Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Varkala – beach time

Varkala, Kerala, India
Without any doubt - one of the nicest beaches of Kerala is the beach of Varkala. It is so nice, you will not be by yourself in Varkala.
There are the sun lovers on the beach, and on the cliff there are the hotels, restaurants and shops.

Right at the cliff edge there is a narrow path. On the one hand there are the restaurants and small shops and on the other side, the cliff drops about 50 metres. We are in India where there are neither fences nor railings.
It´s good advise not to have too many Kingfisher beer at night... Also advisable: have a good flashlight ready when going out in Varkala. Once in a while the power goes out and then it gets really dark in Varkala.... On the cliff, on the path and on the beach under it... It can be dangerous.

At some places, rather adventurous stairs lead down to the beach. These stairs do not correspond to the European stair norm... and have no railings with which to hold on to.

Beach at Varkala, Kerala, India


But once you made it down to the end of the stairs, there is a real dream beach. The water temperature is warm, the sand is fine and the scenery is beautiful whatever direction you look to - the sea as well as towards the cliffs. What more do you need?


Varkala, Kerala, India







During the midday heat it is best to sit in one of the shady restaurants having a cold Lassi or Lime Soda. All of them have Wifi, so todays travellers can inform the rest of the planet where they are, and what kind of food and drink they are having right now...



Varkala, Kerala, India




 In Varkala, there is an abundance of restaurants, bars, shops and cafes. Basically, each local has a massage center, works in an ayurvedic clinic, is the best cook ever or has a travel agency. Or at least knows someone, who knows someone, who offers such services and is much better and in addition less expensive than all the others...




For my taste, Varkala is a little bit too touristic, but exciting enough for a few days... And it is still a wonderful, relaxed place with a great beach and wonderful fish dishes.

My good old friend Siraj with my dinner