After some googling for a place to stay I came across the Villa Jacaranda website, and one that I consider to be informative, easy to navigate and with extremly attractive photographs.

I emailed my choice and was promptly offered room 2.

As an extremly fussy traveller all my needs were met without hint of hesitation. Room 2 places you on a private balcony where I spent every evening watching the sun drop into the ocean without so much as a splash.

Each morning and evening food would arrive as if by magic to my balcony where I could eat either by candle light or early morning light, the most wonderfully prepared fresh juices, fruits, and food.

A haven of tranquility and peace - I wandered out to investigate the beach and the nearby areas only to swiftly retreat back to Villa Jacaranda - it had and has all that I needed. With ample space to practice yoga morning and evening, a comfortable deck chair to lounge in and read, a wonderfully comfortable bed to sleep the afternoon heat away followed by a luxurious shower to enliven body and mind for the next chapter.

My stay came to an end far too quickly.

On leaving I in passing conversation mentioned the sad end of not only a wonderful stay but also of a wonderful book. No sooner had the words left my mouth than Ajay left his chair and returned to offer me a book that he had loved and that had inspired him to move to Varkala.

With hugs and much love I left for the next part of my journey.

'the Queen was treated exactly as a Queen"

So in answer to 'where to stay in Varkala? - without doubt this is the only place to stay and I mean fully stay.

If you are wandering around the south part of India you should definitely find a few days to stop by and stay with Ajay and the rest of the gang at the Villa Jacaranda. This was an amazing place to stay, just a short walk from the beach and downtown - far enough so you aren't in the middle of everything. The place is beautiful, the service great, plan a few days to get the full experience.

so lovely. We stayed in the roof terrace room which was spacious and beautifully decorated, with lovely bathroom. breakfast was our favourite meal of the day, served on our terrace looking at the sea. lovely home made bread and jam, omelettes and fruit salads.
attention to detail is great here with lovely fluffy towels and linens. our room was cleaned every day and so was kept spotless and Ajay and crew were friendly and welcoming. we liked the fact that we weren't staying on the busier north cliff as it meant it was really peaceful but it was easy to get to the restaurants on the north side if we wanted. in a way the restaurants on the south end of the beach were nicer anyway since you could sit right on the sand. cafe italiano served the most authentic pasta/pizza that we found in india.

My husband and I stayed here for three nights in January and found it was an oasis of peace and tranquility in the hustle and bustle of India. The rooms are wonderful and everyone is so friendly and courteous. Breakfast is taken on your own balcony but is not included in the tarriff so one can have breakfast on the beach or wherever. It is run by a gentleman named Ajay , who is a fount of information and very generous with his time. The gardens and exterior are the domain of Wesley and he has created a most beautiful palette of colour with pool where candles are lit at night.. We would like to have stayed longer here but unfortunately they were booked so I think it is necessary to book well in advance.