, peaceful stop for a short visit.
"Entry fees Rs 30 for adults and Rs 15 for kids. Free for kids upto 5 years of age. The 3D theatre was closed when we visited. The children's park can be availed at Rs 10 per head. Overall a good experience for kids. Lots of fish and the mud crab on display with beautiful views and the acquarium overlooking the beach."
Sudipto Bhattacharya
"Visited the aquarium near Black Sand Beach and had a great experience. In addition to the wide variety of fish on display, the aquarium offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. It's well-maintained, and the entry ticket is quite affordable. There wasn’t much of a crowd, which made the visit even more enjoyable. A peaceful and educational stop worth visiting if you're in the area."
Nitish Chandaka
"With limited experience this place offers, yet there are some surprise elements like jelly fish, turtle in this aquarium. There is a lot of scope to improve for a better experience.
It is near to black sand beach and there are ticket charges of Rs.30 per head."
Selvamanojkumar S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Varkala Aquarium is located in the Thiruvambadi neighborhood, about 4 kilometers from Varkala Train Station. It's easily accessible by local transport and is situated near Black Sand Beach.
Yes, it's a well-known attraction in Varkala and is often mentioned alongside other local spots like Black Sand Beach and Zostel Varkala.
The closest train station is Varkala Railway Station, approximately 4 km away. Local buses and auto-rickshaws are readily available.
Yes, there is ample space for car parking available at the aquarium, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While not directly on the cliff, it's a popular spot listed among attractions accessible from the Varkala Cliff area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for children. Children under 5 years old get free entry.
The 3D theatre was closed during some visits, but a children's park is available for an additional ₹10 per head.
Specific opening hours can vary, but it's generally a good place to visit during daylight hours. It's recommended to check locally for the most up-to-date information.
Currently, there's no information about online ticket booking. Tickets are typically purchased at the counter upon arrival.
Visitors have reported that there isn't usually a large crowd, making for a more enjoyable and peaceful experience.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The aquarium houses a variety of fish species, including some rare ones, jellyfish, and turtles. However, some visitors note that many tanks are empty and the variety could be improved.
You can easily spend 20 to 30 minutes exploring the aquarium and enjoying the surrounding views.
Yes, it's considered a good experience for kids, with a dedicated play area and educational displays.
The aquarium is located near Black Sand Beach and Thiruvambadi Beach, offering beautiful coastal views and a chance for a relaxing stroll.
While the aquarium itself is a point of interest, Reddit users have noted a general lack of good public restrooms and changing facilities in the Varkala tourist areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The spiral architecture of the building and the scenic views of Black Sand Beach offer great photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed inside, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
No specific restrictions are widely mentioned, but flash photography might be discouraged for the well-being of the aquatic life.
You can capture close-ups of the fish, wider shots of the aquarium tanks, and panoramic views of the coastline.
The combination of marine life, beach views, and the unique building structure makes it a decent spot for travel vlogs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a stroll along the nearby Black Sand Beach for a complete family outing. The aquarium itself, while not extensive, offers enough to keep young minds engaged for about 20-30 minutes.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
Its location near the beach also means you can enjoy coastal views and a walk without additional cost. It's a perfect addition to a day of exploring Varkala's natural beauty on a budget.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture interesting angles of the building and its surroundings. More importantly, the aquarium offers stunning views of Black Sand Beach, a distinctive feature of Varkala. The contrast of the dark sand against the blue sea is a photographer's delight.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Varkala's Aquatic Life
The aquarium's location near Black Sand Beach and Thiruvambadi Beach adds to its appeal, allowing visitors to combine their aquatic exploration with scenic coastal views. The nominal entry fee makes it an accessible attraction for all.
+1For those interested in marine life, it provides a brief, educational stop. However, for a truly immersive aquarium experience, one might need to look at larger facilities elsewhere.
Family Fun and Play
The play area is securely isolated from the beach, giving parents peace of mind while their children have fun. This makes the aquarium a worthwhile stop for families looking for a short, entertaining break during their Varkala trip.
Combined with the affordable entry fees and the educational aspect of the aquarium itself, it offers a good value proposition for families seeking a pleasant outing.
Beyond the Aquarium: Coastal Charm
Visitors can easily extend their outing by exploring Thiruvambadi Beach, which is right next to the aquarium. This allows for a refreshing walk along the shore, enjoying the sea breeze and the distinctive black sand.
+1The area around the aquarium is part of Varkala's broader tourist appeal, often mentioned alongside other attractions like Varkala Cliff and various other beaches, making it a convenient stop on a day of exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit