Varkala is one of those beach destinations where where you stay can completely change the experience. The town is best known for its dramatic cliff and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. If your ideal holiday involves waking up, walking to breakfast, spending the afternoon by the beach and ending the day at a café without constantly looking for an auto, choosing the right side of the cliff matters. So which one should you pick? Let’s take a look at where to stay in Varkala!
Varkala North Cliff Vs South Cliff: What’s The Difference?
Varkala, the tourist beach cliff town, is roughly divided into North Cliff and South Cliff. The North Cliff is where you should stay if you want to be in the middle of the action. South Cliff is where you should stay for a quieter, laidback experience.
North Cliff is the famous, busier stretch of Varkala. The cliff-top walkway is lined with cafés, restaurants, small shops, yoga studios, guesthouses and hotels. Papanasam Beach is accessible via steps from the cliff, so you can easily combine beach time with café-hopping and sunset walks.
South Cliff is closer to the revered Janardhana Swamy Temple and is much calmer than North Cliff. There are fewer cafes and hotels at South Cliff. It is a good compromise for travelers who want a peaceful hotel but do not want to be too far from Varkala’s main café-and-beach scene.
Also Read: Best Time To Visit Varkala And How To Plan Your Trip
North Cliff: Why You Should Stay Here
If this is your first trip to Varkala, North Cliff can probably the easiest choice.
The biggest advantage is walkability. You can step out of your hotel and immediately have cafés, restaurants and shops around you. The cliff path is ideal for an evening stroll, while the steps leading down towards Papanasam Beach mean that getting to the sea does not require a vehicle.
It is also particularly convenient for solo travelers and younger travelers because there is a greater choice of hostels, guesthouses and budget accommodation.
However, it can get busy and noisy particularly during the high season and weekends.
Hotels And Stays To Consider On North Cliff
If you want to stay close to the cafés and beach access, consider:
- Zostel Varkala
- Clafouti Beach Resort
- Gypsy Walker
- Cliff and Coral North Cliff
- Costa cliff
- Native
- Hope Hostels
- Green Garden Ayurvedic Resort
- Zebra Hostels
- Aryavilla Heritage
The exact distance to the beach can vary even within North Cliff, so when deciding where to stay in Varkala North Cliff, check the property’s location rather than simply relying on word-of-mouth.
Also Read: 5 Destinations In South India When You Want Cool Weather & Green Views
South Cliff: Why You Should Stay Here
South Cliff makes sense if you want the Varkala experience without the constant buzz.
The area is greener, quieter and more residential in character, with fewer cafés and hotels than North Cliff. You can still walk towards the main cliff area when you want dinner, coffee or the sunset scene, but you get to return to a quieter neighborhood afterwards.
This makes South Cliff particularly appealing for couples, families and travelers looking for a slower beach holiday. There are also several resort-style properties here, so you have more opportunities to prioritize a pool, larger rooms, sea views or a wellness-oriented stay.
Hotels And Stays To Consider On South Cliff
- Gateway Varkala
- Boho Art Cottages
- Jyothi Gardens
- Elixir Cliff Beach Resort And Spa Varkala
- Sky Frame Beach Resort
- Skylar Seaview Resort
- AS villa home stay
- Varkala Villa
So, Where Should You Actually Stay?
If you prioritize walking to cafes, restaurants, shops, and the beach and prefer a livelier environment, North Cliff is where you must stay in Varkala.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Varkala and looking for a calmer scene, South Cliff is the perfect place to be. If you want a quieter hotel and don’t mind a 10-minute-or-so walk for the livelier café scene, choose South Cliff. You get a more peaceful base while remaining close enough to North Cliff for dinner, coffee and sunset walks.
And if your idea of Varkala is less about café-hopping and more about waking up to a quiet beach, you can go even further north towards Odayam or Edava. These areas are considerably more peaceful, but you will sacrifice some of the walkability that makes staying on the cliff so convenient.
Author’s Note
I have been to Varkala and I can assure you that staying at either of the cliffs comes at its own pros and cons. North Cliff is livelier and has a lot of cafes and shops, but the noise and the crowd can be overwhelming for some. South Cliff is quieter and has lesser cafes and shops. It is quieter and can feel a little “isolated” to some.
Summing Up
Have you decided where to stay in Varkala? Are you staying at the North Cliff or the South Cliff? Before choosing your accommodation, make sure that you are choosing a stay at a place that suits your needs.
