The Trending Boho Escape Of Varkala

If you want to enjoy all things Goa, but in a more peaceful environment, Varkala is the place to be. Located in the southern tail of Kerala, this coastal town has all the trappings of a chilled-out weekend getaway&mdashthink cute caf&eacutes, lively shacks overlooking the breathtaking Arabian Sea, and yoga retreats. To round it off as a perfect holiday destination, Varkala also hosts plenty of budget-friendly stay options, including hostels, hotels, homestays, or BnBs. Here's a handy guide to help you plan the perfect trip to this off-beat locale 

Located along the shore, Varkala is home to some of India's best beaches where you can enjoy exciting water and adventure sports such as paragliding, parasailing, surfing, kayaking and paddling. 

Kapil beach, Chilakkoor beach and Varkala beach are the most popular spots. You will find operators providing guided sessions as well&mdashCanFly, Varkala, is the most sought-after for parasailing and paragliding. In contrast, Soul and Sur and Moana Surf Club are popular among those interested in treading the waves. 

Varkala is dotted with pretty caf&eacutes and buzzing shacks overlooking the beach. Inda Cafe, part of the Inda hotel, is a popular joint among tourists and locals. You can spend hours catching up on your favourite read while sipping on an Iced Latte or enjoying their famed eggs benedict or Turkish eggs. 

In the evening, you must head to one of the shacks lined along the North Cliff to enjoy chilled beers, classic seafood preparations, and a fantastic ocean view. ABBA restaurant and God's Own Country Kitchen come well recommended. 

It's certainly easy to slip into a relaxed state when you've got calming sea views to keep you company. But Varkala is also a sought-after destination for yoga and ayurveda enthusiasts. There are many retreats where you can spend months, weeks or even weekends indulging in some much-needed TLC for the mind, body and soul. Agnihotra Yoga Retreat, Soul and Surf and Casa Eva Luna are the most popular, offering packages that include yoga and meditation sessions. 

Nearest airport Trivandrum International Airport, located approx 42 km away 

Nearest station Varkala Railway Station 

By road Varkala is well-connected to major towns and cities in Kerala, such as Trivandrum, Kollam, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Kochi