Its time for our year end tradition. Gals trip to celebrate the year of madness, small achievements, friendship.
When speaking of kerala, one imagines the lush green forests and the calmness of the backwaters and numerous lagoons that mark this southern state of India. However, during a trip through South India, we decided to skip these popular spots and head to the beach side of Kerala.
Although we were heading for paradise, our journey to the place was nothing short of hell. With quite an adventurous ride, we caught our train to Varkala from Bangalore just in time. And nischu started cribbing about her bad office scene she just faced 2 hours before. Next afternoon, we made it to Varkala. Yes you read it right. It was almost 17 hour journey. The station of Varkala itself boasted of more westerners than locals. While we walked out of the station and hopped on to an auto, the vibe of the place had already taken over me. The 100 rupee auto ride took us to our hotel- the lost hostel. I dont recommend this place for stay. Not worth it. It was raining and we felt our trip can’t be ruined better than this. After an hour or so the rain stopped. To explore the tropical town of Varkala, we stepped out of the hotel and walked towards the North cliff. The shops and cafes perched atop the red sandstoned North cliff were bustling with tourists and locals. I felt like a foreigner in my country when I found westerners shopping for groceries, running their own cafes and most of all, being at home. The entire vibe of this place was relaxing that I instantly fell in love with everything around – the calming blue ocean, the quirky cafes, the plush greens dotting the entire cliff line, the shops selling clothes and crafts from around the country and the yoga classes at every alternate guesthouse / homestay.
Ideally speaking, just do nothing! And you’ll know why I’m saying this the moment you get there. Just sit around on the beach, soak up some sun, go for a swim or grab your favourite drink sitting on the cliff and just admire the beauty that is varkala.
Places to visit–
Janardanaswamy temple
Visit this 2000 years old temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. The ancient temple architecture and just the premises will instill a great sense of tranquillity and inner peace.
Anjengo fort and lighthouse
The fort and lighthouse is just around 12 kms from the cliff. Built by east India company, the fort was England’s entry point from Malabar’s coast. The fort is well maintained with lush green lawn and anjengo beach view in the background. You can also visit lighthouse for the aerial view of the endless water.
Kappil beach
Kappil beach is not an ordinary beach and should be put on everyone’s itinerary of Varkala. It’s not everyday that we get to see the confluence of sea, river & backwaters which is a sight to behold. For a km of stretch, the backwaters and Arabian Sea run parallel with land sequenced with tall swaying coconut trees throughout the stretch. I wondered about the people staying in the houses on that land, how they would wake up to the ecstatic view every single day and carry out their daily chores in such scenic surroundings.
Varkala beach
The most famous and crowded beach of Varkala, Varkala beach which is right below the cliff. We took the stairs down from the cliff, strolled on the beach, observed people – some in yoga asanas, few playing with frisbee, few still sunbathing and the rest enjoying amidst the high waves of the sea. We picked our corner and settled ourselves to get infused with ravishing colors which sun leaves at the sky after it sets for us mortals to relish.
Edava beach
It is another quiet beach located south of the cliff enroute to kappil beach. Here you’ll find many colourful boats lining the shore adding to the vibrancy of the coast.
You can also visit shivagiri mutt and varkala tunnel on the way.
Food
The cafes in Varkala are so brilliantly located that you can ditch the beach one evening and enjoy a sunset from a roof top of one of those. The Varkala cliff is lined by beautiful cafes and restaurants that overlook the Arabian waters. Honestly speaking try every place while you are there, because each one is unique. If you’re looking for a fancy dinner date or something, the upper deck of cafe Italiano is just perfect.
Shopping
Shopping in varkala can be really fun. You can buy a lot of variety things here including clothes, footwear, traditional handicrafts, artefacts. We had an interesting bargaining encounter. Credit goes to Divya and Nischitha.
You can find many Ayurvedic spas to indulge in. There are a few local temples worth visiting, and one can roam around in the village nearby to get a flavour for the local food and life.
Varkala is absolutely a magical town. Just walk upto the helipad for sunset and sit on one of the benches that overlook the beach. That moment right there, is something you will cherish. The Colors of the sky, and its reflection in waters are one of those pictures straight out of postcard.
The beaches, the authentic food but most importantly the vibe, is sure to find a very special place in your heart. After all, she is God’s own country.
Varkala in pictures
♥️
Divya
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