Darjeeling Cafe

Varkala


With giant dreamcatchers and tiered candlelit tables strewn with flower petals, Darjeeling is always packed with travellers. Snappy, cheerful service complements cocktails (₹250; with metallic straws), fresh juices, good coffee and an alluring global menu: chapati rolls, smoothie bowls, masala dosa, pan-Indian curries, banana-leaf fish, and enormous platters of paneer or fish tikka with chips and salad.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Varkala attractions

1. Durga Temple

0.25 MILES

A colourful Hindu temple just inland from Varkala's North Cliff.

2. Black Beach

0.3 MILES

A sandy little blonde-and-black beach just north of Varkala's North Cliff.

3. Varkala Aquarium

0.35 MILES

Between Black Beach and Odayam Beach, Varkala's aquarium displays large tanks of exotic species – scorpionfish, angelfish, koi, the local karimeen – along…

4. Papanasham Beach

0.37 MILES

Ringed by rust-red cliffs, Varkala's main beach is a holy spot for Hindus, who for centuries have made offerings for passed loves ones and washed away…

5. Helipad

0.49 MILES

Towards the southern end of North Cliff.

6. Odayam Beach

0.86 MILES

This gold-hued stretch of sand, around 1km north of the North Cliff, makes a peaceful alternative to Varkala's main beach.

7. Janardhana Temple

0.92 MILES

Varkala is a temple town and the Janardhana Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is the main event – with its roots dating back to the 13th century, this…

8. Sivagiri Mutt

2.2 MILES

Just east of central Varkala, Sivagiri Mutt is the headquarters of the Shri Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust, devoted to Shri Narayana Guru (1855–1928),…