Varkala, just a stones throw up the coast from Kovalam but a world away. Its a bit of a backpacker place but is a really nice place to chill out with like minded people and away from the Indian tourists. I can imagine this place to grow like the resorts in Goa over the next 10 years, but for now its quite un-spoilt and laid back.

We decided to do a cooking course, which of course I didnt need lol, but I did learn a few tips and how to make yummy Paratha and Malai Kofta. But was shocked at how minging the resturant kitchen was. If this was a kitchen good enough to let tourists in and cook then I dread to think of what other kitchens look like. I am not surprised so many travellers get a bad tummy. Our feast was the best and we were very proud, in fact the bar staff nabbed all of our pakora's they were so good.

We totally let our hair down here and met some really nice travellers and stayed up till the wee hours (or not so wee, by the time we got to bed) and had a great time drinking and playing cards with the bar owners. Once our hang overs had worn off we decided to get back on the India trail and move on, though we could have easily spent a week there.