Varkala

India

Cliffs, cafes, and crashing waves—Kerala’s coolest coastal hideout.

1 Group Tours·1 Operators·from ₹11,000

Varkala is Goa's laid-back, spiritual, and surfing cousin. Famous for being the only place in southern India where cliffs run adjacent to the Arabian Sea, it's a haven for backpack...

Best forBackpackersSurfersCouplesCafe LoversBudget TravelersYogis

Easy

|Basic. You will need to climb up and down steep, uneven cliff stairs multiple times a day to get to the beach.

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Oyestore

1 trips · ✓★ 4.0

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Weekend

Varkala: Cliffs, Slow Sunsets, and Conversations That Stay

Oyestore4.0(2)

Varkala•Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore

3 days•Next: 31 Jul

₹11,000 / person

See all 1 trips in Varkala

When to Go

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Thiruvananthapuram

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From Bangalore

1 trip available

From Thiruvananthapuram

1 trip available

What to Expect

Expect strong hippie vibes, steep cliff stairs, excellent global and local food, a thriving surf culture, and stunning sunsets. The pace of life is slow here ('island time' applies to cafe service). It's a place for acoustic gigs and beach bumming, not booming nightclubs and wild raves.

Honest Heads-Up

The cliff edge is literally eroding. Do not stand too close to the edge for a selfie; barricades are minimal.
Swimming during the monsoon (June-August) is incredibly dangerous and usually banned by local authorities.
Auto-rickshaw drivers at the railway station will heavily overcharge you. Haggle hard or pre-arrange a pickup.
The 'party' scene is very mellow. If you want big clubs and trance parties, go to Goa.
Service at cliff cafes is notoriously slow. Order your food before you are actually starving.

Things to Do

Surfing at Black Sand Beach

2 hours·₹1500 - ₹2000

Group

Mangrove Kayaking in Paravur

3 hours·₹800 - ₹1200

Group

Scooter Ride to Kappil Beach & Lake

2-3 hours·₹400 (Scooter rental)

Group

Jatayu Earth's Center Visit

4-5 hours·₹500 - ₹1000

Group

Munroe Island Backwater Canoe Ride

4 hours·₹600 - ₹1000

Group

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) at Kappil

2 hours·₹1000 - ₹1500

Group

Varkala North Cliff Cafe Crawl

3-4 hours·₹1000 - ₹2000

Group

Plan Your Trip

How to Reach

Fly into Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) airport, which is about 40 km away. From there, you can take a prepaid taxi (₹1500-₹2000) or take a local train from Trivandrum Central to Varkala Sivagiri railway station (takes 1 hour, costs around ₹50).

Travel Tips

1Renting a scooter is the best investment you'll make. The ride from Varkala to Kappil beach, with the sea on one side and the backwaters on the other, is breathtaking.

2Don't rely solely on UPI or cards; ATMs near the cliff frequently run out of cash, especially on weekends.

3The northernmost part of the cliff (Odayam Beach area) is quieter and generally better for booking stays if you want peace.

4If you want to buy alcohol, go to the BEVCO outlet early in the day. The lines get massive in the evening.

5Pack a good flashlight or keep your phone charged. Power cuts are common and the cliff paths can get dark at night.

Local Guide

Food & DiningVeg Friendly

Cafe service operates on 'island time'. It is notoriously slow. Go to the cafe 30 minutes before you are actually hungry, grab a sea-facing table, and enjoy the view while you wait.

FAQs

Is Varkala better than Goa?

They have very different vibes. Varkala is much smaller, more scenic with its cliffs, and focused on surfing, yoga, and chill cafes. Goa is vastly bigger with far more nightlife and commercial activities. Choose Varkala for a laid-back, aesthetic trip.

Can we swim at Varkala beach?

Yes, at Papanasam Beach during the dry months (Oct-April), but the currents can be strong. Always swim where the lifeguards are stationed. Swimming during the monsoon is a strict no.

Is alcohol easily available in Varkala?

Yes, but with a catch. Many cliff cafes don't have official liquor licenses, so they serve beer and cocktails 'under the table' in coffee mugs or opaque jugs. There are government BEVCO outlets if you want to buy your own.

Are the cliff stairs safe for elderly travelers?

No. The stairs connecting the cliff to the beach are steep, uneven, and lack proper handrails. If you have mobility issues, it's better to book a resort at the beach level rather than on the cliff.

How many days are enough for Varkala?

3 to 4 days is the sweet spot to surf, explore the cafes, visit Kappil beach, and do a backwater kayaking trip without feeling rushed.

Do I need an AC room?

Absolutely. Kerala's humidity is no joke, even in the winter months. Unless you are traveling in the peak of December/January and have a high tolerance for humidity, an AC room is highly recommended.

What is the best way to get around?

Renting a scooter (₹400-₹600 per day) is the cheapest and most convenient way to explore Varkala, Kappil, and Edava. Autos are available but tend to overcharge tourists.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?

Very safe. The cliff area is well-lit, bustling with tourists, and open till late. Standard precautions apply, but the overall vibe is very respectful and safe for women.

Group Trips to Varkala

Planning a group trip to Varkala is the perfect alternative when your friends are tired of the usual Goa crowds. As India's only cliff-side beach destination, Varkala offers a unique blend of laid-back hippie culture, thrilling surf breaks, and stunning Arabian Sea sunsets. Currently, TripzSearch has 1 group tours available, starting from ₹11,000, making it incredibly accessible for Indian millennials and backpackers. Interestingly, while winter is the traditional peak season, our data shows popular months include May, June, July, and August for 2026. These monsoon months have become a massive hit for budget travelers wanting lush green landscapes, empty cafes, and dramatic stormy sea views without the premium price tags. Whether you are looking to book Varkala group packages for a weekend of cafe hopping along the North Cliff, or seeking an adventure-filled itinerary with mangrove kayaking in Paravur and beginner surfing lessons at Black Sand Beach, this destination delivers. A typical Varkala group tour itinerary includes scooty rides to the scenic Kappil Beach, exploring the historic Janardanaswamy Temple, and eating your weight in fresh seafood and vegan smoothie bowls. It's the ultimate chill-out spot for young travelers wanting tropical vibes, aesthetic photos, and authentic coastal experiences in Kerala without burning a hole in their wallets.

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