When you’re looking to spend a few extra days somewhere, Varkala can be a perfect place to relax. (Staying near Alleppey Beach isn’t so bad either.)
And if you’ll be doing a trip to or from the Alleppey backwaters, be sure to consider taking the ferry to get to Alleppey from Varkala.
Now, when you’re in Varkala for more than a few days and you’re looking to get out and about in Varkala, cycling can make for a perfect day trip activity to spend your day.
You can go cycling in Kerala in other areas too, and it can also make for good day trips in Alleppey, Fort Cochin, and Munroe Island.
Here are a couple of ideas for Varkala.
Varkala Cliff
I never did bike in Varkala, but I did see someone with a bike on the Varkala cliff!
The cliff definitely isn’t a place you bike with speed because that would just be dangerous.
If you go too fast you might go flying off the cliff.
Just kidding. Kind of.
But more importantly it’s also primarily a walking path so there will be a ton of pedestrians you come across.
Cycling on the cliff would be more of something to do at a very leisurely pace so you can ride a bike and enjoy the amazing coastal views that go with it.
And be prepared to walk if you’re in Varkala during the busy season. This is probably an activity best suited for the off-season.
Varkala to Kappil Beach
I did walk from Varkala to Kappil Beach, and this path is along the coast pretty much the whole way. (Scenic views!)
As far as I can remember, it would seem like you can bike the whole way too.
If I’m wrong… well, consider it an adventure as you try to find an alternative route or have to push your bike through the sand! 😉
HAPPY CYCLING IN VARKALA!
Go cycling in Alleppey
Go cycling in Fort Cochin
Go cycling in Munroe Island
The need-to-know India travel tips!
If it's your first trip to India, be sure to see these tips for getting around India on a budget, and more! You might wait until India to buy this mosquito repellent that works for many foreigners! Also be sure to see how to spend one month in South India and 2 weeks in North India, as well as tips for the Golden Triangle. And, overnight sleeper bus travel isn't so bad, and neither is traveling in general class on the train! Also see the easy way to get an e-visa. And this is the easy way to book train tickets online as a foreigner. I've used it, and it's simple! You can just show the e-ticket on your phone.There are affiliate links on this page that lead to partner websites.
Hostels in Kerala
For a hostel with international standards in Kerala, try Zostel! Both of these hostels in Alleppey and Varkala offer ocean views from the outdoor common area! There are shared dorms and private rooms available.More Zostels in Kerala:
- Zostel Kochi
- Zostel Wayanad (hills)
- Zostel Vagamon (hills)
Zostel is a top backpacker chain across India, and I've stayed at many Zostels in India! And outside of Kerala, if you'll be passing through Gokarna as you go from Goa to Kerala (here are options of how to get from Goa to Kerala!), then Zostel Gokarna is in an amazing location too! Here are pictures from the on-site cafe that overlooks the ocean.
And then...
Where to stay on the tourist trail in Kerala
These places basically go down the coast from north to south!- Cochin: Try a homestay in the cute heritage area of Fort Kochi.
- Marari Beach: This is an "off-beat" location as Marari is mostly unknown to backpackers, but it can be a convenient stop to make between Cochin and Alleppey with chill laid back vibes. For an idea of what type of beach can be nearby, see my beach walk from Alleppey to Marari.
- Marari Nest Beach Homestay
- Homestay Marari John's Beach
- Raju Villa for solo travelers for the budget single room
- Alleppey Beach:
- Funky Art Beach House again for chill vibes with a location among locals in a residential neighborhood
- And there's Zostel Alleppey too for another beach location to stay several days
- OR if Alleppey is a quick visit, try Dream Nest to be closer to town
- And see how to spend one day in Alleppey (short version: go for the backwaters village canoe tour instead of a houseboat!)
- Alleppey backwaters:
- Try a cottage right on the backwaters
- Or a beautiful homestay practically on the backwaters, like this one or like this one
- Munroe Island: This is another generally kind of more off-beat location, and you can see a different part of the Kerala backwaters on a quiet island
- Try a cottage backwaters homestay right on the waters (and see why you should consider munroe island! short version: food, sunrise canoe tour, quiet cycling around the island)
- Varkala cliff:
- Seawin OR Prashanthi for ocean views
Retreats in Kerala
For relaxation and rejuvenation for health and wellness, also see:- Yoga retreats in Kerala
- Ayurveda retreats in Kerala - ayurveda is basically healthy living through natural herbs and remedies, and Kerala is the birthplace of ayurveda!
How to book India train tickets online as a foreigner
If you don't want to go through the complicated process of setting up an IRCTC Indian railways account as a foreigner...Then the most convenient way to buy train tickets online is through this booking website. I've used it, and it's super simple! You buy the ticket, and then show the electronic version on your phone once you're on the train. Compared to buying directly through an Indian ticket booking website (IRCTC account required) or directly at the train station in India, there is a small convenience fee, as well as a less flexible cancellation policy, though!
India tourist visa tip!
Access to India as a foreigner seems to be getting friendlier! There's an e-visa now and this visa fee is far less than it was before. See the current cost of an e-visa by selecting your country. That's a partner website to make the evisa application process less stressful - it's possible to apply on your own too. See about your options on how to get an e-visa for India.Travel insurance for India - just in case!
You get travel insurance hoping that you'll never have to use it. But if you do end up needing to use it, chances are that you will be VERY happy that you did get it! See how to figure out the cost of travel insurance for India.
