Nestled alongside the Arabian Sea, within the south Indian state of Kerala, Varkala is a shocking cliff prime, beachfront location turning into more and more fashionable with the wellbeing neighborhood. After being advisable it by a buddy throughout my time in Rishikesh, I used to be so excited to lastly arrive right here.
Not like the extra commercialized vacationer spots scattered throughout India, Varkala affords a serene getaway with its spectacular cliffside views, pristine seashores, and a vibe that’s each relaxed and deeply invigorating. This whole information to Varkala is your all-access go to exploring Varkala, a vacation spot that ought to be on each traveller’s bucket checklist, particularly when visiting the South of India.
On this weblog submit, I’ll share the very best issues to do in Varkala, must you be planning your journey!
Why Go to Varkala?
Varkala just isn’t your typical vacationer seaside vacation spot; it’s a spot the place the cliffs meet the ocean in a dramatic confluence of nature’s artistry. I don’t assume I’ve ever been someplace the place the primary ‘strip’ is lined up alongside the cliff edge. Your stroll to morning espresso and your stroll to dinner are actions in themselves with this view. STUNNING.
The city of Varkala affords one thing for everybody – whether or not you’re a yoga fanatic on the lookout for genuine yoga lessons, a surfer able to catch some waves (although small), or a tradition lover desirous to dive into Kerala’s wealthy heritage, culinary immersions and cliff-top eating places.
Varkala is well-known for its meals too. There’s a pleasant exploration of flavours, with seafood taking centre stage and being served up in lots of of those cliff-top eating places. A lot of the eating places have an incredible view throughout the ocean too!
To make sure the very best expertise, significantly in case you’ve by no means been to India earlier than, we extremely advocate studying in regards to the realities of travelling to India earlier than you go to Varkala.
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, loosen up and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your machine and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Greatest Time to Go to Varkala
Varkala enjoys a tropical local weather, with the very best time to go to being from October to March when the climate is cooler and nice. I say cooler, it was nonetheless 35 levels once I visited in January and I discovered I used to be retiring to the ocean or to the AC in my room from noon – 3pm. Nonetheless, these are the cooler months.
This time can be the height vacationer season, so you’ll want to plan your journey upfront. We didn’t have an excessive amount of alternative when It got here to lodging as a result of we left it til final minute. To expertise the very best issues to do in Varkala, you’ll need to safe lodging close to the cliffs!
Getting To Varkala
The closest airport to Varkala is Trivandrum Worldwide Airport, about 50 km away from Varkala. Varkala is well-connected by rail and street, with the Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station being only a brief drive from the primary seaside space connecting you to Kochi and Alleppey.
Learn how to Discover Lodging in Varkala, India:
Guesthouses, Homestays, and Cottages in Varkala:
Verify Airbnb for guesthouses, homestays, and cottages in Varkala. For solo travellers visiting India, it’s vital to do your analysis and plan properly. On this full information to solo journey, Seren shares helpful suggestions for solo journey in India that can be utilized to Varkala. From understanding the tradition and native customs to paying attention to security measures, thorough analysis is vital to a profitable solo journey in India.
We stayed at Gypsy Walker in Varkala (North Cliffs) for £30 per evening with AC. It was a few minute stroll to the cliff prime and was nice. There are many beautiful locations to remain in Varkala however we left it til final minute so our alternative was positively the very best of the bunch kinda job!
Lodges, Resorts, and Beachside Lodging in Varkala:
For a wide array of motels, resorts, and beachside lodging in Varkala, go to reserving.com. Flick through the choices and select the one that most closely fits your preferences.
Hostels and Funds Lodging in Varkala:
When you’re travelling on a finances, there are hostels out there in Varkala. These supply reasonably priced lodging choices and are an important alternative for budget-conscious travellers. Search for finances lodging in Varkala right here.
Ayurvedic Retreat Facilities and Yoga Resorts in Varkala:
Varkala and this area usually are identified for Ayurvedic therapies and yoga retreats. When you’re on the lookout for a holistic wellness expertise, take into account staying at an Ayurvedic retreat centre or a yoga resort.
Listed here are a number of different locations to take a look at!
- Palm Tree Heritage
- The Gateway Lodge Varkala
- Clafouti Seaside Resort
- Hindustan Seaside Retreat
- Vedanta Wake Up!
- Deshadan Cliff & Seaside Resort
- Akhil Seaside Resort
- Varkala Marine Palace
- Bluewater Seaside Resort
- Prashanthi Cliff Resort
Bear in mind to e book your lodging upfront, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons, to safe your most well-liked alternative in Varkala.
1. Varkala Seaside (Papanasam Seaside)
The crown jewel of Varkala, Papanasam Seaside (essential seaside), is famed for its therapeutic and religious properties. The seaside is an ideal spot for a calming day underneath the solar with many native companies providing deckchairs and umbrellas for a small price. Within the noon warmth you’ll need to be underneath the umbrella or cooling off within the ocean!
This seaside has the bonus of a shocking sundown view that paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. Don’t overlook to take a dip within the holy waters believed to scrub away all sins.
2. Admire Varkala Cliffs
A geological marvel, the Varkala Cliff, is the one place in southern Kerala the place cliffs are discovered adjoining to the Arabian Sea.
The attractive purple rocks can’t be missed and are finest admired from the seaside itself. Lined with quaint cafes, vibrant retailers, and Ayurvedic therapeutic massage centres, the cliff affords a panoramic view of the sprawling sea beneath. It’s the right place to take pleasure in a leisurely stroll or sit again and watch the world go by.
