Varkala beach (The hidden hippie vibes)

 God’s own country Kerala, is not just the home for temples, backwaters and churches, but this nature-kissed land is the home for beaches as well and  Varkala Beach is one of the happening beach of kerela .

Because of cafe cultures near sea side at north cliff it is also  known as "Mini Goa". While planning, even I was in little confusion, Why to choose  Varkala over Goa. After coming here ..I came to know why it has been tag as Mini goa specially when u stay at North cliff. 

Varkala is a famous beach destination situated in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. So basically varkala is divided into two cliff 

1. North 

2. South 

        Varkala south cliff ( calm n serene)

Varkala north cliff (restaurants and cafe  by side ,most happening side)

So overall we found varkala North cliff (helipad side) has a relaxed, unique, hippie vibe to it, that people used to associate with Goa. It is teaming with restaurants, yoga centres, and even surf schools! The beauty of the cliff  is that u will get lots of europian, italian restaurant, hotel in one side while other side there is a huge ocean view.

The cliff  stretches about 2 km . All the foreigners crowd u will get at north cliff as the cafe open till midnight ( I am talking about peak season December)

     Stunning view from the north  cliff

At night the cafe lit up with decorating lights n some music gives a vibes of Goa

The walkway have some selfie point .which attracts tourist.

Side by side lots of shop is there where u can buy souvenirs 

Some cafe have stunning view of sea side 

             And Night has it own charm 

We strongly recommend to stay in north cliff to get this vibes.however if u are peace lover

South cliff is the best option. It all about private resorts, sea side walk way ,calm and peaceful  stay. There is no night life and crowd much.

Earlier Varkala was not all about the cliff, and the night life .But Kerela  tourism has put lot of effort to make this as one of best happening beaches of Kerela to which, they have succeeded.

If we leave cliff  , Varkala is  also famous for 

 two-thousand-year-old Janardhana temple stands on the cliffs .The Papnasham beach, which today is more popular as Varkala beach, was once known for its sacred water that was not just meant to clean the body but mind and soul too.

The ideal time to visit this Kerala Beach destination is the winter season.The reason is that during this climate, the temperature in Varkala remains comfortable.

Bangalore to Varkala road distance - aprox.680 km

Must try sea food at varkala , price literally cheaper than the Goa

Things to do -

 Ashtanga yoga is very popular in Varkala and you can take yoga classes- in one of the top yoga schools in Varkal.You can also take yoga teacher training in Varkala. These Yoga Teacher Training Program are usually month long and during the duration of the training you can stay either in the Yoga ashram or in a specific Yoga retreat.

-U can just relax at cafe and enjoy the breathtaking view 

-Go for walk at cliff 

- Do shopping  ..

-if non vegetarian,  must try fresh sea food 

Cafe u can try at north cliff-

Sunrise restaurant (best view at days or evening time)

Trattoria is(good food n view)

Abba (little crowded)

Darjeeling cafe  (good at night as the music n decoration go along with it)

Buddha bad

Cafe italiano - much hyped, insta grammer site. Famous for selfie points n sea view.

Stay-

Most of the resort at sea side does not have tv . 

In peak season the rates  rises just double 

The sea view property  are -

Thanal  beach resort

Hotel green place 

Black sand resort 

However small property are also there like 

Sea wings , sunrise guest house, sea view resort and many more .

Note - its better to stay near helipad parking site as roads are wider and climbing with luggage to cliff is easier .

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Happy travelling !!