This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Varkala.
Located on the stunning coastline of the Arabian Sea on India's western shores is the quaint town of Varkala. A popular tourist destination for locals and foreigners alike, it is not hard to see why, with its stunning red rock cliff faces and stunning beach. While much of the coastline is rocky and you cannot swim, there is a public beach on which you can swim. Many of the Western visitors are comfortable enough to wear their bathing suits here; however, you will find that most of the locals will still swim in their clothes. The sun is very strong here, so the hot tip is to always wear sunscreen -- even if it might not seem that hot or overcast -- because it is very easy to burn.
There is a walking path that runs along the cliff face with an abundance of restaurants serving the freshest of seafood caught from the area. There are also many hotels, cafes, clothing, and convenience stores along this path too for you to collect what you need or to wander around and explore.
here is also a main road back off this path that leads into the town and you will find majority of the Varkala hostels and other accommodations around this area, out of the hustle and bustle of the restaurant zone. If it also suits you, many of these Varkalahotels also offer ayurvedic massage and other ayurvedic services, but ask at your Varkala hostel desk for a reputable one, as many of them are not well trained. Otherwise, kick back for a couple of days, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery and fresh food!
Written by local enthusiast for Varkala hostels
Globetrotter
