We found Shiva Gardens by chance and end up staying for 7 days. The room was clean and had all that we required, including a mosquito net. Jayan, the manager and his staff made us feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble. The resteraunt served the most authentic Keralan food in town with everything cooked fresh. The beach was only a short walk away and the garden was a welcome relief from the heat of the day. I'm not sure when we'll get back to Varkala but when we do we would definetly stay at Shiva Gardens. We would happily recommend this guest house to anyone looking for a relaxing good value place to stay. Chances are you'll end up staying longer than you expected.
Showing posts with label Service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Service. Show all posts
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
“Great atmosphere and a place to meet people”
The dorms are great value for money, good place to meet people as a solo traveler. Has great staff who are very helpful and friendly. Lastly has great hammocks.
“An easy place to stay and a hard place to leave”
I stumbled upon Shiva Garden 3 years ago and planned on staying for a couple of days. I ended up staying for a month and even then had a hard time leaving. Jayan the owner and the rest of the staff make you feel at home and take care of your every need. I am back for a second time and after a month still cant bring myself to leave. I have met so many amazing people here and the food is the best in the whole town. There are beautiful private rooms, dorms, apartments, tents and i have the luck of being able to stay in one of the 2 tree houses, which i would highly recommend. I have been travelling all over the world and Shiva gardens is one of my favorite places to stay anywhere on the planet. Enjoy your stay here and say hi to Jayan and the gang for me.
“Great place”
I stayed in Shiva Garden (October 2011) cause a good friend told me I should do, she was so right! I arrived and Jayan the owner said hello with a big smile and I already felt home. The staff is helpfull and friendly. Good rooms for a fair price. I stayed 9 nights there and I'm sure I'll go there again as soon as I'll travel trough India again...
Stayed October 2011, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
Stayed October 2011, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
“What a great vibe”
What a great place! if varkala is amazing, its this place that will make it.
the variety of very clean rooms and nice airy dorms are spread around in 3 or 4 building (and a couple of tree houses), all around a huge, well landscaped garden, with hammocks strown about between the palms and banana trees. centering it all is a great seating area which is the key, the place to sit around comfortably and meet the most lovely people all in one place. they serve a great thali and reffreshing juices, the staff are really warm, laid back and helpful there's also a badmington net, chess, karom etc all you need in anywhere to make it the number one backpackers/triavellers place i'vve found on any continent. I'm sure there is one, but i havent found it yet.
and to top it all off, the beach and the great variety of restaurants are all in just a couple of minute walk.
its my second time back to wonderful home from home and i'm sure it wont be too long before returning again. the only problem with the place is trying to leave!
enjoy x
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
the variety of very clean rooms and nice airy dorms are spread around in 3 or 4 building (and a couple of tree houses), all around a huge, well landscaped garden, with hammocks strown about between the palms and banana trees. centering it all is a great seating area which is the key, the place to sit around comfortably and meet the most lovely people all in one place. they serve a great thali and reffreshing juices, the staff are really warm, laid back and helpful there's also a badmington net, chess, karom etc all you need in anywhere to make it the number one backpackers/triavellers place i'vve found on any continent. I'm sure there is one, but i havent found it yet.
and to top it all off, the beach and the great variety of restaurants are all in just a couple of minute walk.
its my second time back to wonderful home from home and i'm sure it wont be too long before returning again. the only problem with the place is trying to leave!
enjoy x
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
“The Palce Where Everyone Comes Back!!!”
After having spent 5 days in here few weeks ago, I am back mainly because I forgot to write a review in the guest book hahaha, now I can leave..... It`s been magical this place YUPI!!! people is what this place has, everyone is so special that they really make you feel as if you were at home, also fellow travelers are amazing, met couple of people that made my first visit fabulous. Thank you Sonia for the amazing talk , out of the blue. You have made my trip so far. Loads of love & prosperity for both of you. I normally do not write reviews on the internet but this place is worth to do so, it is for real people. If you get tired in the beach you can come to the place and either have a chat, lay in the hammock and have a lovely thali. Love this place!!!!!! hope to find something similar in the remaining months around India
“Can't wait to come back” * THank you Louise!!!
After a long week of work I arrived at Shiva Garden on Friday night. I was actually planing to come the weekend before, but couldn't make it and it was no problem at all to just postpone my booking. I also spontaneously brought 3 friends along and that also was easy going. They even picked us up from the train station for free and when I entered Shiva Garden's door I felt like walking into paradise. Everything is so green, there heaps of hammocks, a giant swing and a big chill area to just stay and not leave ever again =) everybody was sooo nice and welcoming and I met so many cool backpackers. So it's a perfect place to get in touch. I stayed at the dorm up on the roof, with the sky as a blanket and beautiful Sonia's yoga class to wake up to. If you want something simple, but creative and with a wonderful spirit to it...Shiva Garden is your place! I will definitely have it as my treat after my working weeks =)
Stayed March 2012, travelled with friends
Trip Advisor
Stayed March 2012, travelled with friends
Trip Advisor
“Wish I stayed longer”
I stayed in Shiva Garden only one night because I was rushing but when I got there I regretted I didn't have more time. The rooms I saw were ok, no stunning views on the ground floor but all I needed was there and I could use the internet in the reception. This place's strong advantage is its atmosphere. Chilling in the open-air restaurant in the evening was a sheer pleasure and spontaneous freestyle singing by the owner accompanied by drums was a nice surprise. He was doing pretty well... People running the place are really nice and helpfull. I fully recommend.
“The Palce Where Everyone Comes Back!!!”
After having spent 5 days in here few weeks ago, I am back mainly because I forgot to write a review in the guest book hahaha, now I can leave..... It`s been magical this place YUPI!!! people is what this place has, everyone is so special that they really make you feel as if you were at home, also fellow travelers are amazing, met couple of people that made my first visit fabulous. Thank you Sonia for the amazing talk , out of the blue. You have made my trip so far. Loads of love & prosperity for both of you. I normally do not write reviews on the internet but this place is worth to do so, it is for real people. If you get tired in the beach you can come to the place and either have a chat, lay in the hammock and have a lovely thali. Love this place!!!!!! hope to find something similar in the remaining months around India.
Trip Advisor
Trip Advisor
“Shiva Garden is a great place with great people” * Thank you Soumya!
I spend in shiva garden for 4 days and they also arrange some tour for us in entire kerala and needless to say it was one of the best stay i have ever come across people like Jayan and Sonia are great people with a great mind and soul as well people like Akbar and sayed (the cab driver) are
very good people and helpful and have a great soul i would love to come back again to Shiva Garden asap wish all of them a happy life and look forward to see them again in future thanks soumya chowdry.
Stayed May 2012, travelled with family
Trip Advisor
very good people and helpful and have a great soul i would love to come back again to Shiva Garden asap wish all of them a happy life and look forward to see them again in future thanks soumya chowdry.
Stayed May 2012, travelled with family
Trip Advisor
“Probably the best stay I had in India.” * Thank you Dan!
When I had two days left before my flight to Calcutta and nothing to do, I went to Varkala and liked Shiva Garden so much that I decided to change my flight and stay for 10 days instead.
Funny thing is that Sonia noticed straight away that I would stay longer than I thought.
I loved the place and cooked for a night as well (cous im a chef).
Highly recommended and I will definitely return at some point.
Jayan and Sonia keep doing what you do:) love Dan.
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
Funny thing is that Sonia noticed straight away that I would stay longer than I thought.
I loved the place and cooked for a night as well (cous im a chef).
Highly recommended and I will definitely return at some point.
Jayan and Sonia keep doing what you do:) love Dan.
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
“Feels like home” * Thank you Vuk!
Shiva garden is a wonderful place. Makes you feel at home. Don't get me wrong, it's not as Europe, it's very exotic. Beautiful garden with hammocks, a very high swing, badminton field, outdoor showers, traditional Kerala food...but most of all is a place where people meet each other and make new friendships. You can also chill in your quiet room or dorm but the best is to go to the garden and say hello to someone new and then miracles happen. I must say I find these place very spiritual too. I see it like a non formal ashram where people by themselves create activities and become good teachers to each other. I warmly recommend this place. To get the best out of it, try to do some work around the garden and some Karma yoga, helping to make these place as nice as your home because that's what Shiva garden is, your home abroad. Salute to all the nice stuff of Shiva garden, and keep on the good work. See you next season.
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
“Relax, meet, enjoy!” * Tank you Den!
Such a fantastic guesthouse: friendly and helpful staff; large and clean rooms to suit every budget; wonderful gardens; tasty food served from the kitchen; and many fun parties.
