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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  Barsha Feb 5, 2024

Are you looking for a fun adventure for your next girls’ trip? Are you tired of the same old same old and want to try something new with your gal pals? If so, glamping could be the perfect solution. Here is why glamping is such a popular girls’ getaway and what you need to know before you decide to book your trip.  Continue reading the article below to learn more about glamping Texas Hill Country. What is Glamping? Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” is not your typical camping trip. While traditional camping involves tents, no running water, and cooking over campfires, glamping can incorporate resort-style amenities into your experience while still allowing you to experience the great outdoors.  Many glamping destinations offer indoor rooms such as pods or cabins as well as luxury touches like hot tubs, lounges, televisions, king-sized beds, and food prepared by on-site chefs.  Three Reasons You Should Consider Glamping  Think glamping might be right for you? Whether you’re considering taking a glamping trip in the Texas Hill Country or visiting the Oregon wine valley, here are some reasons you should take the plunge.  It’s the Best of Both Worlds  For girls who want to experience nature without sacrificing comforts like indoor plumbing and climate control, glamping is the perfect option. Glamping in the Texas Hill Country or other parts of the country lets you explore the great outdoors as well as indulge in resort-like amenities. Where else can you hang out with the local wildlife during a hike and then soak in a hot tub after enjoying a gourmet meal? You Can Choose to Unplug…Or Not  If you are on a traditional camping trip, you will likely have little to no contact with the outside world via phone, laptop, or other device. While unplugging certainly has its benefits, it can be difficult for those who are leaving small children back at home or who have other demands that need to be tended to. With glamping, you can either choose to unplug fully or take advantage of on-site wi-fi to check messages and ensure you’re taking care of your obligations.  It’s Usually Affordable  Though we all like to splurge now and then, many of your girlfriends may not want to spend thousands of dollars on a spa retreat or luxury hotel. While glamping offers many of the same amenities, it’s more affordable than many other types of vacations. That means all your pals can make it, and you can spend the extra money on wine, snacks, and games to play in your pod or cabin.  The Best Places to Go Glamping Decided that glamping is the way to go for your next girls’ outing? The next decision is where to go. Here are some of the best glamping destinations in the country.  Texas Hill Country  Considered the border between the Southeast and Southwest, Texas Hill Country has caverns to explore, swimming holes to visit, and wineries to find your next favorite bottle. To enhance your glamping adventure, you can hit a nearby golf course, visit a wildlife refuge, or explore a national park.  Willamette Valley, OR  Your wine-loving gal pals will love glamping in Willamette Valley, home to more than two-thirds of the state’s vineyards and wineries. In addition to wine, the Valley also offers hot springs, hiking trails, forests, and plenty of glamping locales.  Governors Island, NY  A short eight-minute ferry ride from Manhattan, Governors Island is the perfect glamping destination for girls from New York City. Though it’s close to the metro, it seems like a different world. Featuring plenty of areas for biking as well as more than 50 abandoned military buildings ready to be explored, Governors Island is a quick trip your girl group won’t soon forget.  Things To Know Before Going Glamping If this is your first glamping trip, then there are a few things that you should know that will ensure you have a much smoother experience. Read on to what they are: Thoroughly research the Glamping Location If you have already decided where to go, then make sure to do in-depth research and find out as many details as possible about the glamping location. Here is a list of potential questions that you should look for answers to while researching:  What is the exact location of your tent/cabin on the site Is the location safe for women? How many other people will be staying at the glamping site other than you and your girlfriends? Where are the toilet and shower facilities located on-site, and how many toilets and showers are there? You should also try to find out what type of toilet is available on the glamping site and what their cleanliness and hygiene levels are. Are there any activities to do in the area? If, so, what kind of activities? How far is it from your glamping site, and do you need to bring a car Does the glamping site offer any amenities of its own - game room, pool, internet, outdoor dining, BBQ site, etc What basic necessities are available at the glamping site, and what do you need to bring with you? Pack According To Weather and Location Glamping may be an enhanced version of camping, but you still need to pack appropriately according to the weather and the location of the glamping site. If you are going glamping near a beach, make sure to pack lots of sundresses, slippers, bathing suits, SPF, and sunnies. If you and your girlfriends are glamping near a national park and plan on going on a hike, then make sure to pack your hiking boots, trekking poles, sunscreen, and suitable footwear.  