Varkala is a fantastic and cheap backpacking destination in Kerala. Laid-back and serene, it is the only cliff by the beach in Kerala.I had to cancel a trek of mine twice to handle some issues at work and these aren't the best times of my life. The frustration started building up and I had to make a quick escape to nature. Kerala seemed to be a good choice as the monsoon was ending and this is when the "God's own country" shines in the best of colors. It's a popular surfing destination of India. Post-monsoon is the best season for the expert surfers. The high-tide surfing is a treat to the eyes. The vibrant promenade stretches for 1.5 kms on the north cliff. Themed cafes, libraries, art galleries, ayurvedic massage and treatment centers, yoga centers, flea shopping, fill up this street overlooking the blue Arabian sea. The sunset by the cliff is apt for those soul searching moments for which I travel solo. A few kms ride from the cliff got me to this beautiful road where I got the most spectacular view of Kappil beach on one side and the backwaters on the other. Further few kms ride got me to the local fisherman villages by the beautiful Edava lake. My favorite cafes in Varkala Cliff1. Bohemian - for fresh organic food 2. Trattorias - best home made pastas and Indian food 3. Coffee Temple - my fav breakfast place for delicious avocado & hummus baguettes 4. Cafe Italiano - for the roof-top view, gives a feeling of dining on a ship. 5. Darjeeling cafe - for oriental and Indian cuisine 6. ABBA - for excellent European food and baked cheese cake Accommodation: Rooms are available in all ranges from backpacking budget to luxurious resorts. Smart ones like me would look for a basic room in a resort, where I get to enjoy all the luxuries of the beach facing resort and still pay only Rs. 300 per night :) I spent some totally laidback, stress-buster days here. I got spoilt for choice. I would wake up in the morning, get out of the room and sleep a little more on these hammocks :) I needed to walk just a few steps for excellent ginger lemon honey tea and organic brunch and step down the cliff, straight into the sea to enjoy the swim and the sunbath I met some interesting people over coffee: So, this European cafe owner refused to serve to me before I danced a few steps with him and he thanked me with a gooey homemade chocolate cake on the house. A decent guy from Nagaland, working at one of the cafes, was so happy to know that I've traveled to his state and he ended up talking to me for hours about his state. It was a pleasant feeling to enjoy the sunset and walk down for some sea facing candle-lit dinners, sensing the cool breeze and sound of the waves. Do I need to mention that I came back home with a completely rejuvenated soul?? Best Time to visit VarkalaI personally recommend the off-season (mid-October to November or March) when it is relaxed and tranquil. It gets crowded and expensive in peak season - December-January. How to reach VarkalaIt is 50 kms (1.5 hours) away from Trivandrum and 160kms (5 hours) from Cochin. Buses / Trains / Taxis are easily available from these cities to Varkala.
Related Posts:
23 Comments
12/17/2015 15:34:35
Lovely lovely post showing the colors and the laid-back vibe of the place.
Reply
Rishabh Mendon
12/21/2015 16:20:26
How do you come across such amazing places? Didn't know they existed here in our country!
Reply
12/21/2015 17:27:05
Thanks a lot Rishabh :)
Reply
Abhinav Singh
12/24/2015 17:07:23
Trust you to come up with most unusual destinations. Who would have thought Varkala can be so beautiful. Thanks to your blog, I am tempted to go!
Reply
12/25/2015 00:17:56
Thanks Abhinav! I know you would blindly wanna go to all the places selected by me :)
Reply
1/14/2016 19:23:15
Hi Rohit,
Reply
Manikantan
1/27/2016 18:20:50
Love the images. Varkala is very close to my hometown, and it remained a fairly niche destination until recently.
Reply
2/2/2016 14:51:25
Thanks a lot Manikantan. Your hometown and the proximity are really beautiful!
Reply
AS
1/29/2016 20:05:31
Which place was 300 bucks a night for the room? Do let us know.
Reply
1/12/2017 12:38:30
Thanks a lot Sophia. Wish you good luck for your travels
Reply
Anindya
1/15/2017 20:05:42
Where did u stay? May i knw the name of the homestay /resort
Reply
Nayan
4/30/2017 23:35:12
Hey Medhavi. This post is quite old but beautifully laid out. So i am planning to go to Varkala this may. I was hoping if i could get some info like is this a nice time to visit and other stuff too?
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorNamaste! I'm Medhavi Davda.
I travel to Evolve.. In Nature, I confide.. I find my calling in the Himalayas.. In the Oceans, I meditate.. A High-Altitude Trekker & PADI certified SCUBA Diver, I love exploring the heights and depths of the planet with my regular doses of mountains and oceans. Discovering myself & life through nature, adventures, travels, sports and dance has been an addiction since my existence! Quite fond of the natural & cultural diversity of India, I've travelled extensively in my own country before exploring international destinations. I had left my 9+ yrs of career in Software Industry in a quest to make a living out of my passions. I packed my basics in my car (gave away the rest) and lived in different parts of Himachal Pradesh for 16 months. This invaluable time taught me to experience life from a broader perspective. I'm currently living in Mumbai to work with an Adventure Travel company as a product manager for Scuba Diving. I continue living a minimalistic life. RavenousLegs on InstagramRavenousLegs on FaceBookRavenousLegs on TwitterRecent PostsAnnapurna Base Camp Trek from Ghandruk Village - the shortest route to ABC Trek
Bandipur - a charming Newari heritage town in Himalayas Khajuraho Temples: symbolism of sacred union of the divine - feminine energy & masculine consciousness Walking along the heritage town of Orchha - a hidden gem of Bundelkhand Sanchi Stupa - the best preserved Buddhist monument of India Taj-UI-Masajid, Bhopal - the largest mosque in India Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - my outdoor history classroom |