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Varkala

Kerala

India Travel Guide

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Fisherman preparing boat

Fisherman preparing boat

Overview

Perched almost perilously along the edge of majestic 49ft- (15m) high red laterite cliffs, 31 miles (50km) northwest of Trivandrum, Varkala has a naturally beautiful setting that has allowed it to steadily grow into Kerala's most popular backpacker hang-out. A small strand of golden beach nuzzles Varkala's North Cliff area, where restaurants play innocuous music and shops sell elephant-stamped trousers, silver jewellery and cotton yoga-mat bags. While it's certainly on the beaten track and the sales pitch can be tiring, Varkala is still a great place to watch the days slowly turn into weeks, and it's easy to escape the crowds further north or south where the beaches are cleaner and quieter.

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  1. 1Visit Munnar’s tea plantations, museum, and factory for a tea immersion steeped in the landscape
  2. 2Tour the historic landmarks of Fort Kochi, from the spice warehouse to ancient religious hallmarks
  3. 3Sip chai from roadside stalls in the countryside of Kerala
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