My first stay here (2 months) was in room 106: huge 1st-floor room with king-size double bed; en-suite shower/wc; mosquito net; ceiling fan. So much cheaper, and so much cleaner than the rooms I'd seen on the cliff, and yet only a 5 minute walk away. I settled in quickly, met so many inspiring people, and found it very hard to leave.
AND very hard not to come back: which I did, and stayed for another 2 months in 1 of the 4 apartments.... HUGE double bedroom with a very grand and spacious en-suite bathroom, and a reception room with chaise longue, TV, and kitchenette.
But it's the communal garden that is Shiva Garden's ace card: a great place to relax, eat, lay in a hammock, play badminton, and meet many of the wonderful guests that are drawn to this fantastic place.
If you plan to visit Varkala, Shiva Garden is THE place to stay. Whatever your budget, there's an apartment/room/dorm bed to suit you. You won't be disappointed. ENJOY!!!
Stayed for 6 months in the seasons of 2012, 2013.
Trip Advisor
My first stay here (2 months) was in room 106: huge 1st-floor room with king-size double bed; en-suite shower/wc; mosquito net; ceiling fan. So much cheaper, and so much cleaner than the rooms I'd seen on the cliff, and yet only a 5 minute walk away. I settled in quickly, met so many inspiring people, and found it very hard to leave.
AND very hard not to come back: which I did, and stayed for another 2 months in 1 of the 4 apartments.... HUGE double bedroom with a very grand and spacious en-suite bathroom, and a reception room with chaise longue, TV, and kitchenette.
But it's the communal garden that is Shiva Garden's ace card: a great place to relax, eat, lay in a hammock, play badminton, and meet many of the wonderful guests that are drawn to this fantastic place.
If you plan to visit Varkala, Shiva Garden is THE place to stay. Whatever your budget, there's an apartment/room/dorm bed to suit you. You won't be disappointed. ENJOY!!!
Stayed for 6 months in the seasons of 2012, 2013.
Trip Advisor
Monday, 20 January 2014
“Restful and inspiring!” * Thank you Cris & Juan!!!
We stayed at Shiva Gardens at the start of our India trip and found it a great place; slightly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Cliff and so close to the beach; We felt really taken care of by Jayan, Sonia and all the staff; everybody always tries to meet your needs. The food coming out of the little kitchen is just great; we specially love the garden and the outdoor lounge area; we made also some good friends during our stay there. Throughout our travelling we always missed this place as we never found any other even closely like it, so we decided to end our India trip at Shiva Gardens, which proved to be the ideal place for a nice respite from the dust of the Indian road. To get the best out of your stay we suggest the Shiva Garden breakfast, walking to the Black beach and Kappil beach, lots of sunsets on the beach and a trip to the Golden island... We will definitely return!
Stayed June 2012, travelled as a couple
Trip Advisor
Stayed June 2012, travelled as a couple
Trip Advisor
“The heart of Varkala” * Thank you Lucy!
I stayed at Shiva Garden twice - once in high season, once in low season. Both times were fantastic - Jayan and Sonia are so down to earth, and really will try to accommodate you no matter what you budget and requirements are. It's tucked slightly back further from the beach, which means it's a total square of peace, away from the hustle and bustle. There are big tables for people to meet, games and books, hammocks and my favourite - A GIANT SWING. That's a reason to visit on its own. There are basic dorms for those on a real budget as well as pricier but prettier rooms. In short, something for everyone.
Stayed July 2012, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
Stayed July 2012, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
“Shiva Garden is amazing!”
The owners, Jayan and Sonia, made us feel at home and are two of the kindest people I've ever met! The food there was incredible. We ate a traditional Keralan thali almost every day, and the prices were more than reasonable. The accommodation was lovely, and after a week in one of the regular rooms, we were allowed to move into one of the apartments for our final week, with no raise in price. Sonia and Jayan were incredibly helpful during our stay and for my birthday they took us out onto the backwaters to visit Golden Island. My girlfriend was having yoga lessons every morning with Sonia up on the rooftop, despite Sonia being eight months pregnant. The location of the guest house was perfect too. Just a five minute walk from the beach and only a two minute tuk-tuk drive to get to Varkala town. Every time we wanted to go somewhere, Jayan would call for a tuk-tuk for us so we barely had to lift a finger. Subash was one of the staff at the guest house and though he didn't speak much English, he was an incredible worker and saw to all our needs. Lots of young travelers would show up to stay for a night or two and the dining table was a great place to meet other people from all over the world. If you're traveling alone, as a couple or in a group, Shiva Garden is an ideal place to stay when you're in Kerala. I highly recommend it!!
