Thiruvananthapuram · Thiruvananthapuram
Varkala Travel Guide — Cliffside Kerala Beach on a Budget
Best months
Per-day budget
₹900–2,750/day
Getting there
Varkala is a beach town on the coast of Kerala, about 50 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. What makes it different from every other beach town in India is the cliff — a 20-metre high red-laterite escarpment that runs along the coast, with cafes, guesthouses and yoga shalas perched on the edge, looking down at the Arabian Sea. The North Cliff area is where the traveller action is concentrated — a winding path along the cliff edge lined with places selling breakfast bowls, fresh juices, seafood and the usual traveller menu. Papanasam Beach at the base of the cliff is considered sacred, with a bathing ghat where pilgrims wash away their sins. Varkala has a strong yoga and Ayurveda scene, with month-long packages that rival the prices in Goa. The train station is right in town, making it the easiest Kerala beach to reach without a flight.
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Why go
The North Cliff is the heart of Varkala. The cliff path runs for about 1 km and is lined with places to sit, eat and watch the sea. The sunsets from the cliff are spectacular — the red laterite glows, the sea turns orange, and the entire cliff is filled with people watching the show. Papanasam Beach at the base is a small cove with black sand and clear water — safe for swimming in calm weather. The Black Beach and Odayam Beach further south are quieter alternatives. Varkala is Kerala's best beach for those who want a social scene without the full Goa party intensity.
Varkala has a high concentration of yoga and meditation schools, concentrated along the cliff and the road to the railway station. Multiple shalas offer drop-in classes (₹300-500 per session) and month-long teacher training courses (₹30,000-60,000). The combination of the cliffside setting, the sound of the waves and the quieter atmosphere makes Varkala a popular alternative to Goa for yoga studies. Ayurvedic massage centres are also everywhere along the cliff — a full-body massage costs ₹1,000-2,000 depending on duration and the oil used.
How to reach
Varkala has its own railway station — Varkala Sivagiri — which is on the main Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi railway line. Trains from Delhi are not direct — take a train to Thiruvananthapuram (sleeper class ₹700-1,000, 24+ hours) and then a local train to Varkala (₹30-50, 1 hour). Check live timings on IRCTC or a train app before booking. More practical for budget travellers: fly to Thiruvananthapuram (₹4,000-7,000 from Delhi via Chennai or Mumbai) and take a bus or train to Varkala. Buses from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala take about 1.5 hours and cost ₹50-100. Varkala itself is walkable, with the North Cliff area within walking distance from the railway station.
What a day costs
| Dorm bed / cliff guesthouse | ₹350–700 |
| Food (Kerala thali / cafe) | ₹200–400 |
| Local transport (auto / bus) | ₹50–150 |
| Yoga drop-in / massage | ₹300–1,500 |
When to go
September to March is the best period. The weather is pleasant — warm days (28°C-32°C) and cooler evenings. October to February is the peak season — the cliff is lively and the sea is calm for swimming. April to May is the hot season — temperatures cross 35°C and the humidity is high, but the cliff is less crowded. June to August is monsoon — Varkala receives heavy rain from the southwest monsoon, the sea is rough for swimming, and some cliffside cafes close. September to November is the sweet spot — the monsoon has passed, the landscape is at its greenest, and the crowds have not yet arrived.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Cliff Walk
Arrive in Varkala from Thiruvananthapuram. Check into a guesthouse on the North Cliff. Spend the afternoon walking the cliff path — explore the cafes and shops. Descend to Papanasam Beach for a swim. Return to the cliff for sunset with a fresh juice at one of the cliff-edge places. Have dinner at a cafe on the cliff.
Day 2: Yoga and Beach Day
Take a morning yoga class at one of the shalas on the cliff (₹300-500 drop-in). Spend the midday at a cafe with a book. Walk to the southern beaches — Black Beach and Odayam — in the afternoon. The path along the cliff continues south and becomes more rugged and less crowded. Watch the sunset from Odayam Beach.
Day 3: Kappil Lagoon or Depart
Take an auto to Kappil, about 7 km north of Varkala — a brackish water lagoon with a beach on the other side of the spit. You can hire a rowboat for ₹200-300. Return to Varkala by afternoon and depart by train or bus.
Student hacks
- ▸Stay on the North Cliff — the walkability, cafes and sunset views justify the slightly higher cost over South Cliff accommodation.
- ▸Drop-in yoga classes cost ₹300-500 — cheaper than buying a week pass if you only plan a few sessions.
- ▸Eat at the cafes slightly off the main cliff path — places directly on the edge charge a premium for the view.
- ▸The train from Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram costs ₹30-50 and takes an hour — faster and cheaper than a bus.
- ▸Varkala is a popular month-long yoga-stay destination — homestays offer discounts for stays longer than a week.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Varkala. The beach and cliff are safe. Swim only at Papanasam Beach — the water is generally calm in the season. Other beaches have strong undercurrents. The cliff path is well lit in the North Cliff area but darker sections south of it are unlit after dark. Solo female travellers are very common here. The town is safe, but as with any beach destination, keep your belongings secure while swimming. ATMs are available near the railway station and on the cliff. The main cliff area has reliable mobile network and most cafes have Wi-Fi.
FAQs
How do I reach Varkala from Delhi?
The most practical option is to fly to Thiruvananthapuram and take a train or bus to Varkala (1 hour). Direct trains from Delhi to Varkala do not exist — you must change at Thiruvananthapuram.
What is the difference between North Cliff and South Cliff?
North Cliff is where the cafes, yoga shalas and most tourist activity are concentrated. South Cliff is quieter, with fewer options and cheaper accommodation. Most travellers prefer North Cliff.
Is Varkala good for surfing?
Yes. Varkala has a small surf community and the waves are suitable for beginners during the season (September-March). Surf lessons are available on the main beach.
Is Varkala safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, very safe. Varkala sees a high proportion of solo female travellers. The cliff area is busy and well lit. Standard beach precautions apply for swimming and valuables.
What is the best time to visit Varkala?
September to March is ideal. October to February is peak season with the best weather. Avoid June-August monsoon when the sea is rough.
How many days do I need in Varkala?
Two full days is enough — one for the cliff and beach, one for yoga and the southern beaches. Three days allows a relaxed pace and a trip to Kappil.