Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach
4.5
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Top ways to experience Varkala Beach and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
81 within 5 kms
Attractions
13 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Annie RLund, Sweden3 contributionsBest massage in VarkalaMy favorite place in Varkala for a massage, henna tattoo and mani/pedi. Reji and her husband Achi are a local hospitable and professional married couple running the beauty parlor. Reji provides the various treatments and henna tattoos, and Achi offers massages. Having visited Varkala several times, I have never found a better massage than with Achi. I truly recommend this place, it really stands out in the crowd in Varkala.Visited December 2022Written 16 December 2022
- Jasmine Butcher5 contributionsReji's Beauty SalonA must visit if you need a beauty touch up! I have been visiting this salon for the past three months now to have my monthly henna treatment. Reji and her husband are always so welcoming. They offer a range of beauty treatments and well as massaging. They are both very talented and experienced in their fields and I always look forward to our chats. Thanks guys! :)Visited January 2023Written 16 January 2023
- Ariee🐶Chennai (Madras), India1 contributionBUDGET TRIP FOR VARKALA FROM CHENNAI 💫As an overall experience, worth the penny site seeing was amazing it's like a mini goa vibe was found there easy access to the locale. Plan access from Chennai to Varkala under 2000 (Only Teansport) > Chennai - Varkala train Rs. 430(Sleeper) > From the railway station to Varkala beach local transport is available by bus and costs Rs. 20 >After reaching plenty of rooms are available via many platforms costs 700-1500 based on your needs. >After checking explore the cliff area by walking it's an amazing experience if you need some motorcycles contact them COCO TRAVELS and rent a bike. > Mangrove Village Adventures ( 13 km) from varkala each person costs 1000 Rs if you want you can also explore this one. >we stayed here for 2 days and the evening sunset experience in cafe italiano was amazing the price of food is bit higher but worth the view. >As an overall according to your needs choose the restaurants and accommodation . ~ Our trip costs around 6000 Rs per head. Do exploring ✨Visited February 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 16 February 2023
- Dinesh TChennai (Madras), India4 contributionsOne of the best beaches I have ever visited.One of the best spots to enjoy the sea. I walked around a lot enjoying the sea view. Experience this early in the morning, it was very less crowded then and it was a great experience. Start walking from the south cliff entrance and walk through the cliff till the end. You will see cafes getting ready to open, to your right and a great sea view to your left. You should experience it.Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 15 August 2023
- NorthStar242175076071 contributionAwesome vacation in varkala beach. Kerala, India.Beautiful beach. Varkala beach is a hidden gem. Awesome cliff, views, unbelievable sunset, sky changes into different colours and designs. I haven't seen the sky changing like this anywhere else, especially during sunset. Clean beaches and not crowded during weekdays. Deep-sea sunset trip is life changing, you get to jump in the middle of the ocean with a life jacket. A trip to varkala beach and you will cherish it rest of your life.Visited December 2022Travelled soloWritten 20 August 2023
- Sonal AgarwalBengaluru, India47 contributionsabsolutely paradisiacal destinationI visited the place while i was riding from Delhi to Kanyakumari. The moment i saw this place, i fell in love. I came to stay for one day but ended up staying 5 days. The beach and the place have some vibes that attract people to stay and explore. The cafes are really nice here but i felt they are a little pricey. It's almost like a mini Goa. The waves are really high so one must be careful while dipping in the ocean. I enjoyed my stay completely and i would recommend everyone to come here and spend time.Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 26 September 2023
- AdventureFreak2 contributionsTop Notch VarkalaVarkala Beach & Cliff will amaze you with its beauty and scenic landscape. I would rather stay more days or come back next time to explore and enrich myself here. People are friendly and weather is good.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 October 2023
- Sanket7 contributionsAmazingIt is a very beautiful beach, much safer and bigger than Kovalam beach. Our resort people suggested this beach to us and it's a must see. Water is crystal clear. View is amazing . There are so many cafés over cliff. Access may be little difficult for elderly peopleVisited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,483 reviews
Excellent
1,298
Very good
834
Average
271
Poor
56
Terrible
24
Sanket
7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
It is a very beautiful beach, much safer and bigger than Kovalam beach. Our resort people suggested this beach to us and it's a must see. Water is crystal clear. View is amazing . There are so many cafés over cliff. Access may be little difficult for elderly people
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdventureFreak
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Varkala Beach & Cliff will amaze you with its beauty and scenic landscape.
