varkala is a true paradise, offering the ideal setting for those in search of nature, adventure, relaxation, and spirituality. It quickly became one of our favorite beach towns we've ever explored. If you're still uncertain about what to do, where to stay, or the best spots to visit, we've got you covered.

**HOW MANY DAYS** | 2 to 5

**BEST TIME TO VISIT |** Oct to Mar

**WHERE TO STAY |**
Shamak Homestay

**TOP THINGS TO SEE |**
Varkala Beach, Golden Island

**HOW TO GET AROUND |** walk, rent a scooter or take tuktuks

We came to Varkala expecting great waves and a laid-back surf vibe, but we ended up falling in love with the town in ways we didn’t anticipate. The cliffs are absolutely breathtaking, and each beach has its own unique charm. With stunning viewpoints, peaceful temples, and plenty to explore, we found ourselves completely immersed—and honestly, we loved how easy it was to pamper both body and mind while being here.

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HOW MANY DAYS FOR VARKALA?

To fully enjoy Varkala without rushing, we suggest spending at least three nights—enough time to explore the main sights and still have a full day to relax by the beach. If you’re into surfing, yoga, or Ayurvedic treatments, consider extending your stay. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down… and stay a little longer than planned.

WHEN TO VISIT VARKALA?

The best time to visit Varkala is between November and March, when the weather is sunny, dry, and perfect for the beach—temperatures usually sit between 28°C and 33°C. December to February are the busiest months, while November and March are a bit quieter and more relaxed. The monsoon season runs from June to October, with lots of rain, high humidity, and rough seas—not ideal for beach time, but great if you're after some peace and quiet.
We were there in March and loved stumbling into temple festival season—think local celebrations, cultural shows, and colorful processions.

WHERE TO STAY?

The best area to stay in Varkala is along the North Cliff, where you’ll find clifftop cafes, yoga studios, and epic sea views just steps away. It’s lively, walkable, and has a wide range of places to stay—especially great for budget travelers, with plenty of hostels, homestays, and affordable guesthouses. If you’re after something quieter, South Cliff offers a more peaceful vibe with fewer crowds and more space, perfect for a relaxed getaway or a retreat-style stay. Check out our handpicked stays below—there’s something for every travel style and budget.

BUDGET | Shamak Homestay is a cozy, thoughtfully decorated guesthouse where we stayed ourselves. It offers a mix of fan and AC rooms, some with balconies, and a delicious paid breakfast—all tucked away in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood.

COMFORT | Kerala Cottage offers beachfront bliss with air-conditioned cottages, private balconies, and lush tropical gardens—perfect for a peaceful coastal stay.

ESCAPE | Villa Jacaranda is a stylish escape on Varkala’s South Cliff, featuring spacious rooms, AC, a tranquil garden, and a refreshing pool to cool off after beach walks.

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HOW TO GET TO VARKALA?

The easiest way to reach Varkala is by train—Varkala train station is well connected and just a short ride from the cliffs or beach area. A tuk-tuk or taxi from the station usually costs around ₹150. The nearest airport is Trivandrum (TRV), about 45 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or local train to reach Varkala comfortably. Skip the hassle of buying a local SIM in India — get your Saily eSIM before arrival and stay connected throughout your Kerala trip with ease!

HOW TO GET AROUND VARKALA?

If you’re staying near the cliff, Varkala is perfect to explore on foot—everything’s close and the views are stunning. We rented a scooter for a couple of days to explore the area at our own pace, which turned out to be way more affordable than taking tuk-tuks, especially if you’re planning to visit a few spots in one day. Just watch out for the occasional pothole, cows, or unexpected turns—traffic is pretty relaxed, but still something to be mindful of.
That said, if you’re just hopping between the North and South Cliffs, a tuk-tuk is the easiest option. We usually paid around ₹150 for that ride.

PRICE | ₹450 | €5 | US$5 per scooter per day

OUR FAVORITE BEACHES

Varkala Beach

Also known as Papanasham Beach, this is Varkala’s main stretch of sand and holds deep spiritual significance. Where the beach road meets the sea, Hindu families often perform rituals to scatter the ashes of loved ones into the ocean with the help of local priests. Out of respect, it’s best not to swim or sunbathe in this section.

The beach itself is wide and spacious, with soft, golden-brown sand that’s pleasant to walk on. The northern end is the busiest, and the only place where you can rent loungers and an umbrella for ₹400—arrive early, as spots are limited.

For a quieter stretch, head further south, but be prepared for no shade—best to avoid the midday heat. The waves are often rough, so swimming isn’t ideal, but lifeguards are present and will step in if needed.

Kappil Beach

Kappil Beach is a long, windswept stretch of sand about 7 km north of Varkala, where the Arabian Sea meets the calm backwaters of Edava Lake. It’s much quieter than the beaches near the cliffs, ideal for a peaceful escape. The beach feels wild and open, with golden sand, swaying palms, and barely any crowds. A narrow strip of land separates the sea from the lake, and the nearby bridge offers stunning panoramic views of both. Swimming isn’t recommended here due to strong currents and the lack of lifeguards, but it’s a beautiful spot for a walk or simply soaking in the untouched coastal scenery.

Northern Coast

The coastal walk from Varkala’s North Cliff to Odayam Beach is especially beautiful during golden hour, when the sun casts a warm glow over the cliffs and sea. The path begins just beyond the cafés and winds along the dramatic red cliffs, offering stunning ocean views the whole way.

Along the route, you’ll pass the small Black Sand Beach, known for its unique dark shore—it’s a striking spot, though it can feel a bit crowded due to its size. A little further on lies Odayam Beach, a quieter stretch with a relaxed vibe and fewer people, ideal for soaking in the peaceful coastal atmosphere.

PADDLE & PADDLE

Kayak to the Golden Island or through Mangroves

Golden Island truly captured our hearts with its stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. We visited early in the morning and had the place almost entirely to ourselves—it felt like stepping into a serene world, surrounded only by nature and a few friendly faces.

Kayaking here is especially magical at sunrise or sunset. We chose sunrise, since sunsets were often cloudy during our stay. The guided tour glides through calm backwaters to the small Golden Island Temple, which non-Hindus can also visit. While the temple is modest, its lush, tranquil setting makes the experience feel truly special. The 2-hour experience includes everything you need—kayaks, paddles, and life vests—and you can even try stand-up paddleboarding if you’re up for it.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Munroe Island, consider a kayaking trip through the mangrove forests near Nedungolam in nearby Paravur. It’s a peaceful, nature-filled escape just a short ride from Varkala.

OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)

WHERE | Shiva Kayaking

PRICE | ₹650 | €7 | US$8 pp for 2h

Learn How to Surf

Surfing in Varkala is a great way to start your day, especially if you’re a beginner. Sven, who’s been hooked on surfing for a while now, took lessons with Moana Surf Club, which offers affordable rates and a solid teaching approach.

Each instructor typically teaches just two students, so you get plenty of personal guidance. Lessons usually happen in the morning and include 90 minutes in the water, plus tuk-tuk transport to and from Paravur Beach—a great spot with shallow water, small to medium waves, and no rocks. It’s ideal for beginners, though crowd levels can vary. Weekends are usually busier, but Sven once had a nearly private session on a Saturday—so sometimes it’s just a matter of luck.

PRICE | ₹1500 | €16 | US$17 per lesson

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BALANCE MIND AND BODY

Stretch in a Yoga Class

There are plenty of yoga classes around Varkala, from beachside sessions to homestay offerings. Our favorite was Samasthiti School of Yoga, where the standout for us was the instructor Suneesh. He has a calm, grounded presence and makes sure everyone practices at their own level, offering gentle corrections and clear guidance throughout the class. Each movement is well explained, and assistance is always there when needed. Most of the time, we were just 4–5 people—making it feel almost like a private session.

OPEN | 8:00 a.m. and 4 p.m.

