Varkala

When we couldn't get enough of Goa and its vibes, we decided to head to Varkala. It's known as the mini Goa of southern India and attracts those who find Goa overrated and expensive. Instead, they prefer the serene landscape of Varkala.

So why did we choose Varkala? Partly because we craved the Goa-like vibes, but this is Kerala. My friends and I knew exactly what was waiting for us in our beloved God's Own Country.

Two things that truly ignite my soul are the sunrise and sunset—one fills me with joy, and the other brings a sense of calm and serenity. Picture this: staying up all night, rising before dawn, and witnessing the majestic sun as it awakens beside you. The scene is absolutely splendid and breathtaking. I even spotted a few stars lingering near the sun. Who says the sun and stars never meet? They do, every single day. Don't just take my word for it—check out the picture and see for yourself!

We flew from Chennai to Trivandrum. You might think trains would be cheaper, but surprisingly, the economy flights were a better deal!

When we landed in Trivandrum, we were greeted by an adorable police dog—a Labrador guarding the airport. The airport itself was cute and tiny, probably with just a few runways.

We then took a cab to our villa, which is perched right on top of the Varkala Cliff. This spot is famous and probably the only place in Varkala that's buzzing with people, excitement, and fun.

So, our adventure took us to the ever-famous Buddha Bar Café on Varkala Cliff. This place is a hotspot on Instagram, and every time you search for Varkala online, you'll definitely come across this café.

Curious about the hype, we decided to drop in for brunch. The café is sea-facing, and even though the sun was blazing outside, the interior remained surprisingly cool due to its open-air design.

Visiting in the morning meant we enjoyed a peaceful atmosphere, free from the thumping beats of the DJ. The food was decent but not extraordinary. We tried omelette sandwiches and a unique type of pancake. This banana pancake was made with rice flour, stuffed with banana, and topped with Nutella. Honestly, it wasn’t my favorite and not something I’d order again.

As we wrapped up and started to leave, I heard a strange noise from upstairs and saw a flock of crows descending on our table to scavenge for leftovers. It was quite a sight! We quickly paid the bill, took a look at a few fish tanks, and headed back to our villa for a much-needed nap.

Then we hopped on our bikes and headed to the nearby Kappil Beach, famous for its unique roads with water on both sides—beach on the left and backwaters on the right. The view was stunning, making it a perfect spot for photos and enjoying some candid moments away from technology.

Kappil Beach has plenty of rocky areas where you can sit and admire the sunset. Remember, we got to witness both the sunrise and the sunset on the same day, and it was exhilarating.

On our way back, we stopped at a restaurant in Varkala called Alchemy, which was conveniently on our route to the villa. After the disappointing food at Buddha Bar Café, we were eager for a good meal. We ordered some delicious South Indian delicacies like dosa and chicken, and it was exactly what we needed.

The next day in Varkala, we visited the Jatayu Earth Centre, home to the world's biggest bird statue. It was about a 1.5-hour drive from our villa, so we hopped on our bikes and set off.

Along the way, we passed a few mosques and churches, which added to the charm of the journey. Once we arrived at the Jatayu Earth Centre, we found that they had a system where you could either hike up to see the bird statue at the top of the hill or take a cable car, each option requiring a different ticket.

We considered tickets for both options but ultimately decided to take the cable car. The view from the cable car was amazing, and it was a fun ride.

All those de-tan packs I used before the trip felt a bit wasted, though, since I stayed in the shade most of the time!

After a short wait, we boarded the cable car and ascended to meet our majestic Jatayu. It was truly an awe-inspiring sight.

Nearby, we discovered a Ram Temple and took a moment to pay our respects and seek blessings from Lord Ram.

Heading back for lunch, we opted for something nearby. Our restaurant choices aren't always based on popularity; we rely on Google Maps to guide us. We trust it enough to navigate us through every nook and cranny of the town or city.

In short, we trust Google Maps perhaps a tad more than necessary, but it hasn't steered us wrong yet!

The day finally arrived when we decided to descend the Varkala Cliff. With exactly a hundred steps counted on the way down, and again on the way back up after witnessing yet another breathtaking sunset, I couldn't help but marvel at how many sunsets I've chased, and how many more I intend to chase in the future.

