Varkala, India is the most famous resort town in Kerala. People come here to relax from the noisy streets and night parties, swim in the clear sea and practice Ayurvedic practices.
Varkala is the most famous resort in Kerala. The city is located 36 km from Trivandram (the regional capital), and covers an area of 15.4 km2. The population is 42,200, which is quite small for a city in crowded India.
Varkala was founded only recently-in 1980, and Hindus live here much less than in the neighboring villages of Kerala. Thanks to this, it is always quiet and there are no problems with renting housing. Elderly Europeans or families with children prefer to relax in Varkala resort.
Interestingly, people from Kerala are considered the most educated – 90% of the population living here can write. Moreover, the Indian authorities estimate that it has the highest life expectancy in India (75 years for men and 78 for women).
Varkala Beaches
Black Beach
The black sand beach is the smallest and most unique not only in Varkala, but also in the entire state of Kerala. Unfortunately, the reviews of tourists about this place are not the most positive. So, many people talk about a large amount of garbage, high waves and battered deck chairs.
The sand here is black, the entrance to the sea is gentle. There are stones. The waves are much higher than in the neighboring recreation areas, so you can safely come here for novice surfers. You won’t be able to visit this part of the Arabian Sea coast at night.
There is no toilet, shower, or cafe on the shoreline. But there are paid umbrellas (200 rupees) and sun beds (200 rupees) – there are not many of them here, and tourists note that they are not in the best condition.
Interestingly, the black sand of Kerala is considered radioactive, so it is not worth burying your head in it and it is better not to spend the whole day on the beach.
Papanasam
Papanasam is located near an easily recognizable cliff that can be seen from several km away. To get to the recreation area, you will have to go down one of the narrow stairs.
Varkala beach itself in Kerala (India) is quite small – you can get around it in 10-15 minutes. The sand here is soft and golden, the sea floor is gentle. Sometimes seaweed and seashells float up on the beach. There is little garbage.
It consists of two parts-South and North (huge boulders are used as a separator). The northern part is popular with tourists – it is always crowded, but not noisy. There are sun loungers with umbrellas. A number of cafes and restaurants can be found on the cliff top.
The southern part is much more peaceful and mysterious. Locals often come here to perform ceremonies or rituals, because thousands of years ago the sage Narada, known in Judaism as the son of Brahma, prayed on this beach. Here you can also see the figures of deities.
Interestingly, the official name of the beach is “Papanasham Beach“, which translates as”atonement for sin”.
Also in the Southern part of the beach, Hindus can get advice from a brahmin-sages sit under umbrellas and conduct various rituals.
Papanasham is primarily known for its colorful sunsets, and as such there is no infrastructure here. Cafes and hotels are located on the cliff, there are no toilets and changing booths, there are only a few sun loungers. There are no palm trees on the shoreline, so the shadow can only be from the cliff itself.
Interestingly, there are a lot of people here in the evening – everyone wants to enjoy the next bright sunset.
North Beach
The northern beach of Varkala is very popular with tourists. Locals don’t come here often, but there are a lot of Europeans and Americans. There is no entertainment here, and you are unlikely to meet local people who are constantly calling somewhere.
The northern beach of Varkala is quite small – you can get around it in less than 10 minutes. The sand in this place has a golden hue, and the sea is gray-blue. The entrance to the water is smooth, there are no rocks (except for huge boulders) and debris. There are no big waves.
There are several sun loungers on the beach. But you will not find changing booths and cafes on the coastline. As for the shade, it is given only by the cliff itself, at the bottom of which the beach is located.
Accommodation
Varkala Resort in Kerala has more than 150 accommodation options. These are hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Prices and conditions are very different.
So, a 3* hotel room per night for two people in high season will cost 40-70 dollars. This price will include a small but cozy room, high-quality service, free Wi-Fi and the opportunity to relax in the garden gazebos on site.
Prices for a night for two in a 4* hotel start from $ 45. In addition to a large room with European renovation, the price includes breakfast, access to the on-site swimming pool and a subscription to the fitness room.
