The short Varkala packing list: light, breathable clothes, two sets of swimwear, a rash vest if you own one, strong sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, flip-flops and one pair of shoes you can walk in, one modest outfit that covers shoulders and knees, a light rain jacket if you travel between June and September, your documents, some cash, and an adapter for Indian plugs. That is most of it. Varkala is warm all year, and almost anything you forget can be bought in town.
We run a surf house at Edava, on the quiet northern side of Varkala, and we see what guests bring and what they wish they had. Here is the list, organised by what you will actually be doing.
Know the weather first
The coast is hot and humid for most of the year. Kerala Tourism describes coastal temperatures between roughly 25 and 36 degrees across the year (Kerala Tourism). November to February is the most comfortable stretch, March to May is the hottest and stickiest, and June to September is the monsoon, with heavy rain and rough sea. Our guide to the best time to visit Varkala goes month by month.
So pack for heat, sun and, depending on the month, rain. You will not need anything warm, except perhaps a light layer for a breezy evening.
For the beach and the water
- Swimwear, two sets. One dries while you wear the other. Choose swimwear that stays put in waves.
- A rash vest, if you already own one. It saves your skin from sun and board rash.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50, and more of it than you think. The sun is strong from mid-morning.
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- A quick-dry towel, or use the one provided where you stay.
- Flip-flops or sandals for the sand and the cliff paths.
- A small waterproof bag for your phone and cash on the beach.
For surfing
If you are here to learn, you need less than you think. At our house, surf lessons in Varkala include the board, the rash vest and transport to the beach, so there is no need to fly with a board.
If you already surf and want to bring your own:
- A board bag with padding, and a spare leash and fins.
- Wax suited to warm water.
- A ding repair kit, or skip it: we run board repairs at the house.
- No wetsuit. The water is warm all year.
For town, temples and evenings
- Light, loose clothes in cotton or linen.
- One modest outfit that covers shoulders and knees, for the Janardhana Swamy Temple and the island temples. A sarong or scarf over your shoulders works.
- Something slightly smarter for dinner on the cliff, if you like.
- Comfortable shoes for the cliff path and day trips.
- A light rain jacket or a small umbrella from June to September.
Swimwear is for the beach. In town and at temples, cover up.
Documents and money
- Passport and a valid Indian visa or e-visa for foreign visitors, applied for only through the official government portal (Indian Visa Online). You hand these over at check-in so the place you stay can register your visit, as the law requires.
- A government photo ID for Indian visitors, such as Aadhaar, a passport or a driving licence.
- Your driving licence if you want to rent a scooter.
- Travel insurance that covers surfing.
- Some cash for autos, small shops and snacks, as well as a card or UPI. ATMs are in town and near the cliff, not at the quieter beaches.
Our Varkala travel essentials guide covers the paperwork, apps, emergency numbers and local rules in more detail.
Electronics
- A plug adapter. India uses plug types C, D and M, at 230 V and 50 Hz (Wikipedia). A universal travel adapter covers it.
- A power bank for long days out and the odd power cut.
- A waterproof phone pouch if you want photos from the water's edge.
- Headphones, for the train.
Health and comfort
- Insect repellent, especially for evenings and during and after the monsoon.
- Any prescription medicines, in their original packaging, plus a copy of the prescription.
- A small first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, rehydration salts and something for an upset stomach.
- After-sun or aloe vera.
- A refillable water bottle. Drink plenty; the heat catches people out.
What to leave at home
- A wetsuit. The sea is warm all year.
- Heavy jeans and jackets. Too hot, and they never dry.
- Lots of shoes. Sandals and one pair of walking shoes are plenty.
- Anything you would hate to lose on a beach.
- Hair dryers and heavy appliances. They rarely suit the voltage or the humidity.
If you are coming for a surf camp or retreat
A full week in the water changes the list a little. On top of the basics:
- A second rash vest or a couple of quick-dry tops, so one is always dry for the next session.
- SPF lip balm and a zinc stick for your nose and cheeks. Hours in the water burn the places people forget.
- Loose, comfortable clothes for yoga, which is part of our camp week.
- A hoodie or a dry change of clothes for after the ice bath sessions, when you will want to warm up quickly.
- Plasters and antiseptic for the small knocks and scrapes that come with learning on a board.
- A notebook, if you like to write down what the coaches tell you after each video review.
Our surf camp page lists what the week includes, so you can see what is already covered before you pack.
Hand luggage or checked bag
Most guests manage with one checked bag and a small backpack. Keep your documents, medicines, phone charger, a swimsuit and one change of clothes in your hand luggage. If a checked bag arrives a day late, you can still get in the water.
If you are flying with your own surfboard, check your airline's sports equipment rules and fees before you book, as they vary a lot between carriers. Pad the rails and nose well, and take the fins out and wrap them separately; that is where most travel damage happens.
Packing by season
| Season | Add to the basics |
|---|---|
| October | Rain layer for the odd shower, insect repellent |
| November to February | A light layer for breezy evenings |
| March to May | Extra sunscreen, electrolytes, the lightest clothes you own |
| June to September | Rain jacket, quick-dry everything, a dry bag |
The printable checklist
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Documents | Passport and visa or Indian ID, licence, insurance |
| Money | Card, some cash, UPI if you have it |
| Beach | Swimwear x2, rash vest, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, sandals |
| Town | Light clothes, one modest outfit, walking shoes, rain layer in monsoon |
| Tech | Adapter (C, D or M), power bank, phone pouch |
| Health | Repellent, medicines, first-aid kit, water bottle |
Everything else, you can buy in Varkala. If you are staying with us, our rooms page lists what each room already includes, from towels to toiletries, so you can pack even lighter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring a surfboard to Varkala?
Not to learn. Surf lessons at our house include the board and rash vest. If you surf already and prefer your own board, bring it in a padded bag with a spare leash and fins.
Do I need a wetsuit in Varkala?
No. The water is warm all year. A rash vest is all you need for sun and board rash.
What should I wear in Varkala?
Light, breathable clothes for the heat, swimwear for the beach, and one outfit that covers shoulders and knees for temples. Cover up in town rather than wearing swimwear off the beach.
What plug adapter do I need for Varkala?
India uses plug types C, D and M at 230 V and 50 Hz. A universal travel adapter that includes those types works.
Should I bring cash?
Yes, some. Many places take UPI and cards, but autos and small shops often prefer cash, and there are no ATMs at the quieter beaches.
What if I forget something?
Varkala town has pharmacies, clothes shops and general stores, and the cliff has plenty of beachwear. Almost anything you forget is easy to replace.