Varkala Solo trip itinerary | Woman traveller | Pavithra Choudhary

🌙 Day 1: Night Train from Bangalore to Varkala Take a night train from Bangalore (SBC) to Varkala Sivagiri Station — the main station for Varkala.💸 Cost: ₹1500 Have dinner before boarding, it’s an overnight journey. You’ll arrive around 10:30 AM the next morning ☀️ Day 2: Arrive in Varkala & Explore North Cliff Once you exit the station, take a shared auto (if solo) or hire a regular auto-rickshaw to North Cliff this is the main beachside area with most hostels, cafés, and shops. Check into Hope Hostel (dorms start at ₹700). They have female-only, male-only, mixed dorms, and private rooms. Book in advance to ensure availability. Check-in is around 1–2 PM, but you can drop your luggage at the hostel early. You’ll get a personal locker with a refundable deposit of ₹400–₹500. 🧘‍♀️ While waiting for check-in: Walk along the cliffside trail, visit the Black Sand Beach, and enjoy the ocean views. For lunch or brunch, try Darjeeling Café (great Indian food). 🏖 After check-in: Freshen up and carry your ID. Step outside (150 rupees) and grab an auto to Trip Is Life Café (South cliff) a perfect spot for sunset. Even if seats are full, wait — people leave after sunset and you’ll find a spot. Enjoy a light dinner with the sound of the waves. 🛵 After dinner: Rent a scooter (ask hostel or local rental, keep contact handy). Number: +91 89218 60288 Park it back at the hostel after use. If you still have energy, explore the cliff’s nightlife a bit before sleeping. Day 3: Jatayu Earth Center + Kappil Beach + Mangrove Island Start early around 7 AM. Stop for breakfast en route. Ride about 30 km to Jatayu Earth Center. 🅿️ Parking: ₹20 (two-wheeler) 🎟 Entry: ₹325 per person 🚡 Cable Car: ₹555 per person (two-way) Go early to avoid heat and crowd. After exploring, if you still have energy: Head to Kappil Beach (about 20–25 km away). It’s a unique spot with the ocean on one side and a lake on the other. From Kappil, ride another 30–40 km to Mangrove Island. Have lunch there. Around 4–5 PM, go kayaking (₹200 per person per hour). Return to Varkala by evening. Dinner at ABBA Restaurant — lovely hosts and cozy ambience. Get a good night’s sleep. 🌤 Day 4: Slow Morning + Sunset Café Hopping Start your day slow — walk along the cliff or relax at the beach. Breakfast at Lumnama Café (vegan, slightly pricey but worth it). Spend the day relaxing at the hostel — read, paint, or join a game. By evening (around 4 PM): Head to Sarwa Café — great food, stunning sunset views, and moderate pricing. After sunset, walk down to the beach below and stroll along the shore. Shop for souvenirs or magnets at Orma Store. Return to your hostel — weekends are lively, you’ll likely find other travelers to hang out with. Day 5: Massage + Checkout + Return Pack your bags and check out of the hostel. Head to Parna Spa for a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Ask them in advance if you can store your luggage there temporarily. After the massage, walk to Sarwa Café (nearby) for brunch. Return to Parna, collect your bags, and take an auto (₹100) to the bus or train station. Board your return train/bus to Bangalore.💸 Ticket: ₹1500 Things to know: There is north (low to moderate) and south cliff ( expensive) Cash is must carry Autos are available Rent bike a day before ( you will have to bare the petrol cost) Varkala is pretty safe for woman solo travellers Restaurant to try: North cliff: Darjeeling cafe, ABBA, lumnama and there are so many more. South cliff: Sarwa, trip is life ( please try mocha frappeeeeee, it’s yummmmyyyyyy) Sunset spots: bindus coffee at north cliff (cheap and cozy), black sand beach, mangrove island while kayaking, trip is life ( expensive), sarwa ( moderate)