The hype
Travelers adore the food and the 'fairytale' garden aesthetic but are frequently frustrated by maintenance issues and indifferent service.
Inda Hotel
$30-50/ night
Book this if You want a fairytale garden vibe and legendary breakfast pancakes within stumbling distance of the Varkala cliff, but don't mind rustic quirks.
Why People Love It
- The on-site InDa Cafe is arguably the best breakfast spot in Varkala
- Lush, jungle-like gardens that feel miles away from the cliff chaos
- Charming 'hobbit-style' architecture with curved white walls and thatched roofs
Quick Take: A photogenic bohemian hideaway that feeds you well but struggles with dampness and power cuts.
Reviewed by @AchuthRS6265185: I found this absolute gem tucked away in Varkala. The garden is so lush it feels like a jungle, and the cafe became my go-to spot for morning coffee. If you want peace and quiet away from the main cliff crowd, this is the spot. Honestly, I didn't want to leave.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Deluxe AC Room with Terrace' often disappoints because the 'terrace' is just a shared walkway, and the AC is useless during power outages.
- You prioritize a great cafe culture over luxury amenities
- You want to be close to the North Cliff action but not right in the noise
- You enjoy a rustic, nature-integrated stay (frogs and all)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Daily cleaning often needs to be requested; floors can be sandy/dusty.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but rustic. Grout often looks worn/stained due to humidity; drains can smell occasionally.
- Maintenance: Needs work. Peeling paint, damp patches on walls, and finicky plumbing are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean but can feel damp or worn. Don't expect fluffy white luxury towels.
- Odors & scents: Earthy and damp in the rooms; delicious smell of baking bread near the cafe.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Morning temple prayers nearby
- Construction noise from neighboring properties
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is NOT always included in the base rate; check your booking plan carefully.
- The hotel is pet-friendly, so expect to see (and hear) dogs on the property.
- Cash is king in Varkala; the card machine at the front desk is often 'down'.
What to pack
- Mosquito repellent (essential for the garden rooms)
- A portable power bank (for your phone during power cuts)
- Earplugs (for temple sounds and construction)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Cottage — offers the most privacy and 'fairytale' charm with a bit more space.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Non-AC rooms — Varkala gets incredibly hot and humid; without AC (or backup power), these become saunas.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request one of the standalone Deluxe Cottages tucked furthest into the garden for maximum quiet. Please ensure the mosquito netting is intact.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a swimming pool?
No. Do not believe third-party listings that say otherwise. There is no pool.
Is the Wi-Fi good enough for work?
It's hit-or-miss. Decent in the cafe/public areas for emails, but unreliable for video calls, especially during power outages.
How far is the beach?
It's a 3-5 minute walk to the North Cliff edge, and then you walk down the stairs to the beach.
Does the hotel serve alcohol?
No, but you are close to the cliff bars that do.
Is there hot water?
Yes, but pressure can be low and it may take a while to heat up.
Can I arrange an airport transfer?
Yes, the front desk can book a taxi from Trivandrum Airport (approx. 1.5 hours away) for a fee.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'InDa Cafe' gets busy with non-guests; as a guest, go early (before 9 AM) to grab the best garden seats.
- ✨
Ask for a room *away* from the kitchen if you want to sleep past 7 AM, as the cafe prep noise travels.
- ✨
Rent a scooter directly from the hotel to explore Edava Beach (much quieter than Varkala Beach) just 10 mins north.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'terrace' for many rooms is actually just a shared balcony where neighbors walk by your window.
💡There is no generator, so when the power cuts (common in Varkala), you lose AC, fan, and Wi-Fi instantly.
💡The bathroom floors can be permanently damp due to the humidity and design.
💡You might find frogs in the bathroom — they are harmless but surprising.
💡The 'garden view' sometimes means looking directly into a dense thicket of plants that blocks natural light.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Inda Hotel is located and what's nearby.