Varkala, India 🇮🇳
#1392
8.744844, 76.715555
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Varkala is a coastal town in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, known for its stunning cliffs and beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 40,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps; cafes and coworking spaces may offer faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD, local banking options include State Bank of India, Axis Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone; prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted, local banks can help with cash withdrawals. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to boutique hotels, available on platforms like Airbnb and local sites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments and cards widely accepted in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and OYO have numerous listings for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as 'The Lost Hostel Varkala' offer affordable lodging options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Space Varkala is a popular coworking space offering reliable internet and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Del Mar offers a serene environment with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Facebook groups like 'Varkala Digital Nomads' host regular meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly beach bonfires and social gatherings attract a mix of locals and expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is operational in nearby areas, but local auto-rickshaws are widely used as well. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local agencies rent scooters and bikes; typical rates start at ₹300/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Varkala Beach is within walking distance, known for its natural beauty and surf. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air India operates flights from Varkala to other major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Air India operate flights from Trivandrum International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Highway 66 connects Varkala to major cities in Kerala. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station provides connectivity to nearby regions. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are affordable; day passes are available at low rates. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey, and Kovalam. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Varkala Hospital offers general medical services; Apollo Hospital is a short drive away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Sangam Varkala offers classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Health Nation GYM offers basic fitness facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries provide wash and fold services, typically starting at ₹100 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Swiggy and Zomato are popular for food delivery in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Appam with Stew is a must-try local Kerala dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like 'The Juicy God' and 'Cafe 18' offer diverse vegetarian and vegan menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweetstuff Cafe serves delightful desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local market near Varkala Beach offers fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Flipkart are reliable for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BigBasket delivers groceries in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Beach Road has several bars and small nightclubs, including 'A Beach Story'. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kerala’s craft beer scene is growing, with some bars offering local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine not available locally; cocktails are popular in bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors serve local snacks like Pani Puri and Dosa along the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'The Star' offer Italian and Continental cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Janardhana Swamy Temple is a key spiritual landmark in Varkala. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Varkala Tunnel is a historical site worth visiting. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Anjengo Fort, located nearby, is an important historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sivagiri Mutt is a significant pilgrimage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Varkala Festival held annually attracts both locals and tourists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The cliff area has numerous local shops and art galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Open-air theaters host cultural performances, especially during the festival season. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Shallow Water Bazaar is ideal for buying local handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various cafes host live music events during the weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The cliffs are adorned with beautiful murals and street art by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes can be found at local homestays, offering a taste of Kerala cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries showcase traditional Kerala art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial-style buildings near Varkala Beach are of architectural interest. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture in Varkala is a blend of ancient Hindu traditions and modern influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Varkala Cliff offers breathtaking views and sunsets. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a few hours away, ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The pathway along Varkala Beach is perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints on the cliffs provide stunning seascapes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The backwaters near Varkala host various migratory bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along Varkala Beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide services for smartphones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local cafes have ping pong tables for customers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Malayalam classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Community centers have reading rooms and study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Varkala has several community centers hosting various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes offer gaming facilities and a social environment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Varkala; nearest ones are in major cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹4,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₹120,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₹90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹5,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₹250,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹4,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₹200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹6,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹480,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹5,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporation tax for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | India follows a progressive income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% on income above ₹10 lakh annually. |
| 🧾 VAT | Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applied at rates ranging from 5% to 28%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the municipal value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty of around 7% for property purchases. |