Bungalows and guesthouses in India will be much cheaper. So, you can easily rent a room in a guesthouse for less than $ 20. The price will include free Wi-Fi, all necessary household appliances in the room and free parking.
You can stay overnight in a bungalow for 10-15 dollars. In addition to the room, you will have a private terrace, a bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
An equally important task is to choose which area to live in. Since Varkala is a small town, there are only two options. The first is to stay on the first coastline, where it is beautiful, but quite noisy and somewhat more expensive.
The second option is more suitable for those who come to Kerala for a long time. Choose hotels or guesthouses outside the cliff – the main tourist area of the settlement. Housing here is cheaper, but the rooms are no less comfortable.
Where to eat
In the town of Varkala, as well as in neighboring settlements, there are many cafes and restaurants of different price categories. The most popular ones include: The Bait & Hook: Seaside Restaurant, Clafouti, Coffee Temple and Trattorias Restaurant.
Prices in most cafes and restaurants are as follows:
| Dish, drink | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Momo with cheese and vegetables | 2 |
| Rice with vegetables | 2 |
| Rice with seafood | 3 |
| Mashed potatoes | 1.30 |
| Thai soup | 2 |
| Porridge with fruit | 1.1 |
| Fresh juice | 1.3 |
| Bonafi Pie (dessert) | 1.6 |
The average bill for lunch or dinner in Kerala is 500-700 rupees ($7-10).
Also pay attention to the shops where you can buy fast food. Food in such establishments costs even less, but it is no less delicious.
If for some reason you do not want to have lunch in a cafe, you can go to the market and buy there:
| Product | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk 200 ml. | 0.3 |
| Cookie | 0.3-1 |
| Pineapple | 1 |
| Tomatoes(1 kg) | 0.7 |
| Garnet (1 kg) | 2.50 |
| Broccoli (1 kg) | 3.50 |
| Apples (1 kg) | 1.10 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 0.8 |
How to get there from Trivandrum
There are no problems getting to Varkala from Trivandrum, because Kerala has a well-developed transport connection.
By train
Please take the south-easterly train at Trivandrum Central Railway Station. Get off at Varkala station. The journey time will be 40-50 minutes. The price is 70-100 rupees (i.e. 1-1. 5 dollars).
Trains run very often, but you need to buy a ticket much in advance (at least a month in advance), as local people sell them out immediately after they appear at the ticket offices. If you couldn’t buy a ticket, then try driving without it. There are very few ticket collectors on trains, and stowaways are rarely dropped off.
By bus
Those who don’t like trains can get to Varkala by bus. It may take longer, but it is more comfortable (new air-conditioned buses run in this direction). Every day they depart from the bus station to 6.00, 9.00, 10.30, 13.30, 15.00, 16.45, 17.30. Unfortunately, buses do not run early in the morning or at night, which makes them not very popular among tourists.
The journey time is 50 minutes. The price is 100-120 rupees.
Tourists are advised not to walk from the bus station, but to get to the hotel or guesthouse by tuk-tuk-so you will save time and not get tired of a long walk in the heat. The price of such a trip is not more than 300 rupees.
Taxi
The easiest and most comfortable option in India is a taxi. The price is 1000-1300 rupees. However, it is important to remember that there are no fixed prices for travel in India, and you can bargain.
Useful tips
- Do not stay on the beach during the day – it is very hot in India at this time, and in order to get back to the hotel, you will need to climb a cliff, which is not so easy to do in the heat.
- Be sure to come to the sea in the evening – the sunsets here are incredibly beautiful.
- It’s cheaper to shop and rent a place just off the Cliff – the main tourist street in the city.
- If you want to buy souvenirs or high-quality Indian clothing, go to Cliff – here you will find a large selection of goods from India.
- Pay attention to Kerala State tours, which can be purchased from any travel agency in the city.
Varkala, India – a perfect holiday destination for lovers of peace and quiet.
