Experience Canada Like A Local: Insider Tips You Can’t Miss

BY  Sibashree Jan 28, 2026

South India has been my go-to place whenever I lacked clarity about “What is Next?” After exploring the beaches in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, I wanted to continue my journey, and my destination was the Western Coast of India.  The quiet Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach with dramatic cliffs won me over.  With golden sands, blue waters, and gentle waves, Varkala Beach is therapeutic. No wonder that it is such a popular place for outdoor Yoga practices.  Furthermore, being a west-facing beach, it offers dramatic sunset views.  Here is more about the  Location of Varkala Beach How to reach Varkala Beach Best beaches in Varkala Where to stay in Varkala Beach When is the best time to visit Varkala Beach Best things to do in Varkala Beach Places to eat and drink Is Varkala Beach worth it?  About Varakala Beach Let me introduce the Varkala Beach to you with some quick answers.  ⁍ Where is Varkala Beach? Varka Beach is in Varkala. It is a coastal town on the southwestern coast of India. ⁍ In which state is Varkala Beach situated? Varkala Beach is situated in the southern state of Kerala in India.  ⁍ Varkala Beach, in which district? The Varkala Beach is in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.  ⁍ Varkala Beach distance: It is located at a distance of 40 km from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala.  Varkala Beach is the place where spirituality, wellness, religious fervor, and coastal recreation meet. It is also known as the Papanasam because people believe that taking a dip here washes away all your sins.  In fact, the mineral-rich water of the Arabian Sea here has healing properties.  Furthermore, the beach stretch is long, a little over 6 kms and it is the middle ground between the red cliffs and the blue waters.  However, there are two things I did not like about the Varkala Beach. Firstly, all the eateries and shops lining the red cliffs obstruct the views.  The more alarming thing is the amount of trash and plastic on the beach. There were food wraps and food wraps everywhere. Now, this shows a lack of maintenance and the absence of civic sense.  Does The Varkala Beach Have A Shade? No, the Varaka Beach does not have any designated or constructed shade. Also, naturally, there is rarely any shaded spot with very few trees around.  Furthermore, there are some lizards in the sand here. They don’t bother anyone, but it was a big issue for me.  Finally, I rented a shade and a chair from a clifftop cafe.  However, be ready get heavily tanned as the Sun here is so strong that no amount of sunscreen can protect you.  How Safe Is Varkala Beach?  Varkala Beach is a safe place, and it is one of the best destinations for a solo trip in India. It has a laid-back vibe, typical of the coastal areas of South India.  However, I could not find any lifeguards for the longer stretch of the beach. So, swimming here is something you need to do at your own risk.  Also, the current here is very strong. So, if you have plans to swim with kids, you have to be very careful.  How To Get To Varkala? The Varkala Beach is closest to the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). The distance is around 45 kilometers. Furthermore, the nearest railway station, Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station, is a little over 4 km away.  However, the Trivandrum Central (TVC) is at a distance of 1 hour, and the Kollam Junction (QLN) Railway Station is around 40 minutes away. Both these stations have frequent train options from different parts of India.  1. How To Get To Varkala Beach From Trivandrum Airport I booked an Uber to reach the Varkala Beach from the Trivandrum Airport, and the charge was INR 1160. This is the safest option if you are new to the place.  Local cabs and other online car rentals are also available. However, if you cannot negotiate, they will charge you between INR 1500 and INR 1600.  Furthermore, the cheapest option to travel from Trivandrum to Varkala is to take a bus run by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Buses are available every 15 minutes.  However, the KSRTC bus stop is around 15 km away from the beach. So, from there, you will again have to take a local bus or taxi.  2. How To Travel From The Varkala Railway Station To Varkala Beach?  You can take a local taxi to reach the beach from the Varkala Railway Station. Local buses are also available. What Are The Best Beaches In Varkala? The Varkala Beach is the main attraction in the town of Varkala. However, it has many other beaches, such as the Black Sand Beach, Odayam Beach, Kappil Beach and Beach Park, Edava Beach, and Thiruvambadi Beach.  1. Black Sand Beach View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nat Geo Traveller India (@natgeotravellerindia) The Black Sand Cliff is close to the north cliff. If the Varkala Beach is overcrowded, you can consider this one as an alternative.  