The golden sands of varkala

Varkala beach or Papanasam beach is literally a heaven on earth. It is one of the best beaches in Kerala, and the only one which is adjacent to a cliff. The evening sunset views from the cliff is just breathtaking. Varkala beach was until recently overshadowed by Kovalam beach which is around 50 kms away. But now more and more people are coming to Varkala to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere here.

The cliff top is the best part about Varkala, there is a 1km walk that goes over the cliff top overlooking the beach. Because of the height advantage the views from the path are just amazing. And there are winding steps to beach along the path. And one more amazing thing about this place is the sheer number of restaurants and cafes here. Even if you spend a month here, you can’t try them all. The kind of cuisine offered by these cafes also vary, so you can try something new every time. It is a really nice place to relax and enjoy a good book.

The beach is perfect for swimming and surfing. The beaches are clean and shallow for a long distances in many places. The waves are strong and hence suitable for surfing and kayaking. JetSkis are also available on demand.

Varkala is more like a relaxing vacation rather than an adventurous one. Varkala will help you to start a good adventurous vacation in India with a relaxed atmosphere or a good way to finish your long and tiring vacation in India. The good long walks on the cliff or the beach, or relaxing with a book in one of the numerous cafes or just getting a good swim in the beach, Varkala is the ideal location.

How to reach Varkala?

The ride to Varkala from Kochi is around 180kms, it is a good long drive. But it is advisable to stop over at Alappuzha (Alleppey) and then proceed to Varkala the next day. Another advantage of riding to Varkala is the freedom you will get to explore the area. Additionally you can save the energy spent on negotiating with any rickshaws (tuk tuk) drivers. It is easy to rent a motorcycle from Kochi, and its very affordable as it is exciting.

Alternatively the nearest Airport is Trivandrum, which is around an hour from Varkala. You can get an Airport cab to Varkala.

Where to stay?

Varkala is blessed with many options like homestays, luxury resorts and budget hotels. You can definitely find something that suits your requirements and budget. It is better to book something before reaching Varkala, as it can be difficult to find any good places on short notice especially during the peak season( Nov- Feb).

You can get places starting from $10 to a couple of hundred depending on the place you choose. You can get a bargain price during off-season.

Climate?

The climate is almost stable throughout the year except during the monsoon season (June-Aug). It is around 30⁰ C during day-time and cool at night.



Places to see?

Varkala beach: The golden sands of this beach are irresistible. One of the cleanest and the not too crowded beaches remaining in the state.

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Cliff path: Perfect for a walk any time of the day, the number of cafes on the 1km stretch only add to the fun. The sunset from here is just the best you might ever see.

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Paravur backwaters: Around 4kms from Varkala,Paravur, is filled with backwaters, estuaries and lakes. Perfect for a day trip.

Kappil Lake:Kappil Lake is about 4 kilometers north of Varkala Town. This serene estuary meanders through dense coconut groves before merging into the Arabian sea. The bridge over the lake is quite a vantage point to view the backwater stretching white and grey to the distant blue horizon. Boating is another great way to browse this tranquil waterway.

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Anjengo Fort: Anjengo Fort is a fort near varkala. It is a place of historic importance as well as beautiful natural setting, Anjengo is an ideal destination for those who don't mind walking around and explore what is in store. The historic significance tagged to Anjengo comes through foreign powers like the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally the English East India Company.

Varkala Tunnel : Varkala Tunnel is a popular tourist highlight. It was a 924 ft long tunnel built in 1867 by Sir T. Madhava Rao the dewan of Travancore, and took 14 years to complete. Varkala Lighthouse is another tourist highlight in the vicinity.

Other places to Visit from Varkala

Kanyakumari on the southern-most tip of India is accessible from Varkala. Kovalam beach, Trivandrum are other tourist spots close by.


Have a good Varkala trip!