Kerala

Why I fell in love with Varkala

This is one of the finest and most beautiful beaches that had mesmerized me right when I had my first look at it. Perched almost perilously along the edge of dizzying cliffs, it is a low-key destination that’s geared to a backpacker demographic. A golden beach nuzzles Varkala’s cliff edge, where restaurants play innocuous trance music and stalls sell the types of things every traveler might need – ethnic tees, baggy trousers, and silver jewelry. Varkala is a place to watch the weeks slow down into days.

Varkala Beach

In the evening, I thought of taking a stroll through the beach, but then out of nowhere, I ran into a British woman who stayed in the same hostel. I asked if she knew the way to the beach and she asked me if I was hungry! Well from then onwards things seemed to be falling in place. We went out and ended up in one of the shacks on the cliff and chatted for what almost seemed like an eternity. She loved her first Indian dish with Kingfisher as always. We took a long walk and ended up on the rooftop of our hostel and chatted some more.

Varkala Shacks

On our second day at Varkala, we went for breakfast at “Juice Shack”, a place I’d definitely recommend to everyone while in Varkala. She mentioned about a friend called Gustaf whom she had met at the Trivandrum airport. We, later on, met Gustaf and Valter and did some yoga on the beach which I highly doubt was even anywhere close to it.

Varkala Beach

We eventually felt the salty waves just as we entered the water. The sea had strong currents, so I’d advise caution. Swim only between the flags or ask the lifeguards where the safest places are for a swim.

Surfing at Varkala Beach

A strong bond was formed among ourselves that it almost felt like we had known each other forever. This was the exact moment when I thought of extending my stay at Varkala because we were yet not done with the place. We rented bikes and I got myself a Honda Navi as always. She hopped in with me. It was her first time on a motorbike. She was nervous, to say the least, but also thrilled to be a part of this road trip. I made myself feel responsible for her since I knew I would ride fast. We drifted off to Kappil lake and I’d say this was the best plan we executed in Varkala. The sunset at the beach was breathtaking. Video footage of our road trip on GoPro: 

Koavalam

The following day we left off for Alleppey.

My Recommendations to Stay, Eat and Explore

  • Vedanta Wake up Helipad North , Heavenly Breeze Beach Resort (Budget Stay).
  • The Juice Shop, etc. (Plenty of shacks on the cliff.) – for hunger pangs
  • Varkala Beach, Kapill Lake, Light House Kovalam beach ( for sightseeing)
  • Rent a bike/Scooty at just Rs 300/- (from Local Bike Rental shops)

 

Author

rur1kdyfly9l@sg2plcpnl0244.prod.sin2.secureserver.net
I am a Solo Traveler Enthusiast and an adventurous individual who enjoys being outdoor and spending time being active. I am a risk taker and have no problem striking up a conversation with a total stranger. Eager to make memories by traveling. I dream to explore new places and cultures, there is something special I learn about others and about myself when I travel. Cold weather, sand, beaches, high mountains and hills all make me really happy. Fitness is something that is important to me because I feel like it is an outlet for stress relief and it also makes me feel good. Every time I travel I learn something new about myself which I feel makes me grow as a person and I learn to appreciate the little things. I find solace in street photography as well; capturing the subtleties of life. I believe "Life is too Short not to do something that matters"

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