Varkala, in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, is, in my opinion, the perfect place to explore the beaches of Kerala. The reddish-brown Varkala cliff, perfect for surfing Varkala Beach, and the hippie vibes made me fall in love with Varkala. almost instantly. With the countless almost hanging cafes and homestays on the North Cliff, Varkala is no longer an isolated paradise; it has become a cult favorite.
I recently visited Varkala with my friends and had the time of my life because of how young the vibe of the place is. The nightlife is mesmerizing, the beaches breathtaking, the cafe’s serene, and the adventure sports thrilling to say the least.
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| Source - Expedia |
Varkala Cliff
Varkala is the only place in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. The view from Varkala Cliffs takes your eyes beyond the usual beach shore. North Cliff in Varkala has many cafes, small shops set up by people from Kashmir, Rajasthan, selling all kinds of hippie stuff. The south cliff in Varkala, on the other hand, is quiet and untouched by tourism. To get a ‘Varkala Feel’ you need to stroll around these cliffs and listen to worldly music being played in the cafe.
Black Sand Beach
A 15-minute walk from the North Cliff in Varkala, we could see a small stretch of black beach. Black Beach in Varkala is away from the hustle and crowd of the main Varkala beach and the cliff.
Kapil Beach and Kapil Lake
If you drive north from Varkala, you will reach Kapil Beach and Kapil Lake. There is a golden sand beach on one side and coconut trees surrounding a beautiful lake on the other. If you are looking for water activities around the scenic lake, there are a few options available for boating and kayaking.
Adventure Activities
Imagine you flying over the Varkala cliffs, admiring the views of the coconut forest and the beautiful coast of Varkala. That's exactly what paragliding off of Varakala Cliff would feel like. Varkala in Kerala is a perfect destination if you are looking to learn surfing. The beaches in Varkala got bigger waves for professionals as well as small ones.
Golden Island
Around 10 km from Varkala beach, the Golden Island is a small island in the middle of Anjengo backwaters. The island has a Shiva-Parvati Hindu temple, also known as the Golden Temple. This uninhabited island can be reached by ferry only.
Accomodations
In terms of staying in Varkala, you can either choose to stay at North Cliff, which is where most of the crowd will be. If you want a quiet and peaceful space for yourself, I will recommend you choose a place at South Cliff in Varkala. Varkala is becoming a more popular beach destination for the Indian crowd, and if you happen to plan a trip to Varkala during weekends, the prices may hike a bit. It's essential to choose accommodation that fits your travel style and preferences. Here are a few popular accommodation options for different budgets to include in a travel itinerary.
Spiritual Experiences
For a taste of Varkala’s spiritual and cultural heritage, visit the Janardhanaswamy Temple, a 2,000-year-old shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Follow that with a trip to Sivagiri Mutt, the ashram of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, for a peaceful spiritual retreat. History enthusiasts can also explore Anjengo Fort, built by the British East India Company, which offers a glimpse into the region’s colonial past.
Wellness Experiences
There are centers offer authentic Ayurvedic massages and treatments, whoch you can join. For a more holistic experience, join a yoga class by the beach or at one of the wellness retreats. If you’re a nature lover, a visit to Kappil Beach and Backwaters is a must. A peaceful boat ride through the backwaters offers a serene escape. Additionally, climbing the Varkala Lighthouse provides panoramic views of the coastline, while adventure seekers can try paragliding off the cliff for a thrilling experience.
Shopping
The Varkala Cliff Shops are great for picking up local handicrafts, jewelry, and clothes, while the Sivagiri Handicrafts Market is a good place to buy unique local souvenirs. For food lovers, Varkala’s cliffside cafes offer a variety of fresh seafood and local Kerala dishes. Popular spots like Abba Restaurant and Darjeeling Café provide great food with stunning views of the sea.
Final thoughts
A visit to Varkala offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, spiritual enrichment, wellness, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re lounging on the pristine beaches, exploring ancient temples, indulging in Ayurvedic treatments, or enjoying the vibrant cliffside cafes, Varkala has something for every traveler. Its serene backwaters, thrilling adventure options, and opportunities for authentic local experiences make it a must-visit destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. With its perfect balance of culture, nature, and modern comforts, Varkala promises a rejuvenating and enriching travel experience that caters to all kinds of visitors.
Written By Riya Jibu
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