Very nice coast, it’s possible to walk for kilometres along the coast. It’s quite turistic but mainly locals so it doesn’t bother too much. It’s possible to get into the sea only in very few places but I wouldn’t recommend it. The town has lots of markets, bakeries and restaurants. There are several yoga studios along the coast.

It is a beautiful place with plenty of beaches, greenery, small town shops, water sports and the most beautiful mangroves. There are also nice places like the Jatayu Park and the Shri Narayana Guru Samadhi and ancient temples that are a treat to visit.

Beautiful views worth seeing. However most visitors are rowdy which affects the comfort of people seeking a more down to earth experience. Restaurants often out price locals and cater to Western tastes; they seek a specific type of well put together, middle or upper class traveller. Monsoon season is likely a more relaxing time to be here with less rowdy visitors from out of town/state. Little cleanup efforts for the beaches. Bad sanitation and waste control. Waste burning unfortunately normalised.

It's good, but they merchants near cliff and beach they are making the real robbery towards the tourists, thorough making more than the MRP without any bill and also more over the restaurants were collecting more money than their service...

The beach was awesome, the water temperature and calmness of the sea making it perfect for swimming. Varkala itself had plenty of options for eating at any budget level and the people were friendly, helpful and generally very honest in their dealings with tourists. The temple was especially interesting for us and was mostly open to non-hindus to walk around its grounds.

Large beach with fabulous turquoise sea and big waves with some sun beds down one end if wanted . Lovely views and sunsets. Busy lively area ( we were there just after Xmas/ new year ) with many restaurants and shops along the cliff side. No beach hawkers on beach which made a change . Not really suitable for young children or people with mobility issues as big waves and steep steps to beach . We ate at costa del mer which had good European food if you feel like a change from the standard Indian food and was really excellent for breakfast as well as other meals . There are also cheaper good more traditional Indian restaurants just off the main drag . Roof top sky bar great for sundowners overlooking beach .