Before leaving for your trip, you should constantly check the weather forecast for the glamping location. You can also directly contact the authorities at the glamping site to ask what the weather will be like and what kind of activities you should pack for. However, it is always smart to pack different layers of clothing and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. In addition to clothing, you should also pack essential items like flashlights, suitable chargers for all your electronic devices, portable chargers (in case charging sockets are not available), books and board games for entertainment, and daily essentials like your toiletries, towels, comfy blankets, first aid, and other emergency medicine. Find Out About Meal Plans Glamping can be a great opportunity to cook outdoors, enjoy local cuisine, or have a picnic with friends. However, it is always best to plan ahead, so make sure to find out what kind of cooking facilities, meal plans, and resources are available at your glamping site. Depending on the place you choose for glamping, you may need to bring your own food, utensils, dishes, or stove, or you may be able to order food from the site or nearby restaurants. Consider Glamping in the Texas Hill Country  If you and your besties are looking for something new to do for this year’s girls’ getaway, consider glamping. While there are plenty of areas to choose from, Texas Hill Country is one of the most popular destinations due to its variety of landscapes and activities as well as its fantastic glamping resorts. If you’re ready to start planning, visit UDOSCAPE’s website to learn more about their top-tier glamping accommodations. Additional Reading: Navigating The World: 6 Travel Tips For Women Hoping For A Comfortable Trip Style Meets Adventure: Top 10 Must Have Travel Essentials For Her A Backpacker’s Guide: Must-Have Camping Essentials

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 17, 2023

When it comes to American Airlines, the company provides its services to more than 50 different countries, and there are more than 350 destinations. And most of it flights are non-stop. The airline is mainly based in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe. But, this is not it, there is great entertainment while you travel with this airline. In this article, we are going to discuss about different entertainment and your experience with AAInFlight. Let’s start with the services that AA Inflight provides to customers where passengers who travel through this airline receive entertainment and services. You will get discounted rates when booking the flights! Through the services, the flights provide their travelers with some of the best experiences! Read the article to learn more about the services and accordingly to book the tickets. American Airlines Image Source: dnd2oi6izkvoi.cloudfront.net Before going further about this topic, let’s know about the airline. American Airlines is a United State based airline, and its headquarter is in Fort Worth, Texas within the Dallas metroplex. If we talk about fleet size, revenue passenger mile, and scheduled passenger carries, then it is the largest airline in the world. The airline provides its services to more than 50 countries, and there are more than 350 destinations. Every day the company runs more than 6,800 flights. Here is the list of the company details. Founded15 April 1926Commenced Operations25 June 1936AllianceOne world Northeast AllianceDestinations350Fleet Size935HeadquartersFort Worth, Texas, United StatesParent CompanyAmerican Airlines GroupKey PeopleCEO- Robert Isom CFO- Devon May Chairman- Doug ParkerEmployees123,400 (2021)Websiteaa.com AAInFlight WiFi Image Source: static.flight-report.com Whether you are traveling with a domestic flight or with an international flight, you can get high-speed and upgraded wifi in American Airlines. You can browse the internet, stream any video, watch a movie on HBO, Hulu, or Netflix and even check our emails for your work. But, how do you check your boarding pass and what is on your flight? WiFI Connect Image Source: image.cnbcfm.com You have to put your phone on airplane mode, but that doesn’t mean you can’t connect to a wifi network. There is wifi signal where you can connect, you just need to search for aainflight.com. Sometimes, there can be an issue of being redirected, in that case, you can open your browser and then connect to the wifi. If you are using your laptop, don’t worry, you can connect to the wifi signal with that as well. You just need to search for the aainflight.com wifi signal. The same issue can happen to your mobile phone, in that case, you need to do the same. Read More: Vrbo.Com – Best Review By Users Pricing Image Source: thepointsguy.com If you want to access aa.com during