Shopping in Varkala: A Complete Guide For Travellers

On the scenic coastline of Kerala lies the town of Varkala. The beautiful cliffs, yoga retreats, and the cultural vibe make the place a tourist attraction. From beaches to vibrant markets and local art to organic products, there’s a lot to explore in Varkala. Shopping in Varkala is a lot of fun due to the abundance of products to explore, from handcrafted jewellery, Kerala sarees, home decor, Ayurvedic products, and more. If you are planning Varkala street shopping, this guide is for you. 

Best Places to Shop in Varkala

Varkala’s shopping places cater to different types of tourists. Whether you are looking for sustainable products, handmade crafts, local dresses, or souvenirs, everything can be found in the local shops. Some of the best shopping places in Varkala are:

Varkala Cliff Market

One of the most happening markets in the town is the Varkala Cliff Market. The place has a mix of bohemian and coastal vibes and is vibrant. Global travellers visit this place. There are several stalls and cafes on the street, which are perfect places to relax and enjoy. Here you can find beachwear, handmade jewellery, yoga mats, Ayurvedic oils, flowy kaftans, and more. The scenic views around it make it even more beautiful. 

• What to Find: Boho clothing, handmade jewellery, yoga mats, beachwear, Ayurvedic oils.
• Average Cost of Shopping: ₹500 – ₹2,000
• Best Time to Visit: 4 PM – 8 PM

Janardhana Swamy Temple Road Market

There is a popular Janardhana Swamy Temple in Varakal, and located close to this ancient temple is a marketplace. Janardhana Swamy Temple Road Market has a vibe of spirituality and tradition. If you want to experience the true essence of Kerala’s culture, the marketplace at the Janardhana temple is a great choice. The market has handicrafts and temple-inspired artefacts, and the narrow lanes in the market are radiant. You can find vendors selling incense, brass idols, colourful textiles, and Kerala sarees. There are also souvenirs with elephant themes, which are a sign of prosperity and heritage. This marker is a contrast to the modern vibe but offers the true cultural vibe mixed with devotion and artistry. 

• What to Find: Brass idols, incense, Kerala sarees, elephant-themed décor.
• Average Cost of Shopping: ₹300 – ₹1,500
• Best Time to Visit: 10 AM – 6 PM

Local Boutiques and Eco-Stores

In the North and South Cliffs of Varkala, you can find local boutiques and eco-stores. These shops promote sustainable living and ethical craftsmanship, something most tourists appreciate. Although these are small shops, they are highly creative. From eco-conscious fashion and handmade soaps to organic teas, Ayurvedic skincare, and reusable accessories, you can find a range of products. All the products here show respect for nature. These shops are not just meant for profit and selling, but also for responsible tourism. 

• What to Find: Eco-friendly fashion, handmade soaps, organic teas, and Ayurvedic products.
• Average Cost of Shopping: ₹400 – ₹1,800
• Best Time to Visit: 11 AM – 7 PM

Anchuthengu & Nearby Craft Villages

At a short drive from Varkala, Anchuthengu and some nearby craft villages are located. These shops offer Kerala’s authentic traditional craftsmanship. These villages and shops are popular for their coir-making units and handloom centres. Travellers who love exploring local art will find these places interesting. You can easily spot artisans weaving mats, spinning coir ropes, doing pottery work, and more. It’s engaging to even watch how these items are made. Buying from these villages means directly contributing to their livelihood and sustainability. 

• What to Find: Coir products, handloom textiles, pottery, and woven mats.
• Average Cost of Shopping:₹300 – ₹1,200
• Best Time to Visit: 9 AM – 5 PM

What to Buy in Varkala?

Shopping in Varkala is a memorable experience for all sorts of visitors and tourists. You can find a mix of fashion, wellness, culture, and sustainability-related products. So, there’s a lot to explore and something for every type of visitor. Let’s explore.

For the Fashion Enthusiast

The fashion hub at Varkala is not something to miss out. The beachside boutiques offer beautiful kaftans, cotton dresses perfect for the beach, and popular bohemian jewellery. If you love dyed prints on clothes, Varkala shopping is for you. The place has a variety of dyed cotton fabrics and also trendy handmade footwear that adds an ethnic touch to your getup.

For the Wellness Traveller

If you are inspired by Ayurveda or holistic living, shops in Varkala can be the perfect spot. You can find a range of Ayurvedic oils, natural soaps, herbal teas, and essential oils. Not only this, those interested in Yoga can also get eco-friendly mats, cushions for meditation, and handmade incense sticks to create a perfect ambience. Get a complete wellness shopping experience at Varkala. 

