From Cliffs to Coast: A Dreamy Varkala Itinerary
"Are you more of a beach or a mountain person?" - Why limit yourself to just one when we have the ideal escape for those who adore the beach and the mountains!!
Welcome to Varkala, a stunning coastal gem nestled along India’s southwestern shores of Kerala! Known for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and vibrant culture, Varkala offers an enchanting blend of relaxation and adventure.
Even though the tourist season in Varkala typically begins from October to February, we took advantage of a mid-week public holiday. We planned to visit the coastal town of Varkala from 27 September to 2 October and do a work-ation there!
We went through countless itineraries and vlogs to curate a fun and happening 6-day 5-night dreamy itinerary for this adventure in Varkala. Through this detailed blog, we hope to end your search for the perfect getaway plan and help you plan your dreamy vacation! Here is a glimpse :
Detailed itinerary for your next trip to Varkala
Reaching Varkala from Delhi is straightforward, whether you choose to fly, take a train, or embark on a road trip. Each option offers its own unique experience, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination itself.
By Air
Flying to Trivandrum International Airport
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Varkala from Delhi is by air. Several airlines operate direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), the nearest airport to Varkala. (Duration- approximately 3-4 hours)
Getting from Trivandrum to Varkala
Once you land in Trivandrum, Varkala is just about 40 kilometres away. You have a few options for the final leg of your journey:
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport. A taxi ride to Varkala takes around 1 hour and costs approximately ₹2,000-2,500.
Bus: For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a state-run bus from the airport to Varkala. This option may take longer but allows you to soak in the local scenery.
By Train
If you prefer a more scenic journey, travelling by train is an excellent option. Trains from Delhi to Varkala run regularly, with a few popular trains making this route:
Nizamuddin-Kochuveli Express
Kerala Express
Trivandrum Rajdhani Express
It will take you about 36-40 hours, depending on the route. Varkala has its railway station, which is about 3 kilometres from the beach area. From the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach your accommodation.
By Road
If you’re up for a road trip, driving from Delhi to Varkala is an adventure in itself. The distance is approximately 2,500 kilometres, and the journey can take around 40-45 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
If you prefer not to drive, several private bus services operate between Delhi and Varkala. Look for sleeper or semi-sleeper options for a comfortable journey.
Getting around in Varkala
The easiest way to commute in Kerala is to rent your 2-wheeler (Scooty/Bike). It can be arranged at any cafe/hotel where you are staying. It costs ₹400-600 (per day) excluding fuel. Each vehicle will come with 2 helmets.
Varkala was surprisingly well connected with Auto Rickshaws as well. While it was slightly expensive, more often than not they were easily available to ply from one location to another. The golden rule is to bargain!
Local taxis are available and often called to do day tours/excursions for families. All major tourist spots have taxi stands with pre-decided price catalogues.
Public buses also connect all major spots in the town and will be the most cost-effective option.
UPI-based payments are accepted almost everywhere.
Where to stay in Varkala | Breathtaking views from the room
Varkala offers a variety of lodging options to suit the needs of all types of travellers, ranging from charming beachfront cottages to upscale resorts overlooking the ocean. To add some variety to our trip, we opted to book accommodations at two different hotels, one on the North Cliff and one on the South Cliff.
The first stay was at Maadathil Cottages.
Nestled right by the Odayam beach, this charming property combines comfort, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
Throughout all three days, the staff was very friendly and attentive, ensuring our comfort.
Although the Google Maps location is inaccurate, finding the precise spot can be a bit challenging, but the property manager is more than willing to help.
The rooms were spacious, clean, and equipped with all the essential amenities.
What made this stay exceptional was its beachfront location, offering the opportunity to enjoy a 5km cliff hike with breathtaking views of the endless ocean and the most stunning sunset of your life right from the property.
The property features a lovely garden area with hammocks. There’s also a cosy common area for guests to relax and socialize. Wi-Fi was reliable, which was a plus for planning my daily adventures.
Unfortunately, the food did not meet our expectations, leaving us longing for authentic Kerala cuisine throughout our visit.
The second stay was at Villa Luca by Elixir Cliff
Situated at the South Cliff of Varkala, Villa Luca was a perfect blend of luxury and comfort.
We booked the Wooden Suite, and we woke up to our morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the endless ocean
The property had direct access to a private beach, which was serene and spotless.
The food at this hotel was finger-licking good, and the only place in Varkala where we were finally served soft Idlis in the morning!
