This was one of the best trips that I have been a part of. It all started as a random plan with my friends to explore Kerela. We had bookings for a sleeper bus from Bangalore to Trivandrum (not recommended unless you are short on budget). We reached at around 12:00 noon in Trivandrum.
As soon as we stepped out of the bus, we could feel the typical humid weather of Kerela welcoming us.
TRIVANDRUM TO VARKALA
Varkala is 43kms from Trivandrum. The best and cheapest mode of transport is via Train (even though you are not tight on budget) It takes around 2 hours to reach. The frequency of train is also pretty good (almost every hour).
STAY
Near the railway station you will find places to stay which I won't recommended (because we did the same mistake) because the heaven is waiting! To be continued...
RAILWAY STATION TO VARKALA BEACH
As we were so excited we just kept our luggage and went directly to the varkala beach which is around 4-5 kms from the station (Approximately 100₹).
And when we reached there we were all amazed with the scenic beauty of the place;love at first sight. The Varkala beach is by far the cleanest beaches I have been in India. The beach is located at the cliff which extends to almost 2-3kms. The cliff has a walkway and it has numerous restaurants and shops.
THE FOOD
Never a problem, if you walk through the cliff you will find some of the best restaurants with variety of cusines. Ranging from cheap to premium.
THE BEACH
The most awaited part! Its simply awesome,you will find a way from the cliff to the beach at different places in the walkway. I have been to beaches before but I haven't seen something like this in India. I just fell in love with the place. My friends and I just stood there for a while gazing at the setting sun. The crowd is very decent ( unlike Calangute,Goa) and many foreigners visit the place that's probably why its so clean.
THE STAY CONTINUED
Although we had planned just a day for varkala we ended up staying for 3 nights. The reason why I asked you not to stay nearby railway station was that there is a complete different experience which lies when you visit the beach. There are cottages and places to stay on the cliff which have there own way down to the beach.Also the stay is cheap and very affordable.(We paid just ₹1500 for 2 rooms and 6 people per night). The stay on cliff, coffee mug in hand, a beach beneath with the calmness of the sea, you need nothing more than being there forever. Its one of the best places to chill and spend time, even contemplate.
You have many options around for the second day if you wish to explore more. We went to Kappil Beach and Kappil Lake. Kappil lake is separated by a strip of sand from the Kappil beach which also is a unique sight and a place to be. There are many temples as well in Varkala if you are interested in historical and spiritual places. We spent most of our time enjoying on the Varkala Beach itself, and it felt like never going from the place. The untouched beach had made us feel so connected that its memories will be forever cherished.
