Varkala has a way of revealing itself slowly. You first notice the red laterite cliffs, rising above the Arabian Sea like a natural amphitheatre. Then there is the long promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, shops and yoga studios, with the sea stretching out below. Walk north, and the landscape changes again, from the busy Papanasam stretch to Black Beach, Odayam, Edava, and eventually Kappil, where the backwaters meet the sea.
There is plenty to do between swims. You can visit the centuries-old Janardhana Swamy Temple, explore Sivagiri Mutt, spend an afternoon around Kappil Lake, take a boat ride through the backwaters, or simply walk the cliff around sunset. The coastline is also becoming increasingly popular with surfers, with Papanasam, Black Beach and the beaches further north providing different kinds of breaks.
For beginners, the main surf season generally runs from October to April, with November to March particularly suitable for learning. Early mornings tend to have calmer winds and cleaner conditions. Black Beach is a little more challenging, while Odayam and Edava can provide alternatives depending on the day’s swell. During the monsoon, rough seas and stronger currents make recreational surfing unsuitable for beginners.
If surfing is the main reason for your trip, location matters. These five properties give you access to the coast, restaurants, and wellness facilities, while keeping you within reach of the area’s surf breaks.
Gateway Varkala
For a classic full-service hotel experience, Gateway Varkala remains one of the most established upscale addresses in town. Set in Janardhanapuram, the property overlooks the Varkala coastline and has sea-view rooms and suites, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis and badminton courts, a library lounge, and an Ayurveda centre. Its Coastal Kitchen serves both Kerala specialities and global dishes, along with wines and cocktails, making it particularly convenient after an early surf session. The hotel also has direct beach access, while Varkala Beach and the cliff area are close enough for exploring on foot.
The Information
Address: Gateway Varkala, Janardhanapuram, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Tariff: From approximately INR 7,600 per night; rates vary by date and room category.
Contact for reservations: +91 470 277 3300 / +91 62383 63218
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Check the hotel's direct offers and Taj NeuPass member rates, particularly for multi-night stays. Current offers include breakfast-inclusive and longer-stay benefits.
Things to do nearby: Walk the Varkala Cliff, visit Janardhana Swamy Temple, spend time at Papanasam Beach, explore Sivagiri Mutt, and drive north towards Black Beach, Edava, and Kappil.
Elixir Cliff Beach Resort And Spa Varkala
Elixir Cliff is the kind of stay that makes sense when you want the beach to remain part of the holiday rather than something you visit once a day. Located at Perumkulam on the Varkala coast, the resort has direct beach access, a waterfront pool and sizeable rooms, including 450-square-foot deluxe sea-view rooms and 550-square-foot sea-view suites. There is also an Ayurvedic spa, sauna, yoga, a gym and options for kayaking, boating, stand-up paddling, and surfing. For food, its open grill is geared towards seafood and grilled dishes, with the resort also promoting beachfront and poolside dining.
The Information
Address: 21/346, Perumkulam, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Tariff: From approximately INR 5,500 per night; sea-view suites are listed at around INR 8,399. Rates are subject to change.
Contact for reservations: +91 98099 93286
Website: elixircliff.com
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Compare the hotel’s direct rates with current online packages and check for multi-night or seasonal offers.
Things to do nearby: Visit Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Janardhana Swamy Temple, Black Beach and the northern beaches around Edava and Kappil. The resort can also arrange or facilitate water activities, including surfing and kayaking.
B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort Varkala
If your idea of a surf holiday includes a private stretch of beach, a pool, and a serious Ayurveda component, B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort in Edava is worth considering. The beachfront property has sea-view rooms, a swimming pool, spa and wellness facilities, room service and airport transfers. Its associated B’Canti Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Ashram runs traditional Ayurveda programmes and yoga sessions, while guests can also arrange beach transfers when the property’s own beachfront becomes difficult to access during high tide or monsoon conditions. Food is served at The Bait & Hook, a seaside restaurant specialising in Kerala and South Indian flavours alongside seafood, North Indian, Tandoor, Italian, and Chinese dishes. The resort is particularly well placed for exploring Edava and Kappil while remaining within driving distance of Varkala Cliff.