3. Janardanaswamy Temple
This 2000-year-old temple is a major religious web site devoted to Lord Vishnu. It’s situated near the Papanasam essential seaside. the temple’s architectural magnificence and serene environment make it a must-visit for these in search of peace and religious perception, top-of-the-line issues to do in Varkala in case you’re on a Non secular Quest!
4. Go to an Genuine Yoga Class
This was what introduced me to Varkala. My buddy from Rishikesh had truly advisable Varakala because the Non secular hub of the south, someplace nice to apply with genuine yoga academics.
My mates advice was Mathatitu Yoga Coaching & TTC Middle the place they’ve drop-in lessons Mon-Sat at 8:30AM. All these areas and suggestions are included in my India Google Map Legend.
5. Anjengo Fort
Delve into historical past on the Anjengo Fort, a Seventeenth-century fort established by the British East India Firm. The fort affords a glimpse into the colonial previous of India and gives picturesque views of the ocean and the backwaters.
6. Browsing and Water Sports activities
For the adrenaline junkies, top-of-the-line issues to do in Varkala is to leap within the water. And there’s surf right here… typically!
Varkala’s seashores supply glorious surf breaks which are excellent for each inexperienced persons and seasoned surfers. There are a number of surf faculties alongside the seaside the place you may hire tools or take classes.
7. Ayurvedic Therapies
No journey to Kerala is full with out experiencing its historic wellness custom – Ayurveda. Varkala is residence to quite a few genuine Ayurvedic facilities the place you may take pleasure in rejuvenating therapies and massages that promise to heal the physique and thoughts. You’ll be spoilt for alternative while you arrive, merely go for a wander!
8. Culinary Delights
The culinary scene in Varkala is a pleasant mixture of conventional Kerala delicacies and worldwide flavors. Seafood is an area specialty, and there are many beachfront cafes and eating places the place you may take pleasure in freshly caught fish, prawns, and crabs, cooked to perfection. Clafouti Restaurant had been serving up some spectacular seafood! Abba Eating places seafood sizzler was additionally wonderful!
Distinctive Experiences in Varkala
Whereas Varkala is understood for its beautiful seashores and cliffside views, there are a number of distinctive experiences that you just shouldn’t miss throughout your go to:
Take a ship journey within the backwaters – Varkala is located near the scenic backwaters of Kerala. Hop onto a conventional houseboat or a canoe and discover the serene waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and coconut palms.
Witness a Kathakali efficiency – Immerse your self within the vibrant world of Kerala’s conventional dance kind, Kathakali. Attend a efficiency the place expert artists clad in colourful costumes and elaborate make-up painting mythological tales by way of dance and music.
Strive a cooking class – Kerala is famend for its scrumptious delicacies, and Varkala affords the right alternative to be taught to cook dinner conventional dishes. Take a cooking class the place you may uncover the secrets and techniques behind fashionable Kerala recipes and savor your personal creations.
Attend a yoga and meditation retreat – With its tranquil environment and pure magnificence, Varkala is a haven for yoga and meditation fans. Be a part of a retreat or a workshop the place you may deepen your apply, rejuvenate your thoughts, and discover interior peace amidst the scenic environment.
Go to an area fishing village – Make a journey to a close-by fishing village and witness the colourful lives of the native fishermen. Expertise their day by day routines, study conventional fishing methods, and revel in a style of freshly caught seafood straight from the fishing nets.
These distinctive experiences will add an additional layer of richness to your journey to Varkala, permitting you to immerse your self within the native tradition and create lasting recollections.
Locations to eat and drink in Varkala, India
After a day of exploring and absorbing the solar in Varkala, taking a stroll alongside the cliff and selecting a restaurant to stare out on the ocean from is full bliss.
From native specialties to worldwide delights, Varkala affords a various vary of eating choices that cater to each palate. The city’s eating places and cafes not solely serve scrumptious meals but additionally present a singular ambiance, whether or not it’s eating with a view of the glowing Arabian Sea or having fun with the laid-back environment of a beachside café.
- Sujata Restaurant – £5-8 per particular person Gives scrumptious Indian dishes at budget-friendly costs.
- Abba Restaurant – Tremendous fashionable however nice numerous menu which we ate twice at and had been glad!
- Jasmine Bay – £7-12 per particular person Supplies a mixture of Indian and worldwide cuisines with a beachside ambiance.
- Clafouti Seaside Resort – £8-15 per particular person Get pleasure from tasty meals and beautiful ocean views proper by the seaside.
- Juice Shack – £3-6 per particular person Splendid for fast bites and refreshing drinks at budget-friendly costs.
- Darjeeling Café – £10-14 per particular person Fusion flavors of Indian and continental dishes in a comfy setting.
- Chill Out Lounge – £12-18 per particular person A hub for a wide range of cuisines together with Indian, Chinese language, and extra.
- Curry Leaf Restaurant – £12-16 per particular person Identified for providing genuine Kerala delicacies and flavorful dishes.
- Mom’s Kitchen – £12-15 per particular person A best choice for vegetarian and vegan choices in a health-conscious menu.
Varkala is a hidden gem in Kerala that gives a serene escape out of your jam-packed inland India itinerary.
Its laid-back vibe, mixed with the pure magnificence and cultural richness, makes it a vacation spot that you just’ll need to return to repeatedly. So pack your luggage, and prepare to expertise the magic of Varkala.
To raise your Varkala expertise and save time discovering the very best spots to go to in Varkala, our India Google Map Legend shall be your finest journey information!
Have you ever been to Varkala?
What are the very best issues to do in Varkala? Something you’d add to this Varkala bucket checklist?
Love as all the time and glad adventuring…
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, loosen up and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your machine and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.