Varkala - Cheap Backpacking Destination

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.

When the skies are bluest and the grass greenest

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.

When the tides are the happiest

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.

Kappil beach and backwaters

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

Edava Lake

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

Cafe Italiano

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 :)

Ravenous Legs

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.
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