Nestled alongside the Arabian Sea, inside the south Indian state of Kerala, Varkala is a stunning cliff prime, beachfront location turning into increasingly in fashion with the wellbeing group. After being actually helpful it by a buddy all through my time in Rishikesh, I was so excited to lastly arrive proper right here.
In distinction to the additional commercialized vacationer spots scattered all through India, Varkala presents a serene getaway with its spectacular cliffside views, pristine seashores, and a vibe that’s every relaxed and deeply invigorating. This whole data to Varkala is your all-access go to exploring Varkala, a trip spot that have to be on every traveller’s bucket document, notably when visiting the South of India.
On this weblog publish, I will share the proper points to do in Varkala, do it’s important to be planning your journey!
Why Go to Varkala?
Varkala simply is not your typical vacationer seaside trip spot; it’s a spot the place the cliffs meet the ocean in a dramatic confluence of nature’s artistry. I don’t suppose I’ve ever been someplace the place the first ‘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 town of Varkala presents one factor for everyone – whether or not or not you’re a yoga fanatic in the hunt for real yoga programs, a surfer in a position to catch some waves (though small), or a practice lover determined to dive into Kerala’s rich heritage, culinary immersions and cliff-top consuming locations.
Varkala is well-known for its meals too. There is a nice exploration of flavours, with seafood taking centre stage and being served up in a lot of of these cliff-top consuming locations. Most of the consuming locations have an amazing view all through the ocean too!
To verify the perfect experience, notably for many who’ve certainly not been to India sooner than, we extraordinarily counsel finding out regarding the realities of travelling to India sooner than you go to Varkala.
Get lifetime entry to my infinite hours of research and time spent on the underside discovering the proper areas to eat, drink, loosen up and uncover inside the area. You merely open the Google Map in your system and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Most interesting Time to Go to Varkala
Varkala enjoys a tropical native climate, with the proper time to go to being from October to March when the local weather is cooler and good. I say cooler, it was nonetheless 35 ranges after I visited in January and I found I was retiring to the ocean or to the AC in my room from midday – 3pm. Nonetheless, these are the cooler months.
This time might be the peak vacationer season, so you need to undoubtedly plan your journey upfront. We didn’t have an extreme quantity of different when It obtained right here to lodging on account of we left it til ultimate minute. To experience the proper points to do in Varkala, you’ll want to secure lodging near 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 freeway, with the Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station being solely a fast drive from the first seaside area connecting you to Kochi and Alleppey.
Learn to Uncover Lodging in Varkala, India:
Guesthouses, Homestays, and Cottages in Varkala:
Study Airbnb for guesthouses, homestays, and cottages in Varkala. For solo travellers visiting India, it’s important to do your evaluation and plan correctly. On this full data to solo journey, Seren shares useful ideas for solo journey in India that may even be utilized to Varkala. From understanding the custom and native customs to being attentive to safety measures, thorough evaluation is crucial to a worthwhile solo journey in India.
We stayed at Gypsy Walker in Varkala (North Cliffs) for £30 per night time time with AC. It was a number of minute stroll to the cliff prime and was good. There are numerous fairly areas to stay in Varkala nevertheless we left it til ultimate minute so our various was positively the proper of the bunch kinda job!
Resorts, Resorts, and Beachside Lodging in Varkala:
For a wide array of motels, resorts, and beachside lodging in Varkala, go to reserving.com. Flick via the alternatives and choose the one that most nearly fits your preferences.
Hostels and Funds Lodging in Varkala:
While you’re travelling on a funds, there are hostels on the market in Varkala. These present fairly priced lodging decisions and are an necessary various for budget-conscious travellers. Seek for funds lodging in Varkala proper right here.
Ayurvedic Retreat Services and Yoga Resorts in Varkala:
Varkala and this space mainly are recognized for Ayurvedic therapies and yoga retreats. While you’re in the hunt for a holistic wellness experience, take into consideration staying at an Ayurvedic retreat centre or a yoga resort.
Listed below are just some completely different areas to check out!
- Palm Tree Heritage
- The Gateway Lodge Varkala
- Clafouti Seashore Resort
- Hindustan Seashore Retreat
- Vedanta Wake Up!
- Deshadan Cliff & Seashore Resort
- Akhil Seashore Resort
- Varkala Marine Palace
- Bluewater Seashore Resort
- Prashanthi Cliff Resort
Bear in mind to e guide your lodging upfront, notably all through peak vacationer seasons, to secure your hottest various in Varkala.
1. Varkala Seashore (Papanasam Seashore)
The crown jewel of Varkala, Papanasam Seashore (foremost seaside), is famed for its therapeutic and non secular properties. The seaside is a perfect spot for a soothing day beneath the photo voltaic with many native firms offering deckchairs and umbrellas for a small worth. Throughout the midday heat you’ll want to be beneath the umbrella or cooling off inside the ocean!
This seaside has the bonus of a stunning sunset view that paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. Don’t overlook to take a dip inside 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 found adjoining to the Arabian Sea.
The attractive crimson rocks cannot be missed and are best admired from the seaside itself. Lined with quaint cafes, vibrant retailers, and Ayurvedic therapeutic therapeutic massage centres, the cliff presents a panoramic view of the sprawling sea beneath. It’s the right place to have the benefit of a leisurely stroll or sit once more and watch the world go by.
3. Janardanaswamy Temple
This 2000-year-old temple is a giant non secular web site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It’s positioned close to the Papanasam foremost seaside. the temple’s architectural magnificence and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit for these looking for peace and non secular notion, top-of-the-line points to do in Varkala for many who’re on a Spiritual Quest!
