Why Honeymoon in Varkala
Many Indian beaches are flat and busy. Varkala is different. The cliff gives every terrace a view. You can spend whole evenings moving from one cafe to the next as the sun drops into the sea.
The pace suits a honeymoon. Days drift between the beach, a yoga class, an Ayurvedic treatment and a long lunch. Varkala has been a center for Ayurveda for decades. Couples' massages are easy to find at all price levels.
It also has a spiritual side. Papanasam Beach, below the cliff, is a sacred bathing place for Hindu pilgrims. The Janardhana Swamy Temple sits on a hill above it.
Combined with the backwaters, Munnar's tea hills or a few days in Kochi, Varkala completes a classic Kerala honeymoon with sand and sea.
When to Go
November to March is the best season, with sunny days, warm water and temperatures in the high 80s°F. December and January are busiest, so book early for the holidays.
April and early May are hotter and more humid. Crowds thin and prices drop, but the heat can be heavy in the afternoons.
The southwest monsoon usually arrives in late May or early June and lasts into September. The sea turns rough, beach erosion is common and lifeguards often close the water to swimmers. Many cliff-top restaurants and guesthouses shut for the season. Ayurveda practitioners consider the monsoon the ideal time for treatments, so some resorts stay open for wellness programs. October is a transition month, with fewer visitors and some rain.
Where to Stay
Location decides the feel of your stay.
The North Cliff is the lively center, with the densest strip of guesthouses, cafes and shops. Staying here means views and convenience, but also music and foot traffic in the evenings. Look for places set slightly back from the path or with sea-facing rooms on upper floors.
The South Cliff, near the temple, is quieter and has some larger resorts with gardens and pools.
For peace, look north toward Odayam and Edava, a short drive from the main cliff, or south toward Kappil, where boutique hotels and homestays sit among coconut palms with fewer people on the sand.
Ayurveda resorts are found throughout the area. Some offer packages built around multi-day treatments with meals included. Check recent reviews and ask whether the treatments are run by qualified practitioners.
Romantic Things to Do
Walk the North Cliff path at sunset, then choose a terrace table for a seafood dinner. The cliff becomes a long line of lanterns and fairy lights after dark.
Book an Ayurvedic massage for two. Abhyanga, a full-body oil massage, is the classic choice. For a deeper experience, consult an Ayurvedic doctor about a short treatment program.
Swim at Papanasam Beach in the morning, when the sea is usually calmest. Stay within the area lifeguards mark as safe. Stroll south to see the Janardhana Swamy Temple, though only Hindus may enter the inner shrine.
Rent kayaks at Kappil, where a backwater lake meets the sea, or take a boat through the canals. The tiny island of Ponnumthuruthu, a short drive south, has a temple and calm waters for a peaceful boat ride.
Join a beach yoga class at sunrise, or watch a kathakali dance performance in the evening.
Getting There and Around
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the closest, about one to one and a half hours by car. It has domestic flights from across India and international links through the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Kochi (COK) is about four hours north and is a good option if you are starting with the backwaters.
Varkala Sivagiri station is on the main coastal railway line, with trains from Trivandrum, Kochi and Alappuzha. Trains are an easy, scenic option for daytime trips.
Once there, the cliff path is best on foot. Auto-rickshaws wait at the top of the cliff and in town for short trips. For quieter beaches north and south, take an auto-rickshaw or ask your hotel to arrange a car.
The cliff path has no railings in places and gets very dark at night. Carry a flashlight and stay well back from the edge.
Food and Drink
Seafood is the highlight. Restaurants along the cliff display the day's catch on ice in the evening; you choose a fish, prawns or crab and how you want it cooked, from tandoori to Kerala-style with coconut and spices. Ask for the price per weight before ordering.
Kerala dishes worth trying include fish moilee in coconut milk, appam with stew and a vegetarian sadya served on a banana leaf.
The cliff also has many travelers' cafes serving smoothies, salads and baked goods.
Alcohol rules in Kerala are tight. Beer and wine are served in some licensed restaurants and resorts, but not everywhere. Ask your hotel where you can get a drink. Drink bottled or filtered water.
Honeymoon Tips
- Rip currents are strong on this coast. Swim only in lifeguard-flagged areas and never after drinking or at night.
- Swimwear is fine on the beach but cover up when walking through town or near the temple. Both partners should cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.
- Book cliff-top rooms early for December and January.
- Mosquitoes are common, especially at dusk. Use repellent. If you are pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
- Carry cash; small businesses may not take cards.
- Prices are approximate: guesthouses often run $30 to $100 a night, boutique and Ayurveda resorts $120 to $350.
- End your Kerala trip here after the backwaters or Munnar.