One could book an in-house relaxing massage or surfing lessons
Where to eat in Varkala | Digging into the Cafe culture
Okay, so first things first - our overall experience of food in Varkala was pretty underwhelming. Sorry, someone had to say it :(
Don't get me wrong, Varkala has a pretty buzzing cafe culture! From cosy hideaways to cliffside eateries, Varkala’s cafés offer a delightful blend of local flavours, international cuisine, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
But, we were a couple of North Indians, who just wanted to immerse ourselves into the peace of having comfort South Indian food like Fluffly hot idlis, crispy dosas, Kerala parottas and stew.... however, much to our dismay, the menu at most of the cliff side cafes was similar and it served primarily continental food.
We however would want to share our recommendations of what we thought was the best!
Cafe Trip is Life: This has to feature at the top of our list! While the menu at this cafe is limited, it does serve some of the most amazing dishes we had in Varkala. This ocean-facing cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating and is perfect for a date night. Everything we tried here was fantastic, especially the desserts!
InDa Cafe: Tucked away near the cliffs, this charming café offers a delightful blend of delicious food, bohemian ambience and chill vibes. While the service was slightly slow, it was worth the wait! On a rainy afternoon, we enjoyed the hummus-pita platter, Shakshouka and warm hot chocolate that felt like a hug!
Abba restaurant: One of the most popular restaurants at the North Cliff, you would always find it full of people. We savoured fresh salads, burgers and coffee while enjoying a breathtaking view.
Cafe Del Mar and Darjeeling Cafe are also good spots on the cliff to unwind and relax.
Things to do in Varkala | Living the best of both worlds - Beaches and Mountains
Varkala is an enchanting place with a wide range of activities catering to all kinds of travellers. Whether you are looking for beachside relaxation, water adventures, or cultural immersion, Varkala has something for everyone. Here, we have put together a list of the most engaging activities we experienced during our visit.
Explore the Varkala Cliff: The cliffs of Varkala are famous for their breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Take a stroll along the cliff path, where you’ll find various shops, restaurants, and yoga studios. This picturesque walk is perfect for snapping photos and enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Be sure to stop at one of the many viewpoints to capture the beauty of the coastline and do some souvenir shopping.
Breathtaking sunsets @ Varkala cliff Relax on the serene beaches: While all beaches of Varkala are pristine, the following ones stole our heart
Kappil Beach: Located about 7 kilometres from Varkala, Kappil Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that is relatively untouched by tourism. You can also enjoy water activities there
Thani Beach: It is a bit distant from Varkala, but the journey to Thani Beach and Thani's viewpoint is truly memorable. Near the beach, there is a road where you can drive with the ocean on one side and the backwaters on the other.
Varkala Beach: The crown jewel of Varkala, this beach is most popular amongst tourists and is full of hustle and bustle. You can witness a life-changing sunset from this beach or take a stroll.
Edava Beach, Odayam Beach, and Black Sand Beach are some of the other spots where you can just sit, sip on mocktails and just relax.
Kayak through the marvellous mangroves: One of the most enjoyable experiences of our trip was just to explore the breadths of the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. We booked this experience via Mangrove Village Adventures.
We had an amazing experience with MVA. We had booked the 7:30 am slot for Kayaking and reported at the location at 7:00 AM. After a few formalities, we were given access to lockers and a waterproof bag to keep our belongings. After a quick Kayak lesson from the instructor, we explored a ~4 km circuit on our Kayaks! It costs INR 800-900 per person.
We navigated through narrow channels, under tree canopies and open waters and even jumped into the shallow end of the mangroves!
Don't forget to use a LOT of sunscreen before this adventure, because 3 hours of Kayaking is going to leave you with a sun tan! :D
Unwind with Ayurvedic therapies: Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic practices, and Varkala is no exception. Varkala is home to numerous Ayurvedic centres and resorts that offer authentic treatments in tranquil settings. Many establishments provide experienced practitioners, serene environments, and packages that include accommodations, meals, and wellness consultations.
Scenic boating tour of Munroe Islands: Munroe Islands is a feast for the senses, with its lush greenery, coconut groves, and tranquil backwaters. The landscape is dotted with traditional fishing villages, rice paddies, and mangroves, creating a picturesque setting that is ideal for photography and strolls
We left early morning (around 4:30 AM) from our hotel and it took us around 1.5 hours to reach the island. We then rented a boat and the guide paddled us through the calm waters while we admired the lush surroundings, and enjoyed the serene atmosphere. The round trip to and fro our hotel along with boating cost us ~INR 4000. Most of the hotels will have tie-ups with cab drivers who can take you around.
If there is one thing which is an absolute must-do in Varkala - it has to be this.
We also wanted to visit Jatayu Earth Centre, however, due to heavy rainfall had to decide against it.
On this occasion, we opted to alter the writing style of our blog and chose not to present a day-to-day schedule, as a trip to Varkala should be relaxed and unhurried. Feel free to adjust the suggestions mentioned above to suit your timetable and preferences, allowing you to fully embrace the serene ambience of this destination.
We hope this experience is helpful, and Varkala is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey!
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