Most people picture Varkala as one thing: red laterite cliffs dropping into the Arabian Sea, with a path of cafés along the top. In practice it's a string of quite different neighbourhoods along a few kilometres of coast. Pick the one that matches how you want to spend your days and the rest of the trip gets easier.
Varkala's areas at a glance
| Area | What it's like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| North Cliff | Busy, social, cafés and shops | First-timers, nightlife, sunsets |
| South Cliff & Temple side | Calmer, local, close to Papanasam | Beginner surfers, couples, longer stays |
| Odayam | Quiet beach north of Black Beach | Peace and quiet, remote work |
| Edava | Village feel, few tourists | Slow travel, long stays |
| Kappil | Backwater lake meets the sea | Nature, kayaking, total quiet |
North Cliff: the lively strip
This is the Varkala on postcards. A cliff-top walkway runs past cafés, restaurants, bars, yoga shalas and shops, with the sea below and the sunset straight ahead. It's the most convenient base if you want everything within walking distance and like an evening crowd. Steps lead down to the beach, and Black Beach sits at its northern end.
The trade-off is noise and footfall in peak season, and rooms right on the path can be pricier. Our restaurant BLG Surf Bistro is up here, which makes it an easy sundowner stop even if you stay elsewhere.
- Stay here if: it's your first visit, you want cafés and nightlife on your doorstep, or you're only here for a night or two.
- Maybe skip it if: you want quiet mornings or you're here mainly to surf.
South Cliff and the temple side: calmer, closer to the water
South of the main steps, around the Janardhana Swamy Temple, Papanasam beach and the Aaliyirakkam / Temple Road area, Varkala slows down. There are fewer shops and more homestays, and the beaches feel more local. The waves here are friendly for learning, which is why Varkala's surf schools, including Sky's Surf School, work on this side.
It's Outlive's home base, and the area we recommend for beginner surfers, couples and anyone staying more than a few days. The North Cliff is a short auto-rickshaw ride away when you want a busier night.
- Stay here if: you're learning to surf, you like quiet evenings, or you want to live a little more like a local.
- Good to know: Papanasam is a sacred beach where families perform rituals for their ancestors, so dress modestly near the temple.
Odayam: a quiet beach to the north
Past Black Beach, Odayam is a quieter stretch with a handful of guesthouses and cafés and much more space on the sand. It suits people who want to read, work and swim without the cliff-top buzz, but you'll want a scooter or auto for evenings on the North Cliff.
Edava and Kappil: village Varkala
Further north, Edava has a village feel with very few tourists, good for slow travel and long stays. Kappil, beyond it, is where a backwater lake meets the sea: a narrow strip of sand between calm water and waves, lovely for kayaking and sunsets and very quiet at night. Both need transport to reach restaurants and the cliff.
Where Outlive fits in
We run stays across Varkala, each with a different mood, budget and location. Compare them all on our places to stay in Varkala page, or start with the one that sounds like you:
- Social and surf-focused: Sky's Surf Hostel, with dorms from ₹800 and the surf school on site.
- On the sand: Skyframe Beach Resort, beachfront with breakfast included.
- Quiet and characterful: Lokah Inn, a small boutique guesthouse two minutes from the beach.
- Local and calm: Amizra Homestay, heritage architecture and home-cooked meals.
- Built for surfers: Ozzy's Salt & Surf, with board storage and room for families.
Surf hostel · South CliffSky's Surf Hostel
South Cliff, Aaliyirakkam / Temple Road area, Varkala · Near the beach
A budget-friendly social hostel with AC dorms (mixed and female-only) and private rooms, built around Sky's Surf School and a homely community vibe.
Best for: Backpackers, solo travellers and anyone learning to surf
- AC dorms & private rooms
- Female-only dorm
- Surf school on site
- Shared kitchen
From
₹800 /night
Beachfront resort · South CliffSkyframe Beach Resort
South Cliff, direct beachfront, Varkala · Direct beach access
Resort-style beachfront stay with deluxe and sea-view rooms, suites and a private honeymoon cottage. All rates include breakfast.
Best for: Couples, families and anyone who wants sea views and resort comfort
- Direct beach access
- Sea-view rooms
- Restaurant
- Room service
Live rates online
Getting to Varkala
Trivandrum International Airport is roughly 50 km south, usually one to one-and-a-half hours by taxi. Varkala Sivagiri railway station is a few kilometres from the cliff, with regular trains from Trivandrum and Kochi. From the station an auto-rickshaw to either cliff takes around ten minutes. Once you're here, autos and rented scooters are the easiest way around.
Planning your days next? See things to do in Varkala and our 3-day Varkala itinerary.
Where to stay in Varkala: FAQs
Which is better, North Cliff or South Cliff?
North Cliff suits you if you want cafés, shops and an evening buzz on your doorstep. South Cliff is calmer and better if you're here to surf, rest or stay a while. They're a short auto-rickshaw ride apart, so you can enjoy both.
Where should I stay in Varkala as a beginner surfer?
Stay on or near the South Cliff, close to where lessons run. Sky's Surf Hostel has a surf school on site, and Ozzy's Salt & Surf is two minutes from the beach.
Is Varkala good for a long stay or workation?
Yes. Many people base themselves on the South Cliff, in Odayam or in Edava for weeks at a time. Look for reliable Wi-Fi and a kitchen or meals on site.
How far is Varkala from Trivandrum airport?
Roughly 50 km, usually one to one-and-a-half hours by taxi depending on traffic. Varkala Sivagiri railway station is a few kilometres from the cliff.
