Kerala, India
Dorm beds common, some private rooms.
Popular with backpackers and solo travelers, communal areas for meeting others.
Good for exploring, often organize activities.
A cost-effective choice.
Run by local families, more personal stay.
Basic amenities, clean rooms, welcoming atmosphere, often garden spaces.
A window into daily Kerala culture.
Direct cultural exchange.
Many guesthouses and smaller resorts in Varkala have a relaxed, bohemian feel. They often feature open-air cafes, yoga spaces, and natural designs that blend with the coastal environment.
Vacation rentals via Airbnb offer varied choices, from rooms in local homes to entire villas or apartments.
These properties often feature self-catering facilities, making longer visits easier.
Varkala's accommodation spreads across distinct areas, each with a different atmosphere.
All areas generally safe for tourists. North Cliff is well-lit and busy. Exercise normal precautions in less populated areas or when walking alone at night.
North Cliff: lively, especially evenings in high season with music from cafes. South Cliff/Inland: quieter, more peaceful, good for a tranquil stay.
Smart booking methods secure good accommodation prices for your Varkala trip.
Book several months ahead, especially for holidays. Popular places fill quickly.
Book a few weeks ahead for selection and competitive pricing.
Booking.com and Agoda are widely used and reliable for hotels and guesthouses.
Vrbo and Airbnb are good for vacation rentals and apartment choices. Many smaller places offer better rates or services for direct bookings (website, email, WhatsApp).
Walk-in rates sometimes negotiable in low/shoulder seasons or for longer stays. Less common in high season.
Policies vary. Always check terms. Some smaller guesthouses may ask for an advance deposit (10-50%) for direct bookings.
Review cancellation policies before confirming your booking.
During monsoon, you can often find walk-in rates or book a day or two in advance.
Accommodation prices in Varkala can significantly change, sometimes doubling or tripling, during peak season (December to March) compared to the monsoon low season.
Budget travelers may find better value during shoulder or low seasons.
Many places have vacancies during the monsoon, making last-minute bookings easy.
Off-peak months present opportunities for reduced rates and deals.
Many mid-range resorts offer family rooms or bungalows and often include swimming pools, ideal for families. Look for properties with easy beach access or dedicated play areas.
Many guesthouses and vacation rentals (via Airbnb) offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays. This is a popular choice for those visiting for yoga or Ayurvedic retreats.
Zostel Varkala: Social atmosphere, well-maintained, great for solo travelers (dorms only, can be noisy). Magnolia Guesthouse: Peaceful setting, welcoming hosts, good value (amenities basic).
Varkala Marine Palace, Clafouti Beach Resort, The Oceano Cliff: Good locations near North Cliff, comfortable rooms, often with sea views. Clafouti has direct beach access, Oceano has cliff-top views.
Gateway Varkala - IHCL SeleQtions: Premium amenities, large pool, spa, fine dining, secluded, higher price point. Inda Hotel: Stylish design, good restaurant, often includes a pool.
