The Incredible India 5-years before Covid-19 (Part 2)
Varkala is a coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for its remarkable 15-meter high cliff next to the Arabian Sea.
It is one of the most significant pilgrimages for Hindus, as devotees visit the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and unite on Papanasam Beach (or Varkala Beach) to pray for their ancestors in July-August.
Why visit Varkala?
Varkala is popular for its chill vibe, shacks on the cliff serving great seafood. You can find Continental, Mexican, Italian, and even Tibetan cuisines too!
If you want a place to take it slow and a little break from the spicy Indian food, this is the place to be!
Check out Darjeeling Cafe when you get to visit Varkala! They serve good Indian, Seafood, and Tibetan food. Vegan and gluten-free options are available too! The best of all is the chill atmosphere and full view of the Arabian Sea.
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We just chilled out and read some books during our 3-day stay in Varkala. I barely read books but I’m into crime and suspense, so when I saw this book in one of the bookstores, I immediately took it and glued my face to it.
I exchanged the book after 2 days, cause I wasn’t able to finish the final chapter, it was too terrifying!
Whichever part of the day, Varkala won’t fail to mesmerize you!
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The beach
The waves were quite violent and the currents were strong at the time of our visit (October), that I didn’t go for a swim.
But if you are really up for it, lifeguards are always there to whistle for warning if you’re swimming somewhere unsafe.
It is advised that the best time to go to Varkala is during winter and to avoid summer as it’s too hot and humid – I’d go during summer though, but I guess we could try winter too!
Although be advised that the rainy season is from June to September. I guess if you know how (or are brave enough) to swim and it’s not the monsoon season, you are good to go!
Shopping
The shopping was great here too! I was controlling myself from buying any pasalubong (souvenir gifts) as we were still early in our journey and I don’t want to carry them in the next weeks.
I think I spent about half of my time in Varkala looking for a cute leather bag and a pair of Harlem pants to complete my travel look.
I was able to find a nice handmade leather sling bag for only ₹1000 ($14)!
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Check this blog too: 15 Best Things to Do in Varkala
Are there any other places worth visiting here? Please share them in the comment section below!
Where we stayed
We didn’t book a hotel prior to coming here. Since anywhere on the cliff is accessible to the beach, we just checked around and found one that suited our budget. A hotel costs ₹500-₹600 ($6.80-$8.20) per night.
How to get to Varkala
By Train
Take a train to Varkala Sivagiri railway station (Station Code: VAK), which is only 4km away from the cliff, and take an auto-rickshaw to the drop-off point, Varkala Helipad, which is right next to the cliff.
Check the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’s official website for train schedules and online ticket booking
Or you can download the IXIGO app, IRCTC’s official booking partner right on your mobile phone for a more convenient train booking!
By Air
The nearest airport from Varkala Beach is the Trivandrum Airport, which is about 40km away. Take a prepaid taxi from the airport to Varkala Helipad. Prepaid Taxi costs about ₹800-₹1000 ($11-$14)
From the west coast to east coast, to the French capital of India
Disclaimer:
We’re not sure if the hotels and restaurants in the blog are still open due to Covid-19.
Please help us know by writing in the comment box.
Nevertheless, we encourage everyone to support them if ever you visit India as we enjoyed their warm hospitality!