2. Odayam Beach Odayam Beach is perfect if you want to enjoy a long stroll along the waters early morning or late in the evening.  It is located at the north of the main cliff.  3. Kappil Beach And Beach Park The Kappil Beach and Beach Park are further north of the Varkala town. It is the place where you will have a bit of the famous Kerala backwater experience.  Also, it is the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Kappil River.  4. Edava Beach The Edava Beach is cleaner. Also, this quaint beach offers a delightful cultural experience. Here, you can meet the fishermen.  Though language was a barrier sometimes, a few of them knew English. Also, I must say, after the rich cultural experience in Jaffna, this was another culturally enriching moment for me.  5. Thiruvambadi Beach It is the most secluded beach in Varkala. It has black and dark sand. Also, it has a calm environment, allowing you to just relax and introspect.  Where To Stay In Varkala? You can visit the Kerala Tourism website to find out where to stay in Varkala. It has Varkala beach resort options such as the Coconut Cove Beach Resort, the Pulari Gardens Tourist Resorts, and the nearest Karthika Plaza Resort Pvt. Ltd.  Furthermore, there are hotels near Varkala Beach, such as InDa Hotel, the Lost Hostels, and Maison Sangham.  I stayed at the Bougainvillea Homestay, which is very close to the Varkala beach cliffs.  When To Visit Varkala? October to March, or the winter and spring seasons, are ideal for visiting Varkala.The rainfall is minimal in these months, and the temperature hovers around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.  Furthermore, less rain and moderate weather conditions are ideal for watersports such as jet skiing and paragliding.  However, during my visit in February, I found the water current to be quite strong for swimming. So, check with the locals and the fishermen around before getting into the water.  What Are The Best Things To Do In Varkala Beach? The Varkala Beach is a welcome relief if you are exploring South India. It is not a place if you are planning an action-packed holiday.  However, try these watersports.  Surfing At Varkala Beach You will find places such as Soul and Surf here to camp and learn surfing. Furthermore, the ideal surfing condition for a visitor depends on their expertise level.  For Beginners: November to February For Sufers of Intermediate or Advanced Levels: October to March Advanced Surfers: The Monsoon Season or June to August  Paragliding Varkala Paragliding is the most adventurous thing you can try at Varkala Beach. You can have a hawk-eye view of the water and the golden sand by flying from one end of the cliff to another.  Also, paragliding feels magical during sunset. Varkala Beach Nightlife  The bars, restaurants, and rooftop cafes of the North Cliff are the epicenters of a happening nightlife in Varkala.  These places are ideal for candlelit dinners and enjoying a lively vibe with DJs and live acoustic music performances. What Are The Places To Visit Near The Varkala Beach? Varkala is an ideal place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, many religious and spiritual travelers combine a Varkala beach trip with a visit to Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt.  The Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple is a 2000-year-old Vishnu shrine. It is associated with the legends of Lord Brahma and Narada Muni.  On the other hand, the Sivagiri Mutt is home to the saints and sanyasins of the order started by Sree Narayana Gurudev. His primary teaching was “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man.” Established in 1904, this Mutt practices inclusiveness.  What Are The Places For Eating And Drinking In Varkala? There are many cafes and restaurants in Varkala. I chose a humble, local place for lunch and dinner.  However, to experience the cafe culture here, I chose a few upscale places.  1. Lunch At Vinayaka Vegetarian Restaurant I ordered a veg Keralan thali at the Vinayaka Vegetarian Restaurant. The rice grains were thick, and they were filling. Furthermore, they served the rice with five types of sides, pickle, and papad. It only cost me INR 90.  2. Dinner At Chimney Restaurant At the Chimney Restaurant, it was a continuation of my great seafood experience in Jaffna. The staff here suggested that I try a Kerala fish curry.  The fish was fresh, and the curry was sharp and spicy (a little less than Jaffna). It was a perfect balance to the acidic element of rice.  You must also try the village-style chicken curry here. It is a family-friendly restaurant.  3. Cafés I was at Cafe Trip is Life during sunset. The view was amazing, and I loved the grilled prawns and mojitos there. A bit pricey, but worth it! Another café I loved here was Café Sarwaa. I was impressed with the Bohemian decor the moment I entered the place. I tried some samosas and banana pancakes there.  However, you can eat here the whole day. Their paratha and Kerala beef curry are the most famous.  