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Varkala Beach - One of the few Surfing Destinations in India
Invalid Date | By ONN Bikes
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 & hassle free booking.
If you are a solo type then check out these Tips for solo Motorcycle Riders and Travelers.
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.
'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.
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.
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 good quality Italian food with a unique dining experience which makes you feel like you are sitting on a ship in the middle of the sea.
Bohemian Cafe serves the best organic food and plenty of South Indian delicacies too.
ABBA on the the other hand, serves luxury dining and good European food. It's a pleasant feeling to walk down the beach as the sun sets, sensing the cool breeze and sound of the waves.
Coffee temple is the most sought after cafe in Varkala beach. It offers some of the best coffees and baguettes in the town.
There are various cafes and guest houses run by foreigners who chose to live in Varkala for longer than just a holiday.
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.
Varkala cliff doesn’t disappoint the art lovers too. There are some Unique Art Galleries, handicrafts shops, library and book exchange shops.
Varkala provides accommodation of all ranges - budget, mid-range to luxury.
There are some pretty guest houses with the sea view. Some villas are converted to guest houses which give a homely feeling for longer stays.
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.
Check out our Pondicherry Road Trip via East Coast picturesque road.
The town of Varkala beach surfing is famous for its temples. 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.
Varkala Surf Season:
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.
You can also learn surfing in India by visiting this awesome place Varkala and if you are more curious check out "The Surfer Girls of India" to get a boost on your inspiration.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BN1dU8ihHmi/?hl=en&taken-by=onnbikes
We see a Surfer in you as you've reached to the end of this Article.
Hence we have compiled a list of Most Noteworthy Surfers around the world with strong Social Media Presence which you can start following to keep Inspiring the surfer inside you.
1. Kelly Slater
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSP_doBg4vO/?taken-by=kellyslater
Follow him in Facebook
Follow him in Twitter2. Bethany Hamilton
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcIavJBgiSW/?taken-by=bethanyhamilton
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Follow her in Twitter.
3. Anastasia Ashley
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUVbreMlWBl/?taken-by=anastasiaashley
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Follow her in Twitter.
4. Coco Ho
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdvlCu7hpwL/?taken-by=xococoho
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Follow her in Twitter.
5. Gabriel Medina
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeJmAVAn5Ov/?taken-by=gabrielmedina
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6. Sally Fitzgibbons
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeE2JkiBReK/?taken-by=sally_fitz
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7. Mick Fanning
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeC_aMhlew-/?taken-by=mfanno
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8. Julian Wilson
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeTxei6n4hI/?taken-by=julian_wilson
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9. Rob Machado
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc5qMlwg4nr/?taken-by=rob_machado
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10. John John Florence
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd1SRezFbsr/?taken-by=john_john_florence
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