WHERE | Samasthiti School of Yoga

PRICE | ₹500 | €5 | US$6 per 90 min class

Take an Ayurvedic Treatment

If you’ve never tried Ayurveda before, Varkala is the perfect place to dive in. This ancient Indian healing system uses natural therapies, herbal oils, and diet to bring your body and mind back into balance. Most treatments start with a doctor consultation, so it’s not just about relaxation—it's tailored to your individual needs, whether you're dealing with stress, digestion issues, or simply looking to feel better overall.

Ingrid had done Ayurvedic treatments before in Sri Lanka and other parts of India, but her 5-day program at Bhumiveda in Varkala really stood out. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and kind, and everything—from the massages to the herbal teas—felt thoughtfully personalized. If you’re even a little curious, we definitely recommend giving it a try.

WHERE | Bhumiveda

PRICE | starting at ₹1500 | €16 | US$17

Beyond the Beach: Culture & Legacy

Sri Janardhana Swami Temple

This 2,000-year-old temple sits right above Varkala Beach and is an important spiritual site for locals. While non-Hindus aren't allowed inside the inner sanctum, you can still admire the intricate architecture, detailed stone carvings, and the peaceful courtyard setting.

Watching the flow of daily rituals and offerings gives a quiet insight into Kerala’s deep-rooted temple traditions.

Sivagiri Mutt

Just a short ride from town, Sivagiri Mutt is a peaceful hilltop ashram built in honor of Sri Narayana Guru, a respected spiritual leader who promoted equality and education in Kerala.

The grounds are quiet and open to visitors, with a small museum and great views from the top. You’ll often see monks and followers dressed in yellow robes, which represent purity and simplicity in their beliefs.

Anjuthengu Fort

Located about 12 km south of Varkala, Anjuthengu Fort is a quiet, lesser-visited historical site built by the British East India Company in the late 1600s. It once served as a key trading post and military base.

Today, you can walk along the old stone walls, explore the inside, and enjoy peaceful views of the surrounding coconut groves and the nearby beach. There’s not much signage, but the calm atmosphere and rich history make it worth a visit.

WHERE TO EAT IN VARKALA?

Cafe Trip is Life quickly became our favorite spot in Varkala! Tucked away from the main cliffs, you’ll need a scooter or tuk-tuk to reach it—but the trip is totally worth it. The café serves a tasty mix of Indian and Western dishes, and the ocean-view setting through its big glass windows is simply stunning. Whether you’re coming for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s a great place to linger—or just stop by for a coffee and that perfect photo.

PRICE | NT$450 - $600 | €4.5 - €6 | US$4.5 - $6

Tide & Table impressed us with every South and North Indian dish we tried! The flavors were spot on, portions generous, and everything freshly made—you can really taste the difference. Don’t miss the Prawn Masala and Fish Tikka with fresh Parotta; they were our absolute favorites. Just like many cliffside spots, it also comes with a stunning ocean view that makes every meal even better.

PRICE | NT$250 - $500 | €2.5- €5 | US$2.7 - $5

Hotel Aryas was our go-to vegetarian spot in Varkala! Their lunch thali is a must-try—flavorful, filling, and a great way to sample a variety of South Indian dishes on one plate. While it's not up on the cliffs, it’s absolutely worth the short detour if you have a scooter. We kept coming back for both lunch and dinner thanks to the tasty, classic vegetarian meals.

PRICE | NT$100 - $170 | €1- €2 | US$1 - $2

For a breakfast with heart and flavor, head to Tickety Boo. This small local spot quickly became our favorite for South Indian staples like masala dosa, chai, and especially idli. It’s run by a team of deaf and non-verbal staff—ordering is simple and friendly, just point at the menu and use your fingers for quantity. If you’re new to South Indian cuisine, this is a great place to dive in. Start with idli, a soft, steamed rice cakes served with warm sambar and creamy coconut chutney. It’s comfort food at its best.

PRICE | NT$60 - $100 | €0.6- €1 | US$0.6 - $1

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