VARKALA
A cliff overlooking a stunning beach is the setting for Kerala’s most popular beach destination. Little wonder that soaking up the sun reading a book and doing absolutely nothing rate as the best things to do in Varkala. What’s more is that the beach is bikini friendly, unlike a lot of other beaches around India, and has cafes atop the cliff serving a brilliant food from a variety of cuisines. Varkala is also a good place to meet and catch up with other fellow travellers, hanging around at the cafes. There are yoga courses on offer and boogie boards available for hire. Perfect beach holiday destination, we tell you. But then again, Varkala also has a little known cultural side to it. Visit the Shivagiri Mutt, which propagates the concept of ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God’, and dawdle with philosophy and spirituality. There is also a 2000 year old Janaradhana Swamy Temple, steeped in Indian mythological stories. During your time travelling around Kerala and India, we recommend you to spend a few days here and grab your breath before you travel again. A stunning location like this deserves your absolute attention doing absolutely nothing.