The Information
Address: B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort, Sree Eight, Edava, Varkala, Kerala 695311
Tariff: Listing can vary by room and date
Contact for reservations: +91 98464 45000
Website: bcantibeachresort.com
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Compare the official website with major booking platforms, particularly if you are booking a multi-night stay or an Ayurveda programme.
Things to do nearby: Visit Edava Beach, Kappil Beach and Lake, Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Sivagiri Mutt, Ponnumthuruthu Island, Anjengo Fort, and Anjengo Lighthouse.
West Bay Palm Tree Beach Resort
For surfers who would rather stay north of the main Varkala crowd, West Bay Palm Tree Beach Resort sits directly on Odayam Beach. The property has private beach access, sea-view rooms, villas, suites, a swimming pool, beachside dining and 24-hour front-desk service. Its location is particularly useful for a surf-focused itinerary because Odayam is one of the northern breaks and is generally less hectic than the main Papanasam stretch. The resort's restaurant serves Kerala flavours alongside global dishes, and the property also advertises candlelight dinners and beachside meals.
The Information
Address: Odayam Beach Road, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Tariff: INR 6,000-7,000 and upwards depending on room type and dates; check directly for the latest rate
Contact for reservations: +91 81379 94513
Website: palmtreebeachresort.com
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Compare the property’s direct rate with online booking platforms.
Things to do nearby: Visit Odayam Beach, Black Beach, Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Edava Beach, Kappil Lake, Kappil Beach, and Janardhana Swamy Temple.
Hindustan Beach Retreat
Right beside Papanasam Beach, Hindustan Beach Retreat puts you close to the most recognisable side of Varkala and the main cliff promenade. The resort has traditionally catered to beach holidays with sea-facing accommodation, a swimming pool, restaurant and wellness facilities, making it a practical option if you want to combine surf sessions with easy access to Varkala’s cafés and attractions. Its location is the main draw for a first-time visitor: you can get down to the beach, walk along the cliff and reach the temple without committing to long drives. The property is also close to the area’s surf schools and the main Papanasam break, which makes it generally easy to moderate and suitable for beginners under proper instruction. For meals, the in-house restaurant serves Indian and international fare, while the cliff is packed with independent restaurants and cafés when you want more variety.
The Information
Address: Papanasam Beach, Janardhanapuram P.O., Varkala, Kerala 695141
Tariff: Rates vary by date and room category; check the hotel or booking platforms for the current rate.
Contact for reservations: +91 470 260 4254
Website: hindustanbeachretreat.com
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Compare direct rates with major booking platforms and look for breakfast-inclusive packages, particularly outside peak December-January dates.
Things to do nearby: Visit Papanasam Beach, Varkala Cliff, Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala Aquarium, Black Beach, and the cafés and restaurants along North Cliff.
FAQs
1. Is Varkala good for surfing?
Yes. Varkala has become increasingly popular for surfing, with breaks around Papanasam, Black Beach, Odayam and Edava. Conditions vary by beach, swell and season.
2. What is the best time to go surfing in Varkala?
The main surfing season generally runs from October to April, with November to March particularly suitable for beginners. Early mornings can provide cleaner conditions.
3. Which beaches are best for surfing in Varkala?
Papanasam, Black Beach, Odayam and Edava are among the beaches associated with surfing around Varkala. Beginners should check daily conditions and surf with qualified instructors.
4. Where should I stay for a surfing holiday in Varkala?
Beach resorts around Papanasam, Odayam and Edava can make it easier to reach the coast and local surf breaks. Properties such as Gateway Varkala, Elixir Cliff Beach Resort, B'Canti Boutique Beach Resort, West Bay Palm Tree Beach Resort and Hindustan Beach Retreat are among the options covered in this guide.
5. Can beginners learn surfing in Varkala?
Yes. Varkala has surf schools and instructors catering to beginners. Papanasam is generally considered more accessible for new surfers, but conditions can change, so lessons should be planned according to the day's sea and weather conditions.
