Finding Your Varkala Home
Accommodation will be your biggest monthly expense, but Varkala offers a wide range of options to fit any budget. For long-term stays of a month or more, homestays and guesthouses are your most economical bet, often available for a fraction of nightly
hotel rates. Prices for a basic one-bedroom apartment or a room in a homestay can range from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per month. Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo list monthly rentals, but you'll often find the best deals by inquiring locally upon arrival, especially during the off-season (monsoon months). Negotiating directly with landlords for a stay of several weeks or months can significantly bring down the cost. While the North Cliff is popular and close to the action, the South Cliff is generally quieter and can offer more value. Prioritize places that include a small kitchen or kitchenette, which will help you save massively on food costs.
Eating Well on a Budget
Food in Varkala can be as cheap or as expensive as you choose. The picturesque cliff-top cafes are a major draw, but eating every meal there will quickly inflate your budget, with a single meal costing between ₹300 and ₹500. For a more sustainable approach, mix it up. Venture a few streets inland from the cliff to discover local restaurants where a delicious and filling meal can be found for ₹100 to ₹150. Many small eateries offer traditional Kerala rice meals with multiple curries for as little as ₹120. For breakfast, local spots serve budget-friendly dosas and idlis. If your accommodation has a kitchen, buying fresh produce from the local market is the ultimate way to save. A few home-cooked meals per week can drastically lower your monthly food bill, which can otherwise range from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 depending on your dining habits.
Staying Connected for Work
Reliable internet is non-negotiable for any remote worker. While most cafes and guesthouses in Varkala offer Wi-Fi, the speed and stability can be inconsistent, especially during peak hours or power outages, which can occur. Relying solely on public Wi-Fi is risky for a work-dependent trip. The most reliable strategy is to have your own backup. Upon arriving in India, purchase a local SIM card from a provider like Jio or Airtel and get a 4G mobile hotspot device (dongle). These providers offer generous data plans at a very low cost. A plan with several gigabytes of data per day can cost just a few hundred rupees per month, providing a stable connection for video calls and daily tasks. This dual-source approach—using cafe Wi-Fi when available and your personal hotspot as a primary or backup connection—ensures you're always online and productive. A power bank is also a wise investment to keep your devices charged during any potential blackouts.
Factoring in Other Costs
Beyond the main three expenses, remember to budget for local transportation, laundry, and leisure. Renting a scooter is a popular and cost-effective way to explore the area, with monthly rentals being far cheaper than daily rates. Auto-rickshaws are plentiful for shorter trips, but always agree on a price beforehand. Laundry services are widely available and affordable. Finally, set aside a small portion of your budget for experiences that make Varkala special, like a surf lesson, an Ayurvedic massage, or a backwater boat tour. While these might seem like extras, they are part of the work-life balance that makes a Varkala workcation so appealing. A well-planned budget allows you to enjoy these activities without financial stress, making your remote work experience both productive and memorable.