your flight, you can do that at any time you want. There are flights where you need to pay $10 for wifi connection. You can pay this amount while you are flying, and this is a one-time pay-and-use service. If you want to know more about this information and accordingly book the tickets, you can visit aainflight com login! The services from American Airlines provide you a better flying experience! There is also an option where you can pay monthly for wifi. But, this feature is for those people who fly often. There are subscription plans where you can use wifi on one device or on two devices. If you want to use it on one device, then you need to pay $49.95 and for two devices you need to pay $59.95. But for this, you must, Have to be a member of AAdvantage member. Have a saved email address in your AA account. Have a credit card that is associated with a United States billing address. Read More: Hotwire.Com – Best Review By Users How To Access American Airlines Inflight Entertainment Image Source: deadline.com How do I access inflight entertainment on American Airlines? There are a couple of ways that you can try on the American Airlines to get entertained. If you have a tablet or phone, then you can try this. First, you need to download the application of American Airlines, but you need to do that before takeoff. Now, after enabling the airplane mod, you need to connect to the AA-inflight Wifi signal. If you don’t find that, then you can go to the browser and search for aainflight.com. You can select any TV show or movie by visiting View free entertainment, or you can click on the entertainment icon or button. You can do the same through your laptop as well. First, connect to the Wifi signal named AA-Inflight. If you are not able to find it, then you can open your browser and type aainflight.com. Now, you need to click on the entertainment icon or button, and you can watch any TV show or movie. Pros And Cons Of AAInFlight The airlines provide several services that make it popular for the customers. The features of the flights such as inflight Wi-Fi, pay-as-you-go package and others will confirm that there are advantages of using the AAInFlight! However, there are also some disadvantages of the airlines hence, you need to consider both the pros and cons before you book tickets on American Airlines. So, accordingly make bookings on aainflight app! Pros The AA Inflight provides you a wi-fi connection on flight which helps you with entertainment purposes and business requirements where you could send and receive emails. The connection also helps you stay connected with your loved ones with the Wi-Fi along with sending messages if God forbid there is a crisis. The staff of airlines are quite involved and give some of the best services to the clients. Food is also available on the flight which you can order based on your convenience. Cons With Wi-Fi available, there is a high chance that AAInFlight might face issues of weather problems and switch satellite regions. It is also against government regulations so, there have been issues with slow connection and insecure payment gateway. With the ATG receivers of certain aircraft, the connection becomes duplexed. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some interesting questions and answers that most people are curious to know about AAinflights. 1. Does American Airlines Have Entertainment Screens? Ans: Yes, there are entertainment screens on American Airlines, but not every flight has this. It depends on the aircraft. When it comes to American Airlines passengers, then they can get entertained by watching movies, live TV, and different TV shows. There are mainly two options to get entertained, first of all, passengers can watch on their own devices, or they can view in the seatback. 2. How Do I Use Free Entertainment On American Airlines? Ans: Watching TV shows or the latest movies is at your fingertips if you are traveling on American Airlines. You can download Gogo Entertainment App on your own device, this is it. Just connect to the airlines’ wifi and entertainment yourself with the video player. You can delete the player when you are finished. 3. Does American Airlines Have Wi-Fi International? Ans: If the aircraft doesn’t provide you with free wifi, then you can buy wifi by visiting the wifi or aa.com. If your aircraft is Boeing 777-300ER, then you will get free wifi. There are also pre-purchase options for international wifi. Also, the airline provides wifi once you are on board. Final Words If you want to use your own laptop, cell phone, or any electronic devices onboard, you need to have clearance from the flight crew for that. Because there are people who try to use their cell phones without putting them on flight mode. But, you need to accept that AAInFlight services and entertainment are way good than any other airlines in this world. Sometimes, the crew can ask you not to use electronic devices as well. If you want to know more about this topic, please let us know in the comment section below. Thank You. Read Also: Is Trip.Com Legit? Is It Reliable? Booking.Com – Best Review By Users Myenvoyair Review – Registration, Login And Benefits In 2023