I’m planning a beach holiday in Kerala and I’m a bit confused between Kovalam and Varkala. Both seem very popular, but I’ve heard they offer completely different experiences.
Beaches & Scenery: How do Kovalam’s crescent-shaped beaches like Lighthouse Beach compare with Varkala’s unique cliffside beaches? Which one feels cleaner and less crowded?
Accommodation & Budget: Are hotels and homestays in Varkala more affordable than Kovalam’s resorts, or is it the other way around?
Food & Nightlife: Which destination has better options for beachside cafes, seafood, and nightlife vibes?
Activities: I’d love to know whether Kovalam is better for water sports (surfing, parasailing) while Varkala is more for relaxation, yoga, and Ayurveda. Any real experiences?
Accessibility: Which is easier to reach from Trivandrum airport or railway station? Do tourists usually combine both places in one trip?
Best For Tourists: Overall, for a traveler who wants a mix of beach relaxation, culture, and local experiences, would you recommend Kovalam or Varkala?
If you’ve visited both, I’d love to hear your detailed experiences, pros and cons, and tips for first-time travelers. This will really help me (and others searching for the same question) decide which beach is the better choice for a Kerala trip.