Explore Varkala: Where to Go, What to Do, and Where to Stay

🌟Best moments from the trip! 🌟

Where Earth Meets Sky

Varkala Cliff offers panoramic views, café hopping, sunset strolls, and the perfect base for your entire trip.

Paddle Through Hidden Mangroves

Explore Munroe Island’s serene backwaters with a kayak — nature, silence, and unforgettable scenery await.

Sun, Sand & Soulful Shores

From the sacred Papanasam to the dramatic black sand beaches, Varkala’s coast blends relaxation with culture.

Whispers of the Past

Visit ancient temples, a hilltop fort, and Varkala’s lighthouse to trace the region’s rich spiritual and colonial history.

Start discovering Varkala like someone who’s lived it.

Forget “top 10 beaches” and lifeless listicles.

Varkala has a rhythm of its own. Locals greet you with warm smiles, café owners remember your name, and the slower pace makes it easy to strike up conversations that turn into shared meals or sunset plans. It’s the kind of place where solo travelers become a tribe.

And if you’re wondering — yes, there’s a party scene too. Think live music on the cliffs, drumming circles at hidden cafés, and late-night beach bonfires with people from all over the world. Not wild, but wonderfully alive.

Here’s how I explored the real Varkala — beyond the usual Instagram checklists:

🌊 Cliff & Beaches

This isn’t your average beach town. The red laterite cliffs towering above the Arabian Sea are iconic — and they hide a beautiful blend of serenity and vibe. You’ll find Papanasam Beach (sacred and scenic), Black Beach (quiet and raw), and Odayam (for solitude and sunrise). Every spot offers something different.

📍Don’t miss: Sunset from North Cliff, early morning walks at Odayam, or a swim at the main beach after your cliffside breakfast.
→ Explore the best cliffside spots and beaches »

🚣 Adventure Activities

Backwaters, boats, and no crowds. I went kayaking with local fishermen at dawn, through coconut tree-lined canals — it was like floating through a postcard. Surfing lessons are beginner-friendly, and paragliding off the cliff gives you unbeatable views.

📍Top picks: Kayaking in Anchuthengu backwaters, surfing at Edava Beach, and stand-up paddleboarding near Kappil.
→ How to book water adventures & my exact route »

🏨 Where to Stay

From cliffside hostels with boho vibes to resorts with private plunge pools — Varkala has a wide range. I stayed at a cozy homestay for ₹1200/night, then splurged a night at a wellness resort.

📍Best areas: Stay close to North Cliff for food and vibe, Odayam for peace, and South Cliff for luxury.
→ Where I stayed, and what I’d recommend by budget »

🧘 Yoga & Wellness

This is where I experienced my first guided meditation on the beach. Whether you want daily drop-in yoga classes or full-blown retreats, you’ll find spaces that honor both physical health and spiritual growth.

📍Try this: Sound healing at Soul & Surf, sunset yoga at Sharanagati Ashram, or an Ayurvedic massage at a cliffside spa.
→ The most peaceful places to practice in Varkala »

🍛 Food & Cafés

From traditional Kerala thalis to avocado toast with a sea view, Varkala’s food scene surprised me. You can eat clean, cheap, or indulgent — often all in the same day.

📍Must-eats: Kerala fish curry at God’s Own Country Kitchen, smoothie bowls at Coffee Temple, jackfruit tacos at Darjeeling Café.
→ Where to eat in Varkala (with vegan/gluten-free options) »

🗺️ Nearby Places

A short ride takes you to some underrated spots. Think: the massive Jatayu Earth Center, lush waterfalls, and bridges perfect for sunset photography. These add a new flavor to your trip.

📍Favorites: Kappil Lake (for boating), Varkala Tunnel, Anjengo Fort, and Edava Beach.
→ Best day trips from Varkala »

🏛️ Historical Spots

Varkala has a quiet but rich colonial and cultural history. The Dutch-built Varkala Fort and the 19th-century lighthouse both offer panoramic views and stories waiting to be heard.

📍Highlights: Varkala Fort for sunrise, Anchuthengu Fort for a deeper colonial backstory, and the lighthouse at sunset.
→ See the historical side of Varkala »

🛕 Spiritual & Religious Sites

More than a tourist attraction, the Janardhana Swamy Temple has been a spiritual hub for over 2,000 years. You’ll feel the quiet reverence in its rituals, priests’ chants, and the banyan tree courtyard.

