Varkala
Varkala is a cute little seaside town located along the shores of the Arabian sea. It is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, its cliff-side promenade adorned with colorful shops and cozy cafes mingling the smell of chai teas, incense and grilled fish. Varkala is also famous for Yoga teacher training programs and drop in classes.
where to stay in varkala
Hostels
Barefoot hostel - This is a simple yet incredibly welcoming hostel. The manager is super chill, you can read or work on mattresses displayed inside and outside the hostel, you can cook or order some food from the kitchen and the rooms are small but cozy. It is located 10 minutes walking from the promenade.
Yoga teacher training
Devvrat Yoga Sangha - This is the place where i’ve done my 200 YTT.
You want to do a Yoga Teacher training but you are not sure where to start?
recommended indian food in varkala
$ = 0.70 cents - 2 euros / $$ = 2 - 5 euros / $$$ = more (dish only)
True Thomas - $$ - My favorite place in town, and located just in front of Devvrat! They serve delicious food here. I recommend the Dosas (plain Dosa and the Masala Dosa - they serve it until 12pm!) as well as the Kadai Paneer, the Egg and vegetable fried rice, their Chapati and banana Lassi. If you like your Porota doughy then i highly recommend you try it there as well.
Rabbit cafe - $/$$ - This place lies on the promenade and has an indoor and outdoor area. The waiters are one of a kind, kind and on another planet. I recommend you take the Panner butter Masala, their eggplant dish as well as their okra dish. I HIGHLY recommend their Porota, they were the best i’ve had during my trip.
Juicy - $ - Local place where you can find some nice breakfast for a really cheap price. All the locals go there so you must go quite early to make sure you get something to eat!
Recommended places I have not been too : Chimney restaurant
recommended western food and desert in varkala
Inda cafe - $$ - This place is good for breakfast. At a set price of 349 INR you get to choose something to eat + unlimited chai/masala/coffee until 12pm. I recommend their sweet oatmeal with coconut milk, their papaya juice (without ice) and their green omelette. As for lunch and dinner, their pizza seemed to be very popular.
Sun Fransisco - $$ - I went there for desert and drinks but they also serve savory meals. I recommend their chocolate brownie (with or without vanilla ice cream) as well as their banana, date and peanut smoothie (with soya milk)
Ize chop - $ - They make really good rolled ice cream. I had their cacao and brownie one (homemade fudge) and it hit the spot.
What to do in varkala
Enroll in a Yoga teacher training - Recommended place : Devvrat Yoga
Take a drop in Yoga class
Go surfing - You can surf on Kappil beach or go a little further. Renting a surf board will cost you 500 INR
Take a stroll on the promenade
Spend some time at the beach - Be careful as the waves and current may be very strong
Go for sunset - South Cliff, Black Sand Beach or Kappil Beach are nice locations to watch the sunset. North Cliff is also nice but will most probably be crowded.
Go to the gym - I recommend one called Fitness protocols (200 INR/session). It is not the closest one from North and South cliff but it is so worth it. They have nearly everything including air-conditioning, the staff is more than welcoming.
Have an Ayurvedic consultation - At Akhil beach or behind Inda Cafe they have an Ayurvedic center which does good Ayurvedic consultations.
Have an Ayurvedic massage - I recommend going to Aadiveda Ayurveda and ask for the old lady (i’m sorry I do not remember her name). Do NOT book via their website as it seems like they do not always check it. Write them a Whatsapp message.
Take a tour to Munroe Island - Located 1h30 minutes by car from Varkala, Munroe Island is definitely a must do. I recommend you go there for sunset (so you must leave at 3pm at the latest from Varkala). You will enjoy a boat ride in the mangroves and on a lake with breathtaking views.
Check if it is temple festival season - and enjoy the Indian festivities
For any questions or help organizing your trip, contact me on Instagram! 👇🏻