Varkala: A hidden gem located in God's own country

Before starting this blog, I would like you to understand the background of my journey. I am a traveler who loves to explore unexplored or unspoiled destinations.

India has a coastal line of over 7500 km while the worldwide popular destination is just Goa because of the influence of its culture and cuisine. I was curiously searching for an offbeat destination that can give me a similar vibe as Goa with a bit of relaxation. Hence a bit of google research and several discussions at travel platforms has landed me in Varkala- The only cliff beach town in Kerala.

Varkala is crafted as a blue town by nature with a clear blue sky and endless water of the Arabian sea. Unlike other destinations, Varkala comes with different flavors where you may go for a party near North cliff or just chill near South cliff, Varkala is basically divided into 2 parts- North cliff and South cliff, In whichever part you are you will spend the majority of your time near the blue ocean water during day or night.

Initially, I have planned to spend every evening at a different cafe but I soon end up spending most of the evenings at Black beach resort cafe due to its unique location. Out of all the cafes, Black beach resort cafe and Jairam cafe are the only cafes located right on the edge of the seashore. 

"Ye Dil Mange More" - In spite of searching the cafe with the best sea view my craving to find some other unique place was not fulfilled and special thanks to Google baba for taking me to a complete virgin beautiful place located at the South cliff - "Cliff Stories" A cafe located on the top of the cliff where you may relax on a sunbath chair and enjoy the panoramic view of the sun dipping in the ocean at 6pm in the evening. 

Must not exclude while you are in Varkala

Drive to Kapil beach- Yes you read it right, it is not the beach it's the view that differentiates it from other beaches. It is so hard to find a path with sea on one side and backwaters on the other and that's what makes Kapil beach different from others.

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Ponnumthuruthu island- Also known as Golden island. This island is situated in Anjengo lake surrounded by lush green trees and a picturesque spot to relax. The island also contains a 100 years old Hindu temple.

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Munroe island- This place will give you the feel of the Gondola ride of Venice in your own country. With serene backwaters, canals, and dense nature, this place deserves not to be bargained. We haven't booked our canoe (boat ride) in advance and were easily able to find one post reaching the island. Munroe islands is a group (cluster) of 8 islands.

Tip- Munroe is located almost 2 hours (50 km) away from Varkala, ideal way to reach Munroe island is to rent a bike from Varkala. Do not listen to touts in Varkala as you will get a very good deal for a boat ride once you reach the island.

Janardhana Swami Temple- This temple is around 2000 years old. The majority of pilgrims visit here to perform final rites for their loved ones. This temple is located near Varkala beach which is also known as papanasham beach.

If you are the one who loves to spend time at secluded places and can watch the sea and waves for hours then you shouldn't skip the Black beach and Odayam beach. 

 

Activities to do in Varkala

Ayurvedic massage/treatment - Kerala receives the majority of foreign medical tourists around the year, there is some magic in the ayurvedic treatment of Kerala which cannot be expressed in words. I took my 7 days rejuvenation therapy treatment from IHA Ayurveda resort, Varkala, and the result was simply superb.

Yoga- If Rishikesh is known to be the world's yoga capital then I would say Varkala is the yoga capital for at least south India. You would find regular yoga classes in almost every hotel/resort or even in hostels in Varkala. The ideal cost for a yoga session is Rs.300/-.

Kayaking- Prior to this I have done kayaking in the foreign land of Vietnam though the experience of Kayaking in the backwaters of Kerala, with serene canals, was completely a different and unique experience. We paid Rs.1000/- to rent a kayak for 3 odd hours.

Water surfing- If you are an expert then you may rent a surfing board and you are all set to play with the waves else you may opt for surfing classes with a nominal fee of Rs.1000/- per class.

 

Not just a stay it is an experience

Usually, we all lookout for accommodation options as per our budget which is not the right approach for this destination, let me explain further. Are you a person who loves booze in a swimming pool while looking at the ocean or are you a person who likes to stay in a peaceful place surrounded by lush green trees approximately a few meters away from the hustle-bustle of the beach crowd or are you a backpacker who loves to be surrounded by like-minded people in a party hostel?

So you better got your answer. Few resorts which I can recommend for an ocean view includes Cliff talkies resort located at South cliff or Krishnatheeram resort located at North cliff (Approximate cost - Rs.3000/- on twin sharing) and the second option for a peaceful stay includes Shiva Garden which is located approximately a few meters away from the North cliff beach (Here you will find a variety of accommodation options i.e. Dorm beds,  standard rooms, or even apartments) and the third recommended option for backpackers looking for the party crowd includes Lost hostel which is the most reasonable one as well. I personally stayed in both Lost hostel and Shiva garden and both options are highly recommended depending on your interest.

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Where to eat

The north cliff of Varkala is lined with awesome cafes since I have already discussed the cafes with the best view, the taste of food is quite similar though I didn't found any difference even at the most popular cafes i.e. Del mar and Darjeeling cafe.

Undoubtedly you will get the best view from the cafes located at the seashore though you need to explore the main town if you really wish to explore the traditional Kerala food served on banana leaves.

I would like to highly recommend a small restaurant for traditional Kerala cuisine- Hotel Suprabhatham located on the railway station road or Juicy cafe located near North cliff. 

Shopping in Varkala

The ground rule of doing shopping is to bargain with shopkeepers but not with poor hawkers, traditional products to take home include coir made handicrafts, seashells, Kerala spices, Fridge magnets, and beach clothes.  

The most popular place where you will find all these products include seaside shops at North cliff and Varkala city. 

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Commute within the city

Self-drive bikes are available for Rs.300/- a day and you are free to take your bike anywhere in Kerala, you may also consider auto (tuk-tuk) to commute within Varkala as commercial cabs i.e. Ola/Uber are still not operational here.

How to reach

Air- The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International airport which is located around 45 km from Varkala.  

Train- Varkala has its own train station called Varkala Sivagiri.

Bus- Varkala bus stand is well connected with major towns of Kerala.

 

What else you should expect from Varkala

Do not think much just go for it before Varkala turn up to be a commercial, expensive and overcrowded destination just like its counterpart Goa. This place is meant to rejuvenate, spend a good time with your loved ones or even solo, and do a little party. The people of Varkala are so much welcoming and helpful and broadminded due to the influence of tourists from the western world.

This blue town can give competition to any popular southeast Asia's beach destination but we Indian's are more finicky and crazy about a foreign land while foreigners love to spend their leisure time in Varkala.

Just visit Varkala and feel the magic in its air, sunset, majestic view of the sea during the evening and take my words you will fall in love with this magical blue town.

The Winter months from November till February is the most pleasant time to visit Varkala as considering the tropical weather, Kerala is usually hot throughout the year.

 

If you are thinking of heading to some new place this New year, then Varkala is for you. Varkala is not just a destination but an experience.

 

Some Important contact details

Bike rental – Umar 8129518721

Surfing board, Kayak, Bicycle rental – Shiva Garden 9349460261

Ayurvedic massage/treatment – IHA Ayurveda resort, Varkala 8714103099

Further details/assistance for bookings: Travel Apps

Travelers may feel free to approach me at 9910326647 or prateeksapra.p@gmail.com for further assistance.

About the author

Prateek Sapra is based out of New Delhi. A crazy nomad who loves to explore unexplored and offbeat destinations. He believes that every destination has a message that communicates with him. With each trip, he tries to express the message he receives from each destination through the mode of words and tells the world. "Be what you are, others are already sold" This is what he lives by.