Is Varkala Worth It? Should I Just Go To Goa? The only similarity between Varkala and Goa beaches is the bohemian vibe. However, both beaches offer different experiences.  Varkala is more nature-focused with the landscape of the Varkala Beach and a view of the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, it is more about relaxation and wellness thanks to the Yoga centers frequently found here.  However, despite watersports and adventure facilities such as paragliding and surfing, Varkala is not as happening as Goa. Goa offers a wider range of watersports.  Moreover, the nightlife of Goa is more vibrant.  So, if you want a spiritual and wellness retreat and some quiet beach time, Varkala is the best. The 2000-year-old Vishnu temple is an added attraction here.  For a vibe and a high-energy experience, choose Goa.  Varkala Beach: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Varkala Beach.  1. Varkala Beach Or Kovalam Beach, Which Is Best? I cannot pick a favorite between the Varkala Beach and the Kovalam Beach. The Varkala Beach, with a bohemian vibe, is more laid-back and nature-focused. On the other hand, the Kovalam Beach has the iconic crescent beaches, and it offers a diverse range of watersports and a vibrant nightlife. 2. Which Beach In Varkala Has Bioluminescence? The Varkala Beach has bioluminescence. You can especially notice the bioluminescence near the cliff and along the northern stretch of the beach. Here, tiny marine organisms emit blue and green light due to a chemical reaction. When the wave is disturbed, these organisms get scattered, and it looks like the water is glowing. Furthermore, from September to November is the best time to see the bioluminescence of the beach.  3. What Is The Varkala Beach From Bangalore Distance? The distance between Varkala Beach and Bangalore is around 670 km. You can travel by road, which takes around 14 hours. So, the easiest way to travel is to take a train from Bangalore Cantonment to Varkala. The travel time is around 13-15 hours. Furthermore, if you want to take the fastest way to travel, you must take a flight from the Bangalore Airport to the Trivandrum Airport and then take a bus or taxi to Kovalam.

BY  Sibashree Jan 16, 2025

Renting a perfect yacht for your charter is a thrilling opportunity to enjoy luxury, freedom, and adventure. Travel on the surface of the blue ocean is unlike anything you want to experience during the holidays. The different amenities available on the board give you an experience unlike anything else. You can charter an airplane for a fun and joyful ride. But there’s something else when it’s a yacht.  However, selecting the ideal yacht can seem overwhelming, with so many options available.  Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time renter, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the perfect yacht for your trip.  1. Define Your Vacation Style Think about the type of experience you want. Are you looking for a romantic escape, a family-friendly adventure, or a lively party with friends? Your vacation style will guide you in selecting the right type of yacht.  Sailing Yachts: Ideal for those who love the authentic experience of navigating with sails. Motor Yachts: Perfect for luxury, speed, and comfort. Catamarans: Spacious and stable, great for families or groups. Gulets: Traditional wooden vessels, perfect for laid-back cruising with a touch of charm. At 12 Knots Yacht Rentals, you’ll find a variety of yachts tailored to your preferences. Choosing the best yacht for your vacation depends on your cruising style and how you want to sail. The type of luxury experience you want depends on your desire and the experience you are looking for. You’ll choose the perfect yacht for your charter depending on that. So, first, set your expectations and the above parameters should help you identify what you are looking for in the yacht.  2. Consider Your Group Size How many people will join you? Yachts come in different sizes, from intimate vessels for two to spacious yachts that can accommodate large groups. Ensure there’s enough room for everyone to sleep, dine, and relax comfortably. There are different sizes of yachts, and each size has a capacity to accommodate a specific number of people.  Get a small yacht, and you can have 4 to 12 people onboard. Now, if you want a grand and luxury wedding on a yacht, you’ll need from 100 to 300 people. That’s when you need a large yacht. Also the need for safety guides and features also change with the number of people you want to have onboard for the charter.  3. Choose the Right Destination The destination often influences the type of yacht you should choose. For example: In the Caribbean, a catamaran might be ideal for shallow waters and island hopping. For the Mediterranean, a motor yacht provides the speed and style needed to explore glamorous coastal towns. A luxury yacht in the Maldives ensures you travel comfortably across atolls. So, choosing the right destination for a yacht charter is also an integral part of finding what works for you. Think of the location you want to visit on your yacht and choose accordingly.  