Varkala Beach - One of the few Surfing Destinations in India

Varkala Beach Surfing, on the coast of Kerala, is India's highly visited beach for surfing, swimming, and various other water sports. The place Varkala Beach or Varkala Cliff is also known as Papanasham Beach and it is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. The name of this beach is derived from "Papanasham" which is a Sanskrit Word and it means "wash away your sins". It is believed that you can wash away your sins by taking a dip in this beach.

Varkala is the suburban town of Thiruvananthapuram. It is located 50 kms north-west of Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km south-west of Kollam. If you're beach person then you would love to check these Top 10 Underrated Beaches in India.

Varkala Beach Surfing A Tour Guide

The northern cliff of Varkala is a tourist destination while the southern cliff is Surfer’s Paradise. Varkala beach generates waves for all levels of surfers in different seasons. The pre-monsoon and post season (Mar-May and Oct-Nov) is the bigger swell season which offers big waves for the professionals. The winter (Dec-Feb) season is the smaller swell season which offers perfect small waves for the beginners and practitioners.

You can reach to Varkala by Air or Train or by Road. Nearest Airport is at Thiruvananthapuram which is located 50 kms away from the beach. The nearest Railway Station is Varkala but most of the trains doesn't stop there so the nearest major railway station is Thiruvananthapuram only. You can also reach Varkala by road using KSRTC Bus or your own transport via Attingal.

If you are in Bangalore and planning a trip to Varkala beach surfing and looking for bike to rent then visit ONN Bikes for affordable and hassle free booking. If you are a solo type then check out these Tips for solo Motorcycle Riders and Travelers.

Surfing at Varkala Beach Beginner to Advanced Guide

Varkala beach surfing is a hidden surfing destination, where the surfers can have the entire coast to themselves. The waves are pristine and the coastline is quiet. This undiscovered part of south India wins hearts of numerous soul searching surfers.

Beginner Friendliness

Varkala is one of the most beginner-friendly surf destinations in India due to

Gentle beach breaks during winter

Soft sandy bottom

Easy paddle-out conditions

Low crowd density compared to Goa

First-time surfers are usually trained in waist-high waves with close instructor supervision.

Advanced Surfing

During pre-monsoon and post-monsoon months, the southern cliff receives stronger swells suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers who are comfortable riding reef-adjacent beach breaks.

Surf Seasons Explained Clearly

Best Surf Seasons in Varkala

Winter Season December to February

Small, consistent waves

Ideal for beginners and learners

Pre-Monsoon March to May

Larger swells

Best for intermediate and advanced surfers

Post-Monsoon October to November

Clean waves and fewer crowds

Great for experienced surfers

Peak Tourist Season December to January

Crowded and expensive

Still suitable for learning but book in advance

Surf Schools in Varkala

'Soul and Surf' is the best surf school in Varkala beach which is well equipped with internationally trained instructors, comfortable accommodation for both individuals and groups. They also have an interesting juice bar cum cafe and the best outdoor seating to enjoy the soul enriching sunsets. They provide Yoga Sessions for guests and surfers in the evenings.

The Golden Beach at the south cliff of Varkala beach also provides tranquility to the ones seeking solitude. They have a wide range of healthy food options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Soul and Surf makes a perfect combination for the ones who are seeking to cleanse their body and soul while enjoying the sport of surfing.

Other Surf Learning Options

Local instructors and seasonal surf camps also operate along the south cliff during peak surf months.

External Surf School Reference

Kerala Tourism Surfing Experiences

https://www.keralatourism.org/activities/surfing

Safety Tips and Surf Flags at Varkala

Always surf near designated surf zones

Check local tide and swell conditions

Avoid monsoon months June to September for beginners

Respect safety flags and lifeguard instructions

Do not surf alone during stronger swell days

Beyond Surfing Yoga, Cafes, Ayurveda and Slow Living

Varkala beach is the only cliff beach of Kerala. The blue Arabian Sea merges with the clear blue sky, the waves and the clouds give soothing white tinge to the globe. One can spend hours admiring the unparalleled beauty of the beach. Winters is a good time to spot dolphins in this beach while you sip your morning coffees at any of the rooftops cafes on the promenade.

Local fishermen are often seen rowing their small boats in the sea for fishing.

The northern cliff is vibrant with people strolling around on the promenade. The promenade offers flea shopping, handicrafts and artifacts, cafes and restaurants. People get down the cliff to the beach for a swim in the day time and enjoy the evenings by the promenade.

Varkala caters to backpackers, young couples and people looking to rejuvenate in an offbeat destination.

Cafes and Food Scene at Varkala Cliff

Varkala has a variety of food options. Luxury dining, chic cafes and themed cafes on the promenade offer sea face dining with delicious dishes on the menu.

Darjeeling Cafe offers mouth-watering Oriental and Indian food.

Cafe Italiano offers Italian food with sea-view dining.

Bohemian Cafe serves organic food and South Indian delicacies.

ABBA offers European cuisine and fine dining.

Coffee Temple is the most sought-after cafe in Varkala.

Ayurveda, Yoga and Wellness

There are many options for the Kerala Ayurvedic Massages in the heart of Varkala. You can even get trained as a masseur, as they offer courses in massages. There are morning yoga classes for the ones looking to nourish their soul.

The Varkala beach gives perfect calm ambiance in the mornings with the rhythmic sound of the waves.

Art, Culture and Shopping

Varkala cliff doesn’t disappoint the art lovers too. There are some Unique Art Galleries, handicrafts shops, library and book exchange shops.

Places to Visit Around Varkala

The best way to explore Varkala town and places nearby is to hire a two-wheeler and ride on the picturesque roads. Renting a bike from www.onnbikes.com gives flexibility to explore hidden beaches and backwaters at your own pace.

The Janardhana Hindu Temple is located at the temple square and is visited by lot of locals and outsiders.

Ride a few kilometres away from the town to the most scenic road of Kerala. The road has Kappil beach on one side and the backwaters on the other side. This road runs parallel to a railway track on a bridge on the backwaters.

Ride few kms further to the local fisherman villages by the beautiful Edava lake.

Compare Varkala with Other Surf Spots in India

Varkala versus Goa

Less crowded

More beginner friendly

Calmer lifestyle

Varkala versus Mulki Karnataka

Smaller surf community

Better cliff views

More yoga and wellness focus

Varkala versus Pondicherry

Cleaner waves

Less commercialised

Stronger cultural blend

When to Visit Varkala Beach

The best time to travel to Varkala beach surfing is the off-season mid October to November or March when it is relaxed and tranquil. It gets crowded and expensive in peak season December January.

Useful Travel and Tourism Links

Kerala Tourism Official Website

https://www.keralatourism.org

Top Beaches in Kerala

https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/beaches

Kerala Backwater Destinations

https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/backwater

Conclusion

Varkala Beach Surfing is not just about waves. It is about slow living, yoga, wellness, food, art, and soulful sunsets. Whether you are a beginner surfer, solo traveller, digital nomad, or someone seeking peace, Varkala offers an unmatched coastal experience in India.

For flexible travel around Varkala and nearby scenic routes, renting a two-wheeler from onnbikes.com is one of the most convenient ways to explore Kerala’s coastline like a local.

Explore India's hidden coastal gems with our blog, 10 Unexplored & Hidden Beaches in India to Visit, and discover pristine beaches far from the usual tourist crowds