I would rather stay more days or come back next time to explore and enrich myself here.
People are friendly and weather is good.
I would rather stay more days or come back next time to explore and enrich myself here.
People are friendly and weather is good.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jet56472448243
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Good to see beach it's very clean and dust free environment. Good to enjoy with children and family
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonal Agarwal
Bengaluru, India47 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
I visited the place while i was riding from Delhi to Kanyakumari.
The moment i saw this place, i fell in love. I came to stay for one day but ended up staying 5 days. The beach and the place have some vibes that attract people to stay and explore.
The cafes are really nice here but i felt they are a little pricey. It's almost like a mini Goa.
The waves are really high so one must be careful while dipping in the ocean. I enjoyed my stay completely and i would recommend everyone to come here and spend time.
The moment i saw this place, i fell in love. I came to stay for one day but ended up staying 5 days. The beach and the place have some vibes that attract people to stay and explore.
The cafes are really nice here but i felt they are a little pricey. It's almost like a mini Goa.
The waves are really high so one must be careful while dipping in the ocean. I enjoyed my stay completely and i would recommend everyone to come here and spend time.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar24217507607
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Solo
Beautiful beach. Varkala beach is a hidden gem. Awesome cliff, views, unbelievable sunset, sky changes into different colours and designs. I haven't seen the sky changing like this anywhere else, especially during sunset. Clean beaches and not crowded during weekdays. Deep-sea sunset trip is life changing, you get to jump in the middle of the ocean with a life jacket. A trip to varkala beach and you will cherish it rest of your life.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dinesh T
Chennai (Madras), India4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
One of the best spots to enjoy the sea.
I walked around a lot enjoying the sea view. Experience this early in the morning, it was very less crowded then and it was a great experience.
Start walking from the south cliff entrance and walk through the cliff till the end. You will see cafes getting ready to open, to your right and a great sea view to your left.
You should experience it.
I walked around a lot enjoying the sea view. Experience this early in the morning, it was very less crowded then and it was a great experience.
Start walking from the south cliff entrance and walk through the cliff till the end. You will see cafes getting ready to open, to your right and a great sea view to your left.
You should experience it.
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harshin
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Excent clif View, Nice beach. There are nearby good restaurant. Good sea foods available.There are much activities available.
Written 17 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kausik R
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Solo
Monday:
12695 MAS TVC Express : Arrives Varkala at a Perfect 6.20AM from Chennai.
Brush In Railway Station. There will be a Shop Opposite that Sells Boost and Horlicks. Have a Drink.
Opposite to the Railway Station, There will be a Bus Stand. Get into the Bus which Goes to "Cliff" Bus Stop. Get Down there.
Walk to "Shiva Garden" (8296462422) Don't Use Google Maps. Ask Locals for Directions. If the Trip is Solo or with your Friends, this Homestay is the Most Affordable One. If you just Say - You can mark me as "No Show" in Booking.com and Provide me Some Discount, He'll Happily Offer Double Rooms at ₹600/ Night"
Settle at their Room. Have a Long Shower for at least 30 to 40 Minutes, the water will be so sweet.
Have Breakfast at "Juicy Cafe" Restaurant. Parotta with Half Plate Chicken Curry is What I recommend. Walkable Distance Only from Homestay.
Come to Room. Resist the Urge to Visit the Beach because It won't be Gaze-Stealing-Beautiful in the Morning. Get a Good Sleep Because you'll be Tired.
Wake up by 2PM. Now go to Varkala Marine Palace and Order Seafood Fried Rice and Tender Coconut Milkshake for Lunch. Order Masala Tea and French Fries if you feel like eating something snacky because except for these 4 Dishes, All the Other Items in Menu are for Rich People. Haha.
Eat Slowly Because You're Going to Spend your Time till 5.30 PM in this Restaurant. The View is the Most beautiful thing you'll ever Watch in your Life.
Then Slowly Walk into the Beach and Sit Close Enough to the Sea that your Eye Focuses Only on the Sea and Far Enough that You Don't get Wet. You'll start to Feel the Vibe.
Drink water from the Natural Springs till your Tummy is Full.
You are now Drinking Water from One of the Top 10 World's Purest Mineral Rich Water Source. Wash your Face, Hands and Legs in it. This Water is Divinely Equivalent to Rameshwaram's Water from 22 Wells (as Varkala is Seen as Kerala's Sea Spot for Offering Rituals for Souls)
Walk to Little Tibet Restaurant and Try their Authentic Momos for a Light Dinner.
Go to Chembagam Vegetable Shop which is the Closest to Helipad, Buy One Full Watermelon and Some Fruits for the Week and Eat the Watermelon by 9PM. Next Day is a Big Day.
Tuesday :
Complete Breakfast and Spend the Whole Day in Black Beach for Sun Bath. Take a Dip. Dry the Body through Sun. Repeat till you get Hungry. Hear the Ocean Waves while Keeping your Eyes Closed. Most Probably you won't feel Hungry till 3PM. Have Something for Lunch on Cliff. Now You'll feel like you smoked Weed. The Watermelon you ate Yesterday Balances Out the Oceanic Dehydration.
Wednesday :
Rent a Two Wheeler (7909161771) and Go to Varkala Maithanam Area. Have Ghee Roast and Medhu Vada at Hotel Suprabatham. Google "Nakshatra Printing" and Opposite to that there will be a Saloon offering Head Massage for Just ₹100. Heavenly Feeling You'll Get. Come to Room, Bath and Visit Jatayu Earth Center by 12PM and Be there at Shiva Kayaking Water Base (+91 79072 69752) by 4PM. Enjoy Golden Island and Backwater Sunset and Reach Hotel. Make Sure you wear Helmet all the Time while Renting Out your Scooter. While Returning Have Dinner at Vinayaga Restaurant in Maithanam Area.
Thursday:
Walk through the Cliff and Visit Cafe Sandy Bay for Breakfast. You'll Find Chill Freshwater Stream Running and Hugging the Sea. Stand there on the Stream for Free Fish Pedicure. If you wanted to go to Ocean Boating or Seawater Kayaking, Call this Number 8891671851
These Guys are Native Fishermen, They Sell Mid-sized Lobsters for ₹100 to ₹180 per Piece. Two Piece will be Enough for one Person. Buy Some if you want to cook for yourself. Jayan Allows to Use his Homestay Kitchen for his Room Guests. Return the Two Wheeler.
Friday :
Vacate and Go to Kollam Jn by Taking Unreserved Ticket on UTS App. By 12.00 PM, Get into QLN MS Express 16102 and See the Enchanting Evening Views of Punalur-Sengottai-Kuttralam Hills and Waterfalls from the Window Seat On Your Train. The Train Arrives by 6.50PM to Madurai and 3.00AM the Next Day to Chennai Egmore Station
12695 MAS TVC Express : Arrives Varkala at a Perfect 6.20AM from Chennai.
Brush In Railway Station. There will be a Shop Opposite that Sells Boost and Horlicks. Have a Drink.
Opposite to the Railway Station, There will be a Bus Stand. Get into the Bus which Goes to "Cliff" Bus Stop. Get Down there.
Walk to "Shiva Garden" (8296462422) Don't Use Google Maps. Ask Locals for Directions. If the Trip is Solo or with your Friends, this Homestay is the Most Affordable One. If you just Say - You can mark me as "No Show" in Booking.com and Provide me Some Discount, He'll Happily Offer Double Rooms at ₹600/ Night"
Settle at their Room. Have a Long Shower for at least 30 to 40 Minutes, the water will be so sweet.
Have Breakfast at "Juicy Cafe" Restaurant. Parotta with Half Plate Chicken Curry is What I recommend. Walkable Distance Only from Homestay.
Come to Room. Resist the Urge to Visit the Beach because It won't be Gaze-Stealing-Beautiful in the Morning. Get a Good Sleep Because you'll be Tired.
Wake up by 2PM. Now go to Varkala Marine Palace and Order Seafood Fried Rice and Tender Coconut Milkshake for Lunch. Order Masala Tea and French Fries if you feel like eating something snacky because except for these 4 Dishes, All the Other Items in Menu are for Rich People. Haha.
Eat Slowly Because You're Going to Spend your Time till 5.30 PM in this Restaurant. The View is the Most beautiful thing you'll ever Watch in your Life.