Visit 12 Knots to explore available yachts by destination.  4. Decide on Crew vs. Bareboat Crewed Yachts: Perfect for a hands-off, luxurious experience. The crew handles everything from navigation to meals, leaving you free to relax. Bareboat Charters: Great for experienced sailors who want full control of the yacht. You’ll need the appropriate certifications to rent these. If you want the experience of charting a yacht, it’s great to go for a bareboat charter. If you are a skilled sailor and have significant experience handling a yacht in the ocean, nothing is stopping you from getting a bareboat charter. You must have the necessary certifications and licenses for charting bareboat yachts. So, keep your personal safety and legal procedures in mind when deciding between a crew or a bareboat charter.  5. Set a Budget Yacht rentals often have significant differences in pricing depending on the size, type, and location. Keep in mind additional costs, such as fuel, docking fees, and provisioning. Many charters offer transparent pricing, making it easier to stick to your budget.  But, typically, in the budgeting part, the key areas of consideration come down to the charting fees and the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance).  The advance provisioning allowance for the additional expenses such as drinks, food, delivery, re-delivery fees, and the average cost for smaller yachts.  Depending on your requirement for a luxury yacht charter, you’ll have to spend a specific amount. A small yacht chartering will cost you $10,000 per week. On the other hand, a large sized luxury yacht will cost $150,000 per week. So, set your budget depending on whatever type of experience you are looking for.  6. Check the Amenities Think about the facilities you’ll need: Spacious cabins and bathrooms Air conditioning Onboard kitchen or chef Wi-Fi and entertainment systems Equipment for water sports like snorkeling, paddle boarding, or jet skiing Explore yachts on 12 Knots to compare amenities and find your ideal match. 7. Understand the Season Different destinations have peak seasons. For example, the Mediterranean is best in summer, while the Caribbean shines in winter. Booking in advance ensures you get the yacht you want at the best price. 8. Read Reviews and Consult Experts Look for reviews from past renters and seek advice from yacht rental professionals. At 12 Knots, their experienced team is ready to help you make the best choice for your trip. Several listing websites online allow you to comparent types of yachts and luxury riding experiences.  You can compare prices, features amenities on those websites before making a decision. In addition, different clients also leave their own reviews and testimonials about specific rentals. You can check those before making a decision.  Conclusion  Renting a yacht is a fantastic way to elevate your vacation, but the key to an unforgettable experience is choosing the right yacht. You can ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip by considering your vacation style, destination, group size, and budget. You can take the advice we have given in this article to make your selection a worthwhile one. On the other hand, if you are a travel enthusiast, read other articles we have on our website.  Ready to start planning? Explore the best yachts for your dream destination at 12 Knots Yacht Rentals and embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Arnab Feb 15, 2023

Are you looking for a unique and fun travel destination for your upcoming trip? If yes, head to Gatlinburg. This town- nestled in the mountains of Tennessee-allows you to see breathtaking views from every location, adding a gorgeous background to the area. From Ober Gatlinburg to Clingmans Dome, you can enjoy mountain vistas from everywhere. Moreover, there is never a shortage of adventurous points to observe the scenic beauty of Gatlinburg, whether you’re hiking or riding along in a car. This enchanting town is home to some of the most exciting outdoor attractions in Tennessee, and its vibrant downtown is full of unique attractions. Whether you’re hunting for an action-packed trip or a relaxing vacation, Gatlinburg stores something for every visitor. Additionally, Gatlinburg is full of shops and novelty stores. In fact, the Village Shops have about 25 unique galleries and boutiques, providing you with an unforgettable experience. Alongside, this town is also filled with delicious restaurants and eateries. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, southern BBQ, pizza, pancakes, or Mexican, you can find it all in this town. But that’s not all. One of the best things about visiting Gatlinburg is that it’s a budget-friendly destination. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Gatlinburg or the hundredth, there are countless ways to save money during the vacation. After all, you can get Gatlinburg vacation packages and the best vacation experience within your budget. Here Are 4 Must-Go-To Places To Visit In Gatlinburg 1. Have Fun at Anakeesta Trust us, a trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without visiting Anakeesta. Anakeesta is one of the best attractions and is a must-visit during your trip to Gatlinburg. With scenic views and an impressive number of exciting activities, this is an excellent spot for visitors of all types and ages. But what can you do at Anakeesta? Some of the fun activities to try at this attraction include: Gem mining: During your trip to Anakeesta, don’t forget to stop by and find your treasure at Gem Mining. An interactive cascade and sluice gate let visitors of all ages looking for an exceptional fossil or gemstone. Grab a meal: If you want to enjoy your meal with breathtaking views, make sure you visit the Cliff Top Restaurant. They offer various meals such as desserts, burgers, steaks, appetizers, and whatnot. Rail Runner: This is a personal roller coaster on a single rail at Anakeesta. The exciting ride starts with 1600 feet of downhill turns and ends with a picturesque uphill ride back to the Anakeesta. 2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium Wondering what makes Ripley's Aquarium a must-visit place in Gatlinburg? One of the best parts about this attraction is that it's perfect for everybody. Everyone will have a blast at Ripley's Aquarium if you have kids or grandparents in your group. The displays are interesting to everybody, and they will all love watching sea creatures like fish and sharks, providing you with a unique chance to bond with the whole crew.  Besides that, throughout the aquarium, you can see creatures up close. For instance, you get the unique opportunity to touch live stingrays as they swim at Touch-a-ray bay. Whereas in the Discovery Center, you can hold horseshoe crabs. This attraction offers a reasonably priced adventure for the whole group. With all the exhibits of the aquarium and the fantastic creatures you can learn about, the price to enter this aquarium is worth it. Moreover, you can even watch one of the interesting live shows at the aquarium. This allows you to watch divers clean and maintain exhibits while being close to the massive predators in Shark Lagoon Dive. Not just that, you can even explore coral reefs and learn more about the colorful fish living during the Coral Reef Drive, guaranteeing you the best time of your life. 3. Roam Around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most popular park in America, and it’s no wonder why. After all, you can explore many historical sites, from Cataloochee to Old Mill. Whether you’re interested in seeing grist mills or barns, you can find a historic place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But that’s not all. There are a lot of other things you can do at this national park, such as: Horseback riding: This allows you to see the national park differently. Sugarlands and Cades Cove are the most famous stables in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dove: Head to the highest point in this park- Clingmans Dove. Additionally, this is also the highest point in entire Tennessee. You can get to the summit of Clingmans Dove for some of the most incredible observation points. Camping: You can go to the Deep Creek Campground, a 90-site campground perfect for visitors who want to embark on various freshwater activities. Additionally, it also provides impressive hiking trails and views of gorgeous waterfalls. 4. Thrill Yourself at The Skylift Park Do you want to experience something adventurous and fun during your trip to Gatlinburg? If yes, Skylift Park is the perfect cherry on top of your stay in Gatlinburg. But what can you do at this attraction? Here’s how you can spend your time at Skylift Park: Ride the SkyLift: The famous Skylift was created in the 1950s, taking visitors to the top of mountains and back down again. Visit the Skydeck: As soon as you get off the Skylift, you’ll meet the incredible Skydeck. Placed particularly on top of Crockett Mountain, this is the perfect place to relax. You can even grab a snack or beer and enjoy the scenic views. Browse through the gift shop: Don’t forget to check out the gift shop on the first floor of Skycenter on Skydeck. Whether you’re looking for Great Smoky Mountain-themed toys, clothes, or Skylift Park-themed merchandise, you can find it all here. Head to Skypark: The Gatlinburg Skypark lies on the top of the mountain. You can spend your day at the top of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views you might not find anywhere else. Final Words If you’re confused about where to go in Gatlinburg, check out these places. During your getaway to Gatlinburg, make sure you explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Alongside, visit Anakeesta for an exciting and adventurous experience. Trust us, no matter which attractions you choose; you’ll have a blast in this town. Read Also: 5 Things To Pack For Your Next Vacation 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers