Best places to visit

Serene beaches and Backwaters

Your Varkala Adventure Guide

Explore Nature in Varkala

Explore Varkala's Historical places

Before you go Essentials

Plan Your Trip: Varkala Itineraries for Every Kind of Traveller

2-Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary

Unique Experiences

Sound healing

Sacred beach

Ayurveda

Ancient Temples

This is what happens when you stop relying on Google lists… and start exploring places like a local.

Varkala wasn’t even on my original bucket list.

I’d heard a few friends mention it as a chill party spot, but when I Googled “things to do,” the results were underwhelming — just a couple of beaches. Nothing that screamed “must-visit.”

But here’s the truth no one told me:

💎 Varkala is a hidden gem that doesn’t show its full self online.

From dramatic cliffs and backwaters to soulful temples, coastal cafes, boutique stays, and even surfing spots — this little town completely surprised me.

I spent 6 days soaking it all in during my 2024 trip, and what I discovered deserves way more attention than any travel listicle will give you.

This blog is your guide to the real Varkala — beyond the generic recommendations.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a full-blown coastal getaway, here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip.

✨ Scroll down to discover the best beaches, food, and hidden gems in Varkala — with local tips for every spot.

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

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 »

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. But during season time, prices do get high

📱 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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