📍Don’t miss: Janardhana Swamy Temple during an early morning puja, or attending a local temple festival if your dates align.
→ Everything you need to know before you visit »

Plan Your Trip: Varkala Itineraries for Every Kind of Traveller

2-Day Itinerary – Quick Escape

Weekend trips

3-Day Itinerary – Balanced Bliss

Chill + explore

5-Day Itinerary – The Full Experience

Remote workers, slow travellers

What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Varkala

📍 Stay near

North Cliff if you want cafes, views, and cliff vibes.
Odayam for peace and sunrises.
South Cliff if you're into boutique or luxury stays.

🛬 Nearest airport

Trivandrum International (TRV) — ~1.5 hours by cab.

🚉 Train station

Varkala Sivagiri — well-connected to major Kerala cities.

🌤️ Best time to visit

Oct–Mar for pleasant, beach-perfect weather.
Apr–Jun is hot and humid.
Jul–Sep is lush and moody with monsoon rains.

🌧️ Off-season

June to September — great prices, fewer people, but rainy days.

💰 Daily budget

Anywhere from ₹2000–₹5000/day, depending on where you stay and eat.
Scooter rental: ~₹300/day
Meals: ₹150–₹500

📚 Book early

Especially for cliff-view rooms in peak season (Dec–Jan).

📶 Wi-Fi

Most cliff cafes and hostels have decent Wi-Fi.
Ask in advance if you need it for work.

🛵 Getting around

Rent a scooter or walk. Autos are available but can be pricey for short rides.

🧴 Pack

Sunscreen, bug spray, airy cotton clothes, swimwear, and flip-flops.

🧘‍♀️ Wellness

Daily yoga classes, Ayurvedic massages, and sound healing are easy to find near the cliff.

🌊 Adventure

Kayaking in the backwaters
Surfing at Edava
Paddleboarding near Kappil
Paragliding off the cliffs (seasonal)

📸 Top photo spots

Sunset at Cliff Viewpoint,
Dawn at Odayam Beach,
Temple courtyards, and
Lakeside at Edava.

☕ Food tip

Cliffside cafes often close by 10 or 11 PM — plan dinner early.

🛍️ Shopping

Handmade soaps, beachwear, local jewelry, books, and Kerala spices.
Try the cliff market stalls in the evening.

👚 Dress code

Temples require modest clothing — no shorts or sleeveless tops.
Carry a scarf/shawl.

In my blog, you’ll discover budget-friendly travel tips, cultural experiences, and spiritual journeys that highlight the transformative power of travel for your overall well-being. Sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on my latest adventures and tips!

Hi, I am Sowmya!

FAQ

🗺️ Where exactly is Varkala?
Varkala is a coastal town in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, about 1.5 hours north of Trivandrum city.

📅 When is the best time to visit?
October to March — pleasant weather, dry skies, and perfect beach vibes.

✈️ How do I get to Varkala?
Fly to Trivandrum Airport (TRV) → take a cab (1.5 hrs) or train to Varkala Sivagiri station (just 3 km from the cliff).

🏖️ Which part of Varkala should I stay in?
North Cliff is the most popular — it’s walkable, scenic, and full of cafés. Stay in Odayam for peace, or South Cliff for resorts.

💰 Is Varkala budget-friendly?
Yes! Hostels from ₹500, homestays from ₹1000, meals from ₹100. Luxury options also available.

🥾 Is Varkala walkable?
Mostly. The North Cliff stretch is pedestrian-friendly. Some areas may require autos/rentals, especially if you’re exploring beyond the cliff.

📱 Is network/internet good in Varkala?
Yes. Airtel and Jio both work fine, and most cafés offer decent WiFi.

🎉 Is there nightlife in Varkala?
It’s chill and low-key — live music, reggae bars, and a few places that play Tamil hits. No big clubs, but great vibe.

🛍️ What should I shop for in Varkala?
Boho clothes, handmade jewelry, Ayurvedic oils, and art from local stalls along the cliff.

🧘 Is Varkala good for solo travelers?
Yes — very! It’s safe, social, and full of solo backpackers, yoga travelers, and creatives.

🏄 Can I try adventure sports here?
Absolutely. Try kayaking, surfing, paragliding, and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding).

🌊 Is swimming safe at Varkala beaches?
Usually yes — but always check the safety flags. Some beaches can get rough during monsoon.

🌧️ Should I avoid monsoon season?
Only if you don’t like rain. July–Sept can be magical but wet. Some activities and beaches may be restricted.

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