Where to stay in Varkala: the short guide
Varkala is centred on its dramatic red cliff above the Arabian Sea, and most travellers stay on North Cliff, the main strip of cliff-top cafes, shops and guesthouses overlooking the beach. It is walkable, lively and the most convenient base, with the widest range of budget to mid-range stays and sunset views.
Below and beyond, Papanasam (Varkala) Beach and the beachfront have hotels closer to the sand, while South Cliff is quieter with some upscale resorts. The town, near Varkala Sivagiri station, has the cheapest rooms and the temple, a short auto ride from the cliff.
Best areas to stay in Varkala
North Cliff
The main strip of cliff-top cafes, shops and guesthouses with sea views. Walkable, lively and central.
Papanasam Beach and beachfront
Hotels closer to the sand, handy for the beach and the morning crowd.
South Cliff
Quieter, with some upscale resorts and sea-view stays away from the busy strip.
Varkala town and near the station
The cheapest rooms and the Janardanaswamy Temple, a short ride from the cliff.
Edava and Odayam (north)
Quieter beaches just north of the cliff, with calmer guesthouses and resorts.
Getting to Varkala: railway, Trivandrum airport and road routes
Varkala has its own railway station, Varkala Sivagiri, about 3 km from the cliff, on the main coastal line with trains from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and beyond. Autos run from the station up to North Cliff.
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), about 50 km away, roughly 1.5 hours by road. Kochi is a further option up the coast. From the airport, taxis and trains reach Varkala easily.
By road and rail, Varkala is an easy stop between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, and many visitors combine it with Kovalam or the backwaters.
Find the right kind of hotel in Varkala
Cliff-top cafes and guesthouses
Sea-view stays along North Cliff, close to the food and shops.
Beachfront hotels
Stays near Papanasam Beach, closer to the sand.
Quiet South Cliff resorts
Calmer, often upscale stays away from the busy strip.
Ayurveda and yoga stays
Varkala’s well-known wellness retreats and yoga guesthouses.
Couple-friendly stays
Most hotels accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Check the property policy before booking.
Budget rooms near the town
Cheaper stays near Varkala Sivagiri station and the temple.
Hotels for every budget in Varkala
Budget guesthouses and hostels
North Cliff and the town. Simple rooms and dorms; cheapest outside the December peak.
Mid-range cliff and beach hotels
Comfortable sea-view and beachfront stays with better rooms.
Resorts and wellness retreats
Upscale South Cliff resorts and Ayurveda retreats with pools and treatments.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- North Cliff and sunset: The cliff-top walk and cafes, famous for Arabian Sea sunsets.
- Papanasam Beach: The main beach below the cliff, said to have holy waters.
- Janardanaswamy Temple: An ancient temple in Varkala town, a short ride from the cliff.
- Sivagiri Mutt: The hilltop ashram and pilgrimage centre of Sree Narayana Guru.
- Ayurveda and yoga: Massages, treatments and yoga classes along the cliff.
- Kappil Beach and backwaters: A scenic beach-meets-backwater spot north of town.
- Surf and swim: Beginner surf lessons and swimming at the main beach in season.
- Day trip to Kollam: The backwaters and the start of the Kollam–Alleppey boat route.
When to visit Varkala
| October to March | Peak season with dry, pleasant weather. Best for the beach and cliff; busiest around Christmas and New Year. |
|---|---|
| April to May | Hot and humid, with lower prices and fewer crowds. |
| June to September | Monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas; some cliff cafes and stays wind down. |
Good to know before you book
- North Cliff is pedestrianised in parts, so some stays mean a short walk with luggage from the nearest road.
- The sea off the main beach has strong currents at times, so swim where it is safe and heed the flags.
- Many cliff cafes and some stays are seasonal and quieten during the monsoon.
- The cliff is lively and social; choose South Cliff or Odayam if you want somewhere calmer.
See live prices for Varkala
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in VarkalaFrequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Varkala?
North Cliff for the main cafe strip and sea views, the beachfront for being near the sand, or South Cliff and Odayam for a quieter, often upscale stay.
What is the nearest airport to Varkala?
Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), about 50 km away, roughly 1.5 hours by road. Kochi is a further option up the coast.
Does Varkala have a railway station?
Yes. Varkala Sivagiri station is about 3 km from the cliff, with trains from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and beyond.
How many days do you need in Varkala?
Two to three days is enough to enjoy the cliff, the beach, a sunset or two and perhaps an Ayurveda session.
Is Varkala better than Kovalam?
Varkala has the dramatic cliff and a laid-back cafe scene, while Kovalam is closer to Thiruvananthapuram. Many visitors prefer Varkala for its setting.
When is the best time to visit Varkala?
October to March, for dry weather and calm seas. Avoid the monsoon, when the sea is rough.