VARKALA

Hi there 🙂 Heading to Varkala? The below short read might be helpful. Also, Varkala beach is one of the first images you will stumble across when researching your trip to Kerala.

I traveled from Thekkady (Periyar) to Varkala via public transport i.e two buses which took about 6+ hours including the wait time. The bus route was Thekkady – Mundakayam – Varkala (55 + 145 bucks). The views are great on the way to Varkala and you will see many pineapple farms among many others. I also witnessed the Sabrimala Pilgrim Procession.

After reaching, checked into The Lost Hostel (Varkala Helipad) which is very budget friendly (1600 including taxes for 2 days) and also at a walk-able distance from Varkala Beach. The check-in is hassle free, the dorm room/bed was clean and the crowd was good too whilst I visited. You will find many solo travelers/Digital nomads. After the tiring bus travel and a quick bath, headed towards the beach. It was almost 7ish and hunger strikes so as you are walking along the cliff you will see various outlets and I decided to visit the Cafe Italiano which has good view and especially the seating area on top front-side is great. It has great service and pocket friendly based on ambiance and view. Since it was night you wouldn’t see the sea waves but all the black space is the Sea waves and salty air. Kinda perfect day or evening place. After eating, continued my stroll at the cliff and later wanted to access the sand, so simply took one of several steep staircases that wind down from the narrow path on the edges of the Northern Cliffs (making sure to say hello to the friendly troop of pups that call this home). That’s how the cliff view is at the night, Overall the place is very lively and safe.

The next sunrise – walked to beach again and saw a few people take Surfing classes. Was good to see them and enjoy the view also early morning the beach is less crowded so it perfect for enjoying yourself, relaxing, doing yoga or clicking good pictures. After a very long walk at the beach it was almost time for breakie so visited the Coffee Temple which offers a plethora of meal options (including many veggie choices), this place is famous for – understandably – its coffee. They do also sell coverts beers, but this will only be provided with a meal. I tried a milkshake along with Mushroom on toast which costed 340 bucks. Due to the abundance of beach, beer and general lounging i spent most of the time by the cliff or beach. You can also indulge in an Ayurvedic Massage (i didn’t try that). Around evening visited the Darjeeling cafe which is very vibrant and offers a great range of eating options. I had beers and a snack for 630 bucks and this is a great place to hang out. Make sure you sit somewhere near the entrance as the view will be better.

Note: Incase you want to visit some nearby place (like me) you can visit the Jatayu Earth’s Centre (28 km) from the Varkala Cliff. All the deatils follow in the subsequent Jatayu Blog.

Also the Next Stop is Kovalam which is detailed in separate blog as well. Thanks for reading and i hope it was helpful. Cheers!