We headed for Valkala, Kerala, after being interned in the Shivandanda Ashram over Christmas and to my utter joy, I found my future stomping grounds. Valkala beach is broken into two parts. North Cliff is busy and crazy, while South Cliff is a little busy in the center and peaceful elsewhere.
Backstory
Once upon a time Freak Street, Kathmandu was the fabled place to loose yourself, find new friends and drift through life high (spiritually or joyfully).
Then in the early 2000’s I found myself cast up on the other side of Kathmandu in the district of Thamel, during the Maoist Revolution. I was in the right place at the right time. It was a time of war and love (plus all-night closed parties) that created life-long friendships and relationships. After many years of excess in Thamel and the end of the revolution, most of us moved on to other locals, got jobs or grew up.
For me, it was a little bit of all of the above. Eventually my India travels landed me below the Snow Line Mountains, McCloud Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, enjoying Tai Chi while lithe beings enjoyed yoga, meditation, chi and more.
Time paused slowly, yet again word got out and tourists (ppl who travel with trolleys) invaded. The current from that influx caught me and sent me towards Europe and North America where I swirled for many years.
Then in 2023, I returned to Kathmandu and found that Thamel was transformed once again. It had changed into a young Nepali clubbing spot. Good for them! I moved on again.
Fast forward and now, by pure chance, I found myself in Valkala, Kerala, and the spark was re-kindled. Surfing, lounging, eating, drinking, roof-top yoga and a “make love not war’ vibe.
Yes, there were tones of local tourists and endless trinket stalls and a packed beach. But those distractions were mostly on the North Cliff side, while the south cliff area was calmer and laid back once beyond the short shopping strip.
Total Cost Range of this Activity is: $$
The price for a room per night up until the New Year was crazy (60 Euros for for a dump). On New Year’s day we managed into get a lovely room, with attached bath, overlooking the beach from our balcony for 40 Euros a nigh (with breakfast). My advice is to book ahead and avoid the peak season. Plus stay in the South Cliff area to avoid the crowds.
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But enough generalities. Let’s talk about things to do.
Beach Life (Drink, Surf and Shop)
Adventure (tourist) Activities
Roof Yoga
Eating and Lounging
Temples & Fortress History
Conclusion
This is the new Goa, but note that young Indians have also discovered it, so during the Christmas holidays (and other major holidays), it is over crowed and you will find it impossible to get a room or even a meal at times. So skip the peak seasons and chill with the backpackers, surfers, lost souls and yoga people who chill at Valhalla in the off-seasons.
