Varkala - Backpacking Destination in Kerala

12/19/2015

Varkala - Backpacking Destination in Kerala

Varkala, the only cliff by the beach in Kerala, is a fantastic backpacking destination for its laid-back and serene vibe. 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.

Surfing at Varkala, Kerala

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.

Themed cafes & libraries, Varkala Cliff, Kerala

The sunset by the cliff is apt for those soul searching moments for which I travel solo.

Sunset vibes at Varkala, Kerala

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.

Kappil beach and backwaters, Varkala, Kerala

Further few kms ride got me to the local fisherman villages by the beautiful Edava lake.

Edava Lake, Varkala, Kerala

My favorite cafes in Varkala Cliff

1. 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

Organic food at Bohemian Cafe, Varkala Cliff, Kerala

TRATTORIAS - Cafe at Varkala Cliff, Kerala

Coffee Temple - Cafe at Varkala Cliff, Kerala

Cafe Italiano, Varkala, Kerala

Accommodation:
There are plenty of accommodation options in Varkala ranging from hostels, guest houses to sea-facing luxury resorts.

Varkala - Backpacking Destination in Kerala

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 Varkala

I 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 Varkala

It 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:

Romancing with monsoons in Wayanad

Backpacking in Mcleodganj & Dharamsala

22 Comments

Author

Namaste! 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 Instagram

Rajiv Verma link

12/17/2015 15:34:35

Lovely lovely post showing the colors and the laid-back vibe of the place.

Cheers,
Rajiv

Medhavi Davda link

11/26/2022 16:57:33

Thanks Rajiv :)

abhinav link

12/18/2015 12:16:02

Great set of pics and info

11/26/2022 16:57:19

Thanks Abhinav

Deepak Acharya link

12/18/2015 12:46:47

Looks like India's Bali :)

11/26/2022 16:57:01

Oh yes.. nice observation. I can relate to it now!

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!

Well, i must say the writing is really good and nicely garnished with amazing pictures...

Hope to see more of such exceedingly exotic places soon!

11/26/2022 16:56:11

Thanks a lot Rishabh :)
Keep connected, you'll see more of such places.

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!

Rohit Dua link

1/14/2016 17:54:43

When i look those picture i thought that Varkala, is situated outside India but when i read the blog and know that it is in Kerala. I can't believe this is the place which am gonna note in my Dairy. Because those place i note down i always travel there.

11/26/2022 16:55:42

Hi Rohit,

Sounds good that you added this in your list! Happy travels.

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.
Looking forward to discover such places from other parts of the country from your blog. Enjoy your travels!!

11/26/2022 16:55:26

Thanks a lot Manikantan. Your hometown and the proximity are really beautiful!

1/29/2016 20:05:31

Which place was 300 bucks a night for the room? Do let us know.

Samantha link

2/10/2016 16:25:22

Lovely Post,Lovely Places to see,i like that places,really gorgeous photos,i am really happy to read your article..

11/26/2022 16:55:06

Thank you Samantha

Sophia link

1/12/2017 12:26:20

Nice blog.. Good job.. Thank you so much for the information. It’s a great post...I love travelling and want to travel all over the world. Explore new places, adventurous thing sand many more. And photographs are just amazing. Keep writing !!!

11/26/2022 16:54:47

Thanks a lot Sophia. Wish you good luck for your travels.

Anindya

1/15/2017 20:05:42

Where did u stay? May i knw the name of the homestay /resort

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?

priyanka link

11/26/2018 13:06:14

hi,
what is the name of the place that you stayed at for 300 a night in varkala, kerala?

thanks
P

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