4. Go to an Real Yoga Class
This was what launched me to Varkala. My buddy from Rishikesh had actually actually helpful Varakala as a result of the Spiritual hub of the south, someplace good to use with real yoga teachers.
My associates recommendation was Mathatitu Yoga Teaching & TTC Center the place they’ve drop-in programs Mon-Sat at 8:30AM. All these locations and ideas are included in my India Google Map Legend.
5. Anjengo Fort
Delve into historic previous on the Anjengo Fort, a Seventeenth-century fort established by the British East India Agency. The fort presents a glimpse into the colonial earlier of India and provides picturesque views of the ocean and the backwaters.
6. Shopping and Water Sports activities actions
For the adrenaline junkies, top-of-the-line points to do in Varkala is to leap inside the water. And there’s surf proper right here… usually!
Varkala’s seashores present great surf breaks which is likely to be glorious for every learners and seasoned surfers. There are a selection of surf faculties alongside the seaside the place you’ll rent instruments or take lessons.
7. Ayurvedic Treatments
No journey to Kerala is full with out experiencing its historic wellness customized – Ayurveda. Varkala is residence to fairly a number of real Ayurvedic amenities the place you’ll delight in rejuvenating therapies and massages that promise to heal the physique and ideas. You’ll be spoilt for various in case you arrive, merely go for a wander!
8. Culinary Delights
The culinary scene in Varkala is a pleasing combination of typical Kerala delicacies and worldwide flavors. Seafood is a neighborhood specialty, and there are a lot of beachfront cafes and consuming locations the place you’ll have the benefit of freshly caught fish, prawns, and crabs, cooked to perfection. Clafouti Restaurant have been serving up some spectacular seafood! Abba Consuming locations seafood sizzler was moreover excellent!
Distinctive Experiences in Varkala
Whereas Varkala is known for its attractive seashores and cliffside views, there are only a few distinctive experiences that you simply simply shouldn’t miss all through your go to:
Take a ship expertise inside the backwaters – Varkala is situated close to the scenic backwaters of Kerala. Hop onto a regular houseboat or a canoe and uncover the serene waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and coconut palms.
Witness a Kathakali effectivity – Immerse your self inside the vibrant world of Kerala’s typical dance sort, Kathakali. Attend a effectivity the place knowledgeable artists clad in vibrant costumes and elaborate make-up portray mythological tales by dance and music.
Try a cooking class – Kerala is renowned for its delicious delicacies, and Varkala presents the right various to be taught to prepare dinner dinner typical dishes. Take a cooking class the place you’ll uncover the secrets and techniques and strategies behind in fashion Kerala recipes and savor your particular person creations.
Attend a yoga and meditation retreat – With its tranquil atmosphere and pure magnificence, Varkala is a haven for yoga and meditation lovers. Be part of a retreat or a workshop the place you’ll deepen your apply, rejuvenate your ideas, and uncover inner peace amidst the scenic atmosphere.
Go to a neighborhood fishing village – Make a journey to a close-by fishing village and witness the colorful lives of the native fishermen. Experience their every day routines, examine typical fishing strategies, and luxuriate in a method of freshly caught seafood straight from the fishing nets.
These distinctive experiences will add a further layer of richness to your journey to Varkala, allowing you to immerse your self inside the native custom and create lasting reminiscences.
Areas to eat and drink in Varkala, India
After a day of exploring and absorbing the photo voltaic in Varkala, taking a stroll alongside the cliff and deciding on a restaurant to stare out on the ocean from is full bliss.
From native specialties to worldwide delights, Varkala presents a numerous range of consuming decisions that cater to every palate. The town’s consuming locations and cafes not solely serve delicious meals however moreover current a novel ambiance, whether or not or not it’s consuming with a view of the glowing Arabian Sea or having enjoyable with the laid-back atmosphere of a beachside café.
- Sujata Restaurant – £5-8 per particular person Provides delicious Indian dishes at budget-friendly prices.
- Abba Restaurant – Super in fashion nevertheless good quite a few menu which we ate twice at and have been utterly happy!
- Jasmine Bay – £7-12 per particular person Provides a combination of Indian and worldwide cuisines with a beachside ambiance.
- Clafouti Seashore Resort – £8-15 per particular person Benefit from tasty meals and beautiful ocean views correct by the seaside.
- Juice Shack – £3-6 per particular person Supreme for quick bites and refreshing drinks at budget-friendly prices.
- Darjeeling Café – £10-14 per particular person Fusion flavors of Indian and continental dishes in a comfortable setting.
- Chill Out Lounge – £12-18 per particular person A hub for various cuisines along with Indian, Chinese language language, and additional.
- Curry Leaf Restaurant – £12-16 per particular person Acknowledged for offering real Kerala delicacies and flavorful dishes.
- Mother’s Kitchen – £12-15 per particular person A most suitable option for vegetarian and vegan decisions 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, blended with the pure magnificence and cultural richness, makes it a trip spot that you simply simply’ll want to return to many times. So pack your baggage, and put together to experience the magic of Varkala.
To boost your Varkala experience and save time discovering the proper spots to go to in Varkala, our India Google Map Legend might be your best journey data!
Have you ever ever been to Varkala?
What are the proper points to do in Varkala? One thing you’d add to this Varkala bucket document?
Love as on a regular basis and utterly happy adventuring…
Get lifetime entry to my infinite hours of research and time spent on the underside discovering the proper areas to eat, drink, loosen up and uncover inside the area. You merely open the Google Map in your system and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.