Beach town in Kerala, India
Varkala
Kerala's clifftop beach town: cafés, yoga, long-stay travelers and a holy temple beach. Easy and relaxed for a solo stay; the season is short and the cliff gets busy.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$394–623Comfortable, one person · ₹38,000–60,000Details
- Value for money96/100Better value than 95% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Mar, 33°CDetails
- Internet64 MbpsFixed broadband, India medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$3.1–8.3Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundAuto-rickshawVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashUPI and cards work in many cliff cafés and hotels; cash for autos, small shops, beach stalls and some guesthouses.Details
Where to stay in Varkala
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| North Cliff | Cafés, yoga, most nightlife and travelers |
| South Cliff | Quieter, beachfront guesthouses, longer stays |
| Odayam and Edava | Quiet beaches and cheaper long stays south of the cliff |
Apps that work in Varkala
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- IRCTC Rail Connect: Booking Indian Railways train tickets
- CheqUPI: UPI payments without an Indian bank
- Where is my Train: Live train running status
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps. Autos charge fixed local rates; ask your guesthouse to call a driver for the airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in India.
- Mixed: cards and cash UPI and cards work in many cliff cafés and hotels; cash for autos, small shops, beach stalls and some guesthouses.
- Currency: Rupee (INR). US$1 ≈ ₹96.37 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Per-withdrawal limits are often ₹10,000–20,000 and some banks add a fee. Decline the ATM's own currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not obligatory. Leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge, ₹50–100 for porters and hotel staff, and tip drivers and guides.
- Paying by phone: UPI One World wallets (e.g. CheqUPI) let visitors pay UPI QR codes with passport, visa and an Indian number.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need an e-Visa from indianvisaonline.gov.in; apply at least four days before arrival and avoid look-alike agent sites.
- Since April 2026 foreigners must file the free e-Arrival Card online or in the Su-Swagatam app within 72 hours before landing.
- Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and parts of Ladakh need Protected or Restricted Area Permits, arranged locally or through registered agencies.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 108 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1363 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airtel kiosks in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru arrivals halls; passport, visa and photo needed. About ₹350–450 for 28 days with 1.5–2 GB a day. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in India
Going to Varkala solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Varkala meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.