Why I Chose Varkala for My Next Travel destination?
I was getting bored and missing travel, so I decided to look for a new adventure. With so many options and endless information on social media along with some overhyped spots it was confusing to pick the perfect destination without breaking the bank. Post-monsoon season seemed perfect for Maharashtra, but my heart was set on Southern India. Then it hit me: why not Kerala? I wanted a place where I could unwind, enjoy, and make spontaneous plans to explore. And let me tell you, Kerala did not disappoint. It was more than I hoped for. Stick with me to find out how to spend a week in offbeat Kerala. I booked my train tickets about two weeks before my October trip. I was a bit unsure about the climate, but I wanted to experience Kerala’s post-monsoon charm, with its lush greenery, scenic beaches, and tranquil backwaters. Just in case, I packed an umbrella too.
As the day approached, it was finally time to set my plan into action visiting God's Own Country. I got lucky too; my seat got confirmed and upgraded from Sleeper to 3E. I boarded the Trivandrum Express from Mumbai, spent most of my time gazing out the window, enjoying snacks, and just soaking in the journey.
Day 1: Let’s Begin - My First Day in Varkala, Kerala.
I decided to start my trip in Varkala, booking my train to Varkala Sivagiri railway station with plans to explore North Varkala on the first day. After a 20+ hour train journey, I finally reached Varkala at 6 a.m., eager but a bit worn out. With a heavy backpack, I set off to find the auto stand, only to discover that one of the two bridges was under construction. This meant backtracking quite a bit, definitely not the best part of my morning.
Eventually, I exited the station and hopped into a rickshaw that took me straight to Varkala North Cliff. Arriving at the cliff unusually early, I settled onto a bench, soaking in my first look at the place. The view was stunning, and after a few minutes, I wandered down to the beach to kill time before check-in. My wanderings led me to the Varkala Black Sand Beach, where I finally dropped my things, put down some newspaper to keep my bag and umbrella sand-free, and took a deep breath, mesmerised by the clean blue water, cool breeze, and quiet vibe of the place. After dipping my feet in the chilly water, I felt an instant sense of relief after all the travel.
It turns out that Varkala wakes up a little later in the day, which I quickly noticed. Before leaving for my dorm, I checked around for other affordable options in women-only hostels and found Souls Hostel at Varkala Beach. But with no prior booking and the site redirecting me in circles, I had to give it a pass. They also had a strict 2 p.m. check-in, which wouldn’t have worked for my schedule.
Instead, I went with my earlier reservation at The Hostellers on the North Cliff, a place I’d call basic at best. Despite that, they let me check in early, which was a lifesaver. I dropped my backpack, grabbed a quick nap, and felt recharged enough to head out again. By then, it was sunny and hot, so I grabbed some starters and a beer at Blue Moon Cafe before revisiting Black Sand Beach. I wandered around North Varkala, checking out the area. Since I don’t drive, I explored everything on foot and by rickshaw, which worked out but was a bit exhausting. For anyone planning to visit, I’d definitely recommend renting a scooter it’ll save you time and energy.
Places I Covered in North Varkala
- Varkala North Cliff
- Varkala Black Sand Beach
- Odayam Beach
Varkala is a tourist hub with lots of options for budget stays, and some places even offer activities if you’re looking to fill up your itinerary. I ended my day on a deck with a perfect view, a mocktail in hand, and later enjoyed a seafood dinner though the food was just average and maybe a bit overpriced. I had “Sex on the Beach,” one of the more popular cocktails here with Molly fish curry and Tandoori Roti at Sky Lounge. Sitting on the cliffside bench as evening settled in was definitely a highlight. All in all, I’d say if you’re on a budget, reconsider dining on the cliffside. The vibe may be social media-worthy, but the food doesn’t quite match up in flavour or price. Still, the views alone made it a day well spent, and I called it a night back at the dorm, excited to see what the next day would bring.
Day 2: Let's Continue - Exploring the South Varkala!
Second day in Varkala was a total flip from what I expected. Started my day earlier than usual, grabbed a cup of coffee and masala dosa before setting off to explore the southern coastline of Varkala as planned. It was a bit of a surprise for me to be served lukewarm water with every meal. I headed to the south cliff beach, and on my way to Varkala beach, I stumbled upon the last-day rituals of Pitru Paksha offerings of food, leaves, flowers, and other items were scattered across the beach. I noticed that high tide made it risky to go too deep into the water.
Following Google Maps, I walked along the coastline toward Papanasam beach, soaking in the warm rain, massive waves crashing on the shore, and tropical flora growing on the cliffs. My path eventually stopped when I reached a staircase that led up the cliff, now inaccessible due to what looked like an old landslide. I hadn’t yet reached Papanasam beach, so I retraced my steps to Varkala beach and decided to follow an elevated road out of curiosity. As I wandered, I took in glimpses of local life, grand bungalows, beautiful gardens, lush greenery, small temples though I still couldn’t find Papanasam beach, despite Google Maps' directions. After walking over three kilometres, an auto driver informed me that the way to the beach was inaccessible, and suggested I visit Aaliyarikkm beach, which was less than a kilometre away.
After a short negotiation, he dropped me off at Aaliyarikkm beach. There was a heated argument when he demanded more than we’d agreed on, asking for cash only, even though I’d clarified payment methods upfront. Well, not everyone’s always nice, but I didn’t let it ruin my day. Aaliyarikkm beach turned out to be one of the cleanest, most secluded beaches I’ve ever seen, with clear, blue water and hardly any people. I spent hours playing in the sand, collecting shells, and basking in the sun despite occasional rain. I even chatted with a couple training on the beach who wished me well as I left, and one of them was kind enough to give me a lift back toward Varkala north cliff, dropping me near my dorm.
Places I Covered in South Varkala
- Varkala Beach
- Aaliyarikkm Beach
- South Cliff Varkala
- Janardhan Swami Temple
- Edava Palakkavu Bbhagavathi Temple
Conclusion
This trip was all about the small, unexpected moments like stumbling upon a untouched beach, or savouring a spicy meal with a view I’d only seen in pictures. If you’re looking for a trip that combines the thrill of discovery with the calm of nature, I’d say pack your bags for Kerala. Whether you’re on a budget, planning last minute, or just craving a break, this place has something for everyone. I knew my Kerala journey wasn’t complete without a close encounter with elephants. On my third day, I headed to Kaveri Elephant Park in Paravur, an ideal spot for solo travellers like me, without the high price tags or group-only restrictions of other places. Based on the great reviews, I was confident it’d be a perfect next stop, and it truly was. From cliffside views to quiet beaches and finally now heading to meet Kerala’s gentle giants. I’m already looking forward to my next adventure in God’s Own Country.