Is Varkala worth a visit??

mari77

Hi,

I am planning a trip to India for December 09 for me and my boyfriend – we have 3.5 weeks.

We are flying into Delhi and making our way to Mumbai via Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur over about 9 days. 2-3 days in each place (1 in Agra)

Then we are looking at catching a flight down to Kerala on the 19th December and this is where my problem comes in…. we are looking at flying into Cochin, then spend a few days around backwaters / Alleppey / Kumarakom area and maybe 2 days inland near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Eravikulam National Park, but I am also torn if we should go down to Varkala to the beach for 2-3 nights. We could potentially stay in Kerala till 27th Dec.

Or if we should just stay in Alleppey / Kumarakom area and go up to Goa early around 23rd, to arrive before xmas.

I am wondering if Varkala would be a nice experience and different to Palolem (goa)..and worth spending time there and cutting Goa from 10 days to 7 days.

Does anyone have any opinions on Varkala?

Also, does anyone know of cheap / backpacker budget places near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Eravikulam National Park – any suggestions which one is better? If any!!

Many thanks!

jot20

Hi,

Varkala is lovely, and fairly different from Palolem, although it is becoming more and more busy and built up every year. It is extremely busy around christmas/ new year and prices for accommodation are much higher (same as everywhere touristy I guess). Sounds like a fantastic trip with a lot of traveling. I reckon that after all that moving around you will enjoy a few days of playing in the sea and gorging on seafood in Varkala. . .

Jo

mari77

Yeah in know – I’m afraid we are moving around too much!!

I just saw a thread on a place called Kannur, north Kerala… looks like a nice beach – has anyone been??

Varkala vs Kannur??!!

Thanks!

CliveG

Haven't been to Kannur but enjoyed a few days in Varkala this year. There is accommodation to suit all budgets - we paid Rs700 per night for a bamboo hut on the cliff top. Plenty of eating places. It can get busy but is a good experience.

amine

Hi Friend.
Goa is very rush than varkala at December last.
In Kerala you can stay in Cochi, Munnar (Eravikulam National Park),
Periyar (Wildlife Sanctuary),Kumarakom(backwater s),Aleppy(houseboat),varkala or Kovalam(Beach),
In every places you can stay Home stay or budget hotels,
But you book now because December is the peak season.

In Kerala I can do any help for you.

Amin

Jorge Reverter

Go to Varkala, is a nice place and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time. Palolem too is a great site for your holidays but quite different. Varkala have a Railways Station, so you can easily go by train either from Alleppey or Kochi.

Jorge

twoshoes

I was in Varkala last year, and of course it's very different than my first trip there 30 years ago! My wife and I preferred staying away from the cliffside, back toward the village. Much more authentic feel, less noisy,and I don't believe we paid more than $4 for two, off season, for a big spacious second-story room that is usually rented to long-term people. Varkala is worth a stop
just for a break in the surf and some very good restaurants.

Jorge, what kind of camera do you use? Beautiful photos!!!
I was thinking of either a canon g10 or nikon d40 for our
upcoming trip to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

kinda

Varkala is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for a little "beach" and "chill out" time. Alot more relaxed than Goa!!!

Jorge Reverter

I'm using since a couple of years a Canon EOS 450D but I'm not sure if I should recommend because I have to edit almost all the pics with Photoshop CS2 because I don't like too much the results. I must also say that I have very few knowledge about photography.

All the best

Jorge

marar

This post has a section on Varkala and Kannur. This may help you to make the call.

kedgeman

Hi mari77

As marar said, both places are covered in my trip reports.

Kannur is a real chill out place and has a large strech of beach. But still not as big as Goa. Varkala is more vibrant and has a good if small beach (compared to Kannur)

Hope that helps