The cliff itself is a vibrant stretch lined with bistros, cafes, and lively bars, all perched right at the edge. It's a bit unnerving to think about the sheer weight of all these establishments on the cliff's edge, but it's also a testament to the trust and allure of this spot.

Every restaurant along the cliff seemed inviting, and we couldn't resist exploring them all. As we descended, we were treated to stunning sunset views over the forest and beach.

One of the great things about Varkala Beach is the ample illumination provided by floodlights, similar to those seen in cricket stadiums. This not only adds to the ambiance but also ensures safety as security personnel keep a close eye on evening beach-goers.

Unlike the bustling and sometimes rowdy atmosphere of Goa, Varkala felt more family-friendly, though perhaps a bit more polluted. Nonetheless, we indulged in shopping, enjoyed live music, and savored some delicious seafood at Café Del Mar.

This particular restaurant was recommended by Instagram, bombarding me with reels showcasing its charm. I figured, why not give it a try? And I'm glad I did—it was definitely worth it. To top off the evening, we treated ourselves to some lotus biscuit ice cream from Baskin Robbins, thanks to my cousin who introduced me to this addictive flavor.

Wow, what a day! After a sleep that felt like we'd been roughed up by a gang of bandits, we woke up ready for our next adventure: the Mangrove Village Adventures.

This place is renowned in Varkala for its array of adventure activities, including kayaking, boating, and swimming in the backwaters. As we explored, we noticed several camps set up by adventure enthusiasts, inspiring us to plan our own camping adventure for next time—though we'll definitely need some air conditioning to beat the Southern India humidity!

I consider myself quite proficient in kayaking, thanks to previous experiences in Wayanad, Kerala, and my swimming skills. However, a funny incident occurred when we heard screams and rushed to rescue a struggling swimmer, only to realize it was our friend who had accidentally filled his kayak with water. It was a mix of laughter and relief when we pulled him to safety from the shallow waters.

Navigating through the mangrove forest was a serene experience, making us feel humbled by the natural surroundings. I couldn't help but recall scenes from an anaconda movie I'd seen on Sony Pictures, depicting mangrove forests teeming with snakes. I asked our guide about this, and he reassured us that visiting during the early part of the year was lucky, as the monsoon months can bring out various snake species.

After kayaking, we were encouraged to jump into the backwaters and enjoy some free time. Although I didn't capture the moment on camera, the memory is vivid in my mind—floating on the river's surface, watching eagles soar overhead, and splashing around with friends.

With time running short, we reluctantly left the water and hopped on a jet ski back to our accommodation. Along the way, we were treated to a close-up view of eagles, adding another thrilling moment to our already adventurous day.

As we reluctantly bid farewell to the idyllic shores of Varkala, our hearts heavy with the weight of departing from such a picturesque paradise, we embarked on our homeward journey back to Chennai. However, before surrendering entirely to the call of routine, we felt compelled to savor every last morsel of our time in this coastal haven.

Amidst animated discussions and playful banter, we found ourselves deliberating over our final meal in Varkala. After much back and forth, we settled upon a quaint restaurant nearby—a charming establishment whose name now escapes me, though the delightful aromas and convivial atmosphere remain etched in my memory. With appetites satiated and spirits buoyed, we reluctantly tore ourselves away, though not without a moment of comedy as our bags inadvertently embarked on a journey of their own towards Trivandrum.

Our next destination was the sprawling expanse of Trivandrum's Lulu Mall. ]Despite Chennai's own cosmopolitan charm, the allure of exploring unfamiliar territory was irresistible, drawing us deeper into the heart of this retail utopia.

With provisions for the journey procured and a caffeine fix from Costa to fuel our onward travels, we stumbled upon an unexpected gem—an art exhibition showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists. Entranced by the intricate brushwork and vivid imagery, we lingered awhile, allowing ourselves to be swept away by the beauty and emotion captured within each canvas.

As we reluctantly boarded the bus bound for Chennai, a sense of wistful nostalgia mingled with anticipation for future adventures. Our brief pit stop at Kathadi Family Restaurant provided a fitting finale to our Kerala Journey. And so, with fond memories and hearts full of gratitude, we bid adieu to Kerala, knowing that our wanderlust will inevitably lead us back to its shores once more.