Choose Your Cliff Wisely
Varkala’s unique geography is centered around its dramatic laterite cliffs. The North Cliff is the main tourist hub, lined with a vibrant promenade of cafes, shops, and resorts offering spectacular sea views. While beautiful, this is also where prices
are highest. For a budget-friendly but equally charming experience, consider staying on the South Cliff. It's quieter, less commercial, and offers a more serene atmosphere. Alternatively, accommodations set back a few hundred metres from the main cliff path, or near the quieter Odayam Beach just to the north, provide significant savings without placing you too far from the action. Hostels and homestays are abundant and offer fantastic value, with prices often starting under ₹1,000 per night.
Feast Like a Local
The cliff-top restaurants with their enchanting sunset views are a must-try, but eating every meal there will quickly drain your wallet. The secret to affordable and delicious food in Varkala is to eat where the locals do. Venture into Varkala town, away from the cliff, or explore the smaller eateries on the South Cliff for authentic Keralan cuisine at a fraction of the price. A hearty breakfast of puttu and kadala curry or a simple fish curry meal can cost as little as ₹100-₹200. Many restaurants along the North Cliff display their fresh catch of the day in the evenings; while this can be a splurge, sharing a grilled fish among friends can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a special seafood dinner. For daily meals, stick to the smaller, family-run places for the best taste and value.
Embrace Free and Frugal Fun
The best things in Varkala are often free. Spending your days swimming at Papanasam Beach (also known as Varkala Beach), sunbathing, and watching the sunset costs nothing. A long walk along the 1.5-kilometer cliff path, from the Helipad in the south to Black Beach in the north, is an activity in itself, offering changing vistas of the Arabian Sea. Exploring the unique, dark sands of Black Beach is another free activity. For a dose of culture, visit the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage site (note the dress code and nominal entry for certain areas). You can also visit the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center founded by Sree Narayana Guru, which offers a peaceful retreat from the beach buzz.
Travel Smart and Time it Right
Getting around Varkala is relatively easy and cheap. Most attractions along the cliff are walkable. For longer distances, like visiting Kappil Beach where the backwaters meet the sea, renting a scooter is the most economical option. You can typically rent one for a few hundred rupees per day. Auto-rickshaws are also available, but always agree on the fare before starting your journey. The timing of your visit can also dramatically affect costs. The peak season, from December to February, sees the highest prices for flights and accommodation. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (October-November or March) or even the monsoon season (June-September) for significantly lower prices and fewer crowds, offering a more tranquil experience.
