Фотогалерея ‒ Varkala, India

Guide to Varkala

Virtual tour to Varkala

Varkala is a land steeped in legends and stories, where sages once resided, and miracles occurred. Originally, it served as a shelter for pilgrims visiting great temples, and later, the British transformed it into a commercial center. Travelers come to Varkala for its beautiful beaches, reached by picturesque staircases descending from the cliffs. The region also boasts healing springs in the rocks and sacred elephants. At the southern end of the resort, you'll experience the vibrant life of an Indian fishing town filled with surprises and vivid colors. If you prefer a more civilized atmosphere, head to the northern part of Varkala. Here, you'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, shops, and ayurvedic clinics. The town offers good tourist infrastructure and reasonable prices, making it ideal for those seeking quality and affordable vacations. Varkala is a place for recovery, rejuvenation, spiritual growth, and for some, the thrill of the waves and rocky shores, offering both excitement and tranquility. While not every part is suitable for swimming, it appeals to those who appreciate the rough sea. Varkala's diversity ensures that every traveler can find something unique and meaningful in this Indian town.

Photos of Varkala

Tips for tourists

The beach in the south of the resort is sandy, but locals use it as a road. It is not very clean. The beaches in the north are rocky and quite dangerous, the bottom is uneven and currents are possible.
Buy only bottled water, do not buy ice on the street, which is widely sold by locals in India. Do not wash fruits with tap water, but rinse them with boiling water.
Not all temples allow tourists in, and not everywhere can be photographed. Most of the areas around the temples are open.
Population
42 273
Time zone
gmt+5:30
Language
Hindi, English
Currency
Indian rupee

Interesting places in Varkala

Excursions in Varkala, which has several interesting temples and natural corners, can be combined and complemented with walks outside its boundaries. There are quite a few places to visit within a hundred kilometers radius. Hiking trails in Varkala itself can also be interesting, especially for those interested in the culture, religion and traditions of India. Kerala is famous for its religious shrines and natural beauty is abundant. What's worth seeing in the city and beyond?

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

To reach Varkala, you will need to fly to Trivandrum, from where you can reach Varkala by train or bus. At least one connection awaits you, possibly in Dubai or another Asian city. These flights are offered by Fly Dubai, and such a flight costs around 400-420 USD. There are also connections in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, with the average ticket price ranging from 550-580 USD. All domestic flights in India typically cost from 100 to 250 USD. Therefore, it's easiest to get to Trivandrum directly and not fly through major hubs like Delhi or Mumbai. Do keep in mind that from May to October is the rainy season in the resort cities of India, but there are still a lot of tourists, so airlines may not offer significant discounts on tickets during this period.

The best hotels in Varkala

In Varkala you can find inexpensive guesthouses with rates from 5-8 USD and normal four and five star hotels. However, as elsewhere in India, you should check the star rating carefully based on photos and reviews from experienced guests. Four-star options like Palm Tree Heritage cost from 60 USD per room. Varkala Marine Palace costs from 30 USD. If you want a good and inexpensive place to stay, go for hotels from 20-25 USD, but it is possible to find decent bungalows, and the most ordinary rooms in the private sector. The choice is great, both in the northern, touristy part and in the southern, residential part, in the fishing village of Varkala.

The cost of vacation

Varkala is considered an affordable resort. Accommodation options range from as low as $5 for rooms in the residential sector to around $20 for more comfortable rooms. Flights typically cost between $400 and $500, and the visa fee is $60. A three to four-day vacation in Varkala, excluding flights and visa expenses, will amount to approximately $300 to $400.

If you plan to enjoy various activities like Ayurvedic treatments, meditation, diving, and water sports, allocate an additional $200 to $300 for these experiences. Excursions around Varkala vary in cost depending on the distance. You can spend a few dollars to visit nearby parks and temples or set aside $100 to $150 for a trip, such as to the southern tip of Hindustan.

The budget for a trip to Varkala
Visa 120 USD Flight from 840 USD
Accomodation 10–30 USD Average check in a restaurant 2–5 USD
Transportation fare 0.5-5 USD, or up to 330 INR. Excursion from 5 USD
Total: about 1200 USD for a week for two people, taking into account two meals a day and visits to at least one museum per day.

Varkala: tips for tourists

On tripmydream website you will get to know all the features of a vacation in Varkala, India. You should find the right section and ask your questions to the operator.

Visa to Varkala

You don't need Schengen, but an Indian visa is a must. You order it online by submitting an application and get it on arrival at the Indian airport. Registration takes about three days, and the visa costs 60 USD for 30 days. You will need to print out the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) document that will be emailed to you, and be sure to bring it with you.

Airports near Varkala

The nearest TRV code airport to Varkala is at Trivandrum, 40 km from the beach resort. The airport receives domestic and international flights and is quite convenient for traveling to this pilgrimage destination in Kerala. There is also Tuticorin Airport (TCR), but it is much farther away.

The airport is also located at Trivandrum, 40 km from the beach resort.

Airport transfer to Varkala

From the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum, Varkala can be reached in about half an hour by train. There is a large railway station in Varkala. The bus ride will take about an hour and a half. Train tickets cost around 20-30 INR. A cab costs from 900 INR.

Car rental in Varkala

It is much more convenient to ride a bike in these parts than a car. You can rent bikes, scooters, and it will cost no more than 300-350 INR. To the beaches here go down on their own, and outside the city is better to go with rickshaws or cabs. In many hotels you can rent a car as well. Prices are quite high, from 50 USD for the simplest cars.

Public transportation in Varkala

There is a railroad and intercity buses. There are the usual Indian rickshaws and tuk-tuks. Cabs are also convenient, and you should bargain. The easiest way to get around is to rent a bicycle or scooter.

Security in Varkala

Tourists are treated well here, but keep in mind that there are many pilgrims who come to Varkala for the Indian shrines. There are also tourists from different countries. Do not carry serious valuables, leave large sums and important papers in a safe or carefully hide them under your clothes. And, of course, be careful on the water, the sea here can be rough, full of currents.

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