Stayed September 2012, travelled as a couple
Trip Advisor
Stayed September 2012, travelled as a couple
Trip Advisor
“Nice to be here and more nicer even... come back hear again and again!” * Thank you Chiara!!!
Young family: a yoga teacher, a journalist and two little children, 6 and 2 years old. It has been our perfect homestay in Kerala, perfect for us and for the children too, with a lot of space to play. Good people around, good atmosphere and energy and a really friendly welcome: you can ask the staff to help you in every way (tuc tuc and taxi, ayurveda treatment suggestion, shopping advice and much much more). The best thing? The familiar and friendly way the hostel is runned. Cheap, comfortable, easy! And you can even stay and eat for free, if you give some of your time for helping and work with them. A great opportunity to go deeper in the Indian life style and learn how to make a perfect masale chai! Don't miss the place!!
Stayed January 2013, travelled with family
Trip Advisor
Stayed January 2013, travelled with family
Trip Advisor
“The energy of "home" and authentic hearted owners” * Thank you Tom!!!
This place, this very special place, was my home more than once over the last few years. Just returning to the US after four-months living at Shiva Garden, with Jayan and his lovely, loving wife, Sonia, I feel homeless in my own home now. There is a rare energy to Shiva Garden. It embodies "community." If you are looking for five-stars, find a sanitary, cold, five-star (or similar) right next door. If you want "real" people, travelers, "family" away from home and a community that cares for each other, often found nursing wounds, tired feet, playing music together, napping in hammocks or talking of travels and resting from journeys made, then you will find a home here. Not just a place to stay, but a place to truly rest. To be comforted and be soothed back to life. From heartaches to backaches, I've seen them come and I've seen them healed here. This is a place that will always be home to me anytime I am on that side of the world. There is a genuine love in my heart for Jayan and Sonia and reading some of the reviews here, it hurts to think some people just don't appreciate honorable hosts anymore? Spiders in rooms? Hippies smoking relaxant? It's going to happen anywhere in India. Come to Shiva Garden for real and safe and authentic souls. Go to the other places for white-washed people and walls...
Stayed December 2012, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
Stayed December 2012, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
“Clean, happy and beautiful”
Great hospitality, amazing staff. Clean and affordable.
Food is good, and it seems like only 'good' people stay here....
choice of shared rooms or private rooms, both are comfortable and clean.
A real garden of eden :)
Highly recommended!
Trip Advisor
Food is good, and it seems like only 'good' people stay here....
choice of shared rooms or private rooms, both are comfortable and clean.
A real garden of eden :)
Highly recommended!
Trip Advisor
“Perfect for a solo backpacker” * Thank you Mark!!!
Shiva Gardens is the sort of place you come to for a few days and end up spending a week. Or indeed longer.
As is often the case, people make a place, and this is the most sociable and welcoming guest house I have come across in India. I stayed for 8 nights, sleeping in the dormitory on the roof, just a mattress and a mosquito net, and it was bliss.
There is a cool hangout area, people are always talking to each other, you can play badminton or basketball or just chill in the hammocks... and of course you can always head to the beach.
The staff are friendly, the food is good (albeit slightly over-priced, but there is a good and cheaper restaurant right opposite), the vibe is perfect.
This is a great place to stay... and especially if you are traveling on your own, you should not stay anywhere else.
Stayed February 2013, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
As is often the case, people make a place, and this is the most sociable and welcoming guest house I have come across in India. I stayed for 8 nights, sleeping in the dormitory on the roof, just a mattress and a mosquito net, and it was bliss.
There is a cool hangout area, people are always talking to each other, you can play badminton or basketball or just chill in the hammocks... and of course you can always head to the beach.
The staff are friendly, the food is good (albeit slightly over-priced, but there is a good and cheaper restaurant right opposite), the vibe is perfect.
This is a great place to stay... and especially if you are traveling on your own, you should not stay anywhere else.
Stayed February 2013, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
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