I'm yet to figure out if I'm a beach lover or a mountain lover - and while I'm planning a trip, I'm always torn between choices.
But now that I've travelled to so many beach destinations, I feel an intrinsic bond with the sea.
So here's my story of ditching Goa to explore Varkala, Kerala.
It was getting very hot in Kochi and I thought to move out from there with a hope that the weather will be a bit better in Varkala. My friend was willing to join me and we took the train to Varkala. It was a joyful ride, and by afternoon we were there.
We decided to stay around the North Cliff, and after some research, we found a budget property called The Boho County!
The Boho County
It was exactly 10 steps away from the cliff, super peaceful and it was in our budget also. Cost: 999 INR for a day (non AC room).
By afternoon we checked-In in that property and took some rest.
In evening, we started walking along the cliff and within 10 min we were in front of Varkala's Black Sand Beach.
It was a place with very less crowd . Here you can enjoy the sea in its true essence. After that we had our dinner at an amazing restaurant famous for its Arabian food.
Don't miss the chicken Mandi served here.
Next morning, we started early and headed toward the world biggest bird sculpture. Which was around 27 km from North Cliff, Varkala.
Jatayu Rock is a very beautiful place one must not miss if they are in Varkala. It will hardly take you an hour to cover the place.
COST 450/- PP including the ropeway ticket.
P.S Please carry cash.
After exploring this place we headed to our next destination which was Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse.
Special mention for the beautiful roads and the landscape it offers. They were just mesmerizing.
It was a small and simple naval fort built in front of the sea.
Lighthouse always amazes me and this was no exception. We captured the lighthouse then rushed to north cliff for the sunset.
After watching this soothing sunset we called it a day.
Next day, we started with an offbeat place which was an Island. You have to reach there by boat.
Ponnumthuruth aka Golden Island is an Island famous for it temple and biodiversity. You can reach there by boat.
Cost 500/-
After exploring , we went to a two thousand year old temple and vibe of that place was amazing. We had our lunch in that temple.
The temple was closed in afternoon but you can still visit the temple. Ambience inside it, the peace, the vibes were very pure and soulful to experience.
Timing : 4:30am to 11:30am(Morning)
5:00pm to 8:00pm(Evening)
After our lunch we took a short nap and in evening went to the famous Kappil Beach.
But before we reached there, we decided to stop by Edava Beach.
It's a rocky beach. You can seat down here and relax to hear the sea waves hitting the shore.
It was a weekend and Kappil Beach was too crowded. So, we cancelled our plan to watch sunset from Kappil Beach and decided not to stop there. We kept driving for next two km and found an isolated Paravur Beach.
This beach was very less crowded and filled with lots of coconut gardens.
I was flying my drone but suddenly the weather changed . We missed the sunset because of clouds and it started raining. So, we had to run back to our hotel.
This was my experience of exploring the best kept secret of Kerala.
Do watch my vlog for virtual travel experience to Varkala.