We stayed just a little north of Varkala … another lovely spot … with another lovely view …
Varkala has been a popular spot on the backpacker trail for 20 years, but is still relatively unspoilt as small hotels, cafes and shops selling clothes and souvenirs vie for space along the cliff, looking down on a huge sandy beach.
Papanasam beach is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins and Hindus come for miles to pray and resign their cremated relatives to the waves …
and paddle …
while at the other end the tourists strip off, worship the sun and swim.
We had our own little beach almost on our doorstep as well as a coastal path running for 6km from Varkala to Edava with great views …
Otherwise, the main attractions were the fishermen – watching them pulling in their catch and maybe giving a hand …
… and watching the sunset.
We spent two fabulous evenings at the restaurant just along the beach called Palm Tree Heritage, where a handful of candlelit tables are laid out on the sand and you eat to the sound of the waves breaking on the beach … perfect.
Next stop, Trivendrum.
My husband Chris and I decided to go away to celebrate our two big birthdays which meant we needed to be away six weeks to take them both in … and since funds aren’t unlimited, where better to go when it’s chilly in England than Southern India.
Off Travelling Together 