For the Culture Lover

The rich culture of the town is reflected well by the Varkala shopping malls and shops. For the purpose of souvenirs, you can buy hand-painted Kathakali masks, miniature elephants, temple bells, Kerala mural art pieces, and more. These pieces show the beautiful and rich culture of Kerala and its true essence. Art lovers must visit souvenir shops in Varkala.

For the Eco-Conscious Shopper

With rising awareness, more and more people have become eco-conscious, which is a great mindset. So, shopping places in Varkala also have several options for eco-conscious shoppers. You may find bamboo crafts, coconut shell utensils, recycled-material décor, organic cotton products, and more. The beautiful and perfect craftsmanship can be seen in each item.

Shopping Tips For Travellers

People from around the globe visit Kerala and the markets of Varkala. Learning a few tips before entering these local marketplaces can be helpful in getting the best deals.

• Bargaining

Varkala street shopping lets you enjoy bargaining. Most shops are flexible and let you bargain. However, one must bargain politely and not pitch a price too low for the shopkeeper.

• Payments

It is advisable to carry cash when shopping in Varkala. That’s because cash is still the most preferred and accepted at all the shops. The UPI payment option is now available at a few shops as well. Card payments may be limited to a few shops only.

• Best Time to Visit

Shopping in Varkala is open throughout the day. However, the market is at its peak during the evening due to cooler weather. During the evening, you can also enjoy market lights and a vibrant environment.

• Quality Check

When buying certain products, make sure to check for their authenticity. For example, when buying Ayurvedic products. Although shops here sell authentic items, it is best to check properly to avoid the hassle of returns and exchanges.

• Responsible Shopping

Buying locally made products supports local artisans and their livelihoods. So, try to buy local items and support locals as much as you can. It is best to carry your own bag and avoid plastic bags to ensure sustainable shopping.

Unique Shopping Experiences in Varkala

Varkala shopping is largely about souvenirs, local products, craft fairs, and more. In a nutshell, it offers a unique shopping experience. 

• During peak seasons, mostly during November to February, evening craft fairs and pop-up markets are organised. These are fun to roam around, find unique items sold by local artisans, and enjoy live music and cultural performances.
• Several cafes on Varkala streets double as boutique stores. So, visitors can eat, enjoy, and shop at the same time. Hand-painted postcards, organic skincare products, and local apparel are some of the items sold
• You can also enjoy a yoga retreat or an Ayurvedic spa at Varkala. Many wellness centres in Varkala sell herbal oils, incense, teas, and crystals.

Where to Eat and Relax After Shopping

Shopping is incomplete without eating outside, especially when on a trip. After you are done with shopping in Varkala, do not miss out on enjoying local dishes and seaside cafés and rooftop restaurants. Along with these, the sunset view is beautiful. Whether you are looking for everyone. Some of the popular spots are:

• Coffee Temple
• Darjeeling Café
• Clafouti Restaurant
• God’s Own Country Kitchen

The place is perfect for watching sunsets, dining under the stars, and enjoying with fellow travellers. The average meal cost may range from ₹400 – ₹1,200 per person. 

How to Reach and Get Around?

Varkala, as a town, is quite popular in Kerala and is well-connected. It is easy to explore and reach, which makes travelling enjoyable for tourists. The layout of the town, shopping streets, cafes, and its scenic beauty are what attract major tourists.

Getting There:

• Nearest Railway Station

Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (approx. 3 km from the cliff).

• Nearest Airport

Trivandrum International Airport (about 45 km away).

Getting Around:

• Auto-rickshaws 

You can easily find auto-rickshaws at a cost of around ₹50 – ₹150 for short rides.

• Scooter or bike rentals 

Two-wheelers on rent may cost about ₹300 to ₹600 per day. These are perfect for tourists who want to roam around the town alone or with a partner.

• Walking

The all-time best way to enjoy the cliff area, especially during evenings, is to walk around with your fellow travellers or alone.

The average cost of local transportation can range between ₹50-₹300 per day, depending on the mode you choose for commuting.

Conclusion

Shopping in Varkala is one of the most memorable and fun parts of the trip. Be it the Varkala shopping mall or street shops, the vibrant environment is beautiful. You can find global tourists, locally made products, and unique souvenirs. People here are extremely connected to nature, and it is reflected in the local products. Make sure to explore each shop and buy items for yourself and loved ones at home. At TravelTriangle, we focus on making your trip easier and memorable. Book Varkala tour packages with TravelTriangle and let us make all the arrangements for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping at Varkala

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Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.