Then Slowly Walk into the Beach and Sit Close Enough to the Sea that your Eye Focuses Only on the Sea and Far Enough that You Don't get Wet. You'll start to Feel the Vibe.
Drink water from the Natural Springs till your Tummy is Full.
You are now Drinking Water from One of the Top 10 World's Purest Mineral Rich Water Source. Wash your Face, Hands and Legs in it. This Water is Divinely Equivalent to Rameshwaram's Water from 22 Wells (as Varkala is Seen as Kerala's Sea Spot for Offering Rituals for Souls)
Walk to Little Tibet Restaurant and Try their Authentic Momos for a Light Dinner.
Go to Chembagam Vegetable Shop which is the Closest to Helipad, Buy One Full Watermelon and Some Fruits for the Week and Eat the Watermelon by 9PM. Next Day is a Big Day.
Tuesday :
Complete Breakfast and Spend the Whole Day in Black Beach for Sun Bath. Take a Dip. Dry the Body through Sun. Repeat till you get Hungry. Hear the Ocean Waves while Keeping your Eyes Closed. Most Probably you won't feel Hungry till 3PM. Have Something for Lunch on Cliff. Now You'll feel like you smoked Weed. The Watermelon you ate Yesterday Balances Out the Oceanic Dehydration.
Wednesday :
Rent a Two Wheeler (7909161771) and Go to Varkala Maithanam Area. Have Ghee Roast and Medhu Vada at Hotel Suprabatham. Google "Nakshatra Printing" and Opposite to that there will be a Saloon offering Head Massage for Just ₹100. Heavenly Feeling You'll Get. Come to Room, Bath and Visit Jatayu Earth Center by 12PM and Be there at Shiva Kayaking Water Base (+91 79072 69752) by 4PM. Enjoy Golden Island and Backwater Sunset and Reach Hotel. Make Sure you wear Helmet all the Time while Renting Out your Scooter. While Returning Have Dinner at Vinayaga Restaurant in Maithanam Area.
Thursday:
Walk through the Cliff and Visit Cafe Sandy Bay for Breakfast. You'll Find Chill Freshwater Stream Running and Hugging the Sea. Stand there on the Stream for Free Fish Pedicure. If you wanted to go to Ocean Boating or Seawater Kayaking, Call this Number 8891671851
These Guys are Native Fishermen, They Sell Mid-sized Lobsters for ₹100 to ₹180 per Piece. Two Piece will be Enough for one Person. Buy Some if you want to cook for yourself. Jayan Allows to Use his Homestay Kitchen for his Room Guests. Return the Two Wheeler.
Friday :
Vacate and Go to Kollam Jn by Taking Unreserved Ticket on UTS App. By 12.00 PM, Get into QLN MS Express 16102 and See the Enchanting Evening Views of Punalur-Sengottai-Kuttralam Hills and Waterfalls from the Window Seat On Your Train. The Train Arrives by 6.50PM to Madurai and 3.00AM the Next Day to Chennai Egmore Station
Written 31 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ariee🐶
Chennai (Madras), India1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Friends
As an overall experience, worth the penny site seeing was amazing it's like a mini goa vibe was found there easy access to the locale.
Plan access from Chennai to Varkala under 2000 (Only Teansport)
> Chennai - Varkala train Rs. 430(Sleeper)
> From the railway station to Varkala beach local transport is available by bus and costs Rs. 20
>After reaching plenty of rooms are available via many platforms costs 700-1500 based on your needs.
>After checking explore the cliff area by walking it's an amazing experience if you need some motorcycles contact them COCO TRAVELS and rent a bike.
> Mangrove Village Adventures ( 13 km) from varkala each person costs 1000 Rs if you want you can also explore this one.
>we stayed here for 2 days and the evening sunset experience in cafe italiano was amazing the price of food is bit higher but worth the view.
>As an overall according to your needs choose the restaurants and accommodation .
~ Our trip costs around 6000 Rs per head.
Do exploring ✨
Plan access from Chennai to Varkala under 2000 (Only Teansport)
> Chennai - Varkala train Rs. 430(Sleeper)
> From the railway station to Varkala beach local transport is available by bus and costs Rs. 20
>After reaching plenty of rooms are available via many platforms costs 700-1500 based on your needs.
