Varkala or Kovalam

Hello guys,

in november I'll be in Kerala for some days after a tour in Tamil Nadu and I don't know if it is better to go to the sea in Varkala or in Kovalam.
I’d like to choose a not turistic and natural place, where it is also possible to cruise on the backwaters.
The last year I have been in Goa and specifically in Palolem and I like it very much and this year I’d like to go in a similar place.
Can somebody help me?

Thanks
Olaella

Backwaters are not there in both these places...however when I had to choose between the two earlier this year, I chose Varkala over Kovalam.

definitely varkala over kovalam. backwater trips can be made from kollam (an hour away from varkala).

Find some info here.
Seaside - 5 days - november

Varkala........ no contest

Varkala seems to be the natural choice for alot of people, but I just got back from Kovalam (second trip) it was relaxing and beautiful. I never been to Varkala but judging from what others said seems to be beautiful place! next time!

is there only one beach in Varkala, or as Kovalam, Varkala means an area where you can find different locations?

Hi maltabella,

I have been in both Kovalam and Varkala early this month. The places are quite similar in terms of touristic facilities, pheraps Varkala is more scenic due to the cliff... there are at least a couple of beaches in Varkala, one (quite small indeed) in particular is crowded by tourists; apparently it is owned and controlled by an hotel but we asked the personnel and there was no problem to use it even if we stayed somewhere else.

I assume you are talking about the 4 start Taj managed property...however I have been told that all beaches in India are owned by government and no hotel OR entity has a private beach...

So that might be the reason they are not objecting to non-guests using the beach !!

grazie Abele ,
I think it's worth a visit; will be there next month and will report my impressions

Thanks guys for your helpful information...
but another question... do you have some accommodation’s address to suggest me for Varkala?

Hi Shashank,

actually I don't remember the name of the hotel... but if you go to the shore from temple junction you find a lagre free beach with fishermen; from there you reach the top of the cliff with all the shops/restaurant and as soon as the road starts to descend on the other side you can find the beach I am talking about.

On the Helipad side ??

Olaella,

I stayed at Panchavadi Beach Resort (on the road from temple junction to the beach): beds have useful mosquito nets so you can sleep with the windows open and the place is extremely clean and cheap (350 rupees for a double room in October). The only drawback is that you are fifteen minutes walk from the cliff where almost all restaurants are (the road is dark, take a torch with you!)

no, on the other side...