>After checking explore the cliff area by walking it's an amazing experience if you need some motorcycles contact them COCO TRAVELS and rent a bike.
> Mangrove Village Adventures ( 13 km) from varkala each person costs 1000 Rs if you want you can also explore this one.
>we stayed here for 2 days and the evening sunset experience in cafe italiano was amazing the price of food is bit higher but worth the view.
>As an overall according to your needs choose the restaurants and accommodation .
~ Our trip costs around 6000 Rs per head.
Do exploring ✨
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine Butcher
5 contributions
Jan 2023
A must visit if you need a beauty touch up! I have been visiting this salon for the past three months now to have my monthly henna treatment. Reji and her husband are always so welcoming. They offer a range of beauty treatments and well as massaging. They are both very talented and experienced in their fields and I always look forward to our chats. Thanks guys! :)
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it worth to visit Varkala during last week of june ? will rains be a problem for pleasant trip?
Adventurist2k
Coimbatore, India
Is it safe to visit varkala now? Is the place under any alert?
Vishnu Polachira
Kerala, India64 contributions
I am
Not sure …
Danny
Chennai (Madras), India
Hi, Has anyone been to varkala recently? How is the nightlife?
Sahil_Kataria
Chennai (Madras), India2 contributions
I am coming to Varkal by train and going back by flight. What's the best way to reach Clafouti from Varkal station and best way to reach Thiruvananthapuram airport from Clafouti? (2 pax)
Jose
17 contributions
You have to catch a taxi car for both.
There are trains from Varkala to Trivandrum
Jitesh S
Alappuzha, India
Can we camp near varkala beach?
muhsinfaseeh
Dresden, Germany27 contributions
Not in my knowledge
09876543lkjgf
New Delhi, India6 contributions
After today's heave rain, Is Varkala beach open today?
Jitendra K
Kolkata (Calcutta), India134 contributions
beach is always open
Is it the right time to visit Varkala (Kerela) during 15 to 18 August?
swati
National Capital Territory of Delhi, India9 contributions
The sea is really rough during this time and its not advisable to go deep. But if u want to enjoy varkala during monsoons there are other ways also.
jairamjai
Madurai District, India29 contributions
Planning to visit varkala in mid June. Will it be that hot so that I can't go out on sightseeing?
Snoopydoopy
Cornwall, UK29 contributions
We are here now, it is hot so you will want to avoid walking a lot during the day. If you have a scooter it wont be as bad. Bear in mind most of the shops and restaurants on the cliff are now closed.
Abhijit
Singapore, Singapore32 contributions
Hi, is uber/ola available from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala beach (2-way). What are other modes of transport as I am planning to spend at least half a day at Varkala
ARUN63512
Bengaluru, India860 contributions
Yes you can take ola rental which will take you to Varkala and come back, best would be you can hire any other taxi but if you need branded you can try Ola with no hassles.
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Claim your listingVarkala Beach (Varkala Town) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Varkala Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Varkala Beach:
- Varkala Cliffs Beach Tour from Trivandrum (From ₹ 3,332.78)
- Varkala beach day trip from Trivandrum/Kovalam (From ₹ 9,998.33)
- Private Jatayu Nature Park and Varkala Beach Tour from Kovalam (From ₹ 4,082.65)
- Day Trip to Varkala (Guided Full Day City Tour) (From ₹ 7,649.56)
- "Day Trip to Varkala from Trivandrum (Guided Full Day City Tour)" (From ₹ 12,292.95)
- Hotels near Varkala Beach:
- (0.05 km) Varkala Marine Palace
- (0.06 km) Varkala RSG Padmatheerthom
- (0.10 km) Hindustan Beach Retreat
- (0.13 km) Eden Garden
- (0.09 km) Geeyo on the Beach
- Restaurants near Varkala Beach:
- (0.02 km) Taste Of Kera
- (0.03 km) Marina Bay Restaurant
- (0.04 km) Sea Sun Cafe
- (0.05 km) Varkala Marine Palace Restaurant
- (0.05 km) Pagan's
- Attractions near Varkala Beach:
- (0.05 km) Papasnanam Beach/Varkala Beach
- (0.27 km) Agnihotra Yoga Retreat
- (0.09 km) Ladakh Heritage
- (0.28 km) Asparagus
- (0.46 km) Thanal Ayurveda Home