I stayed here in January after recommendations from a few travellers I had met. Although the location is not right on the cliff top, a quick five minute walk and you are there! It was actually very nice not staying right in the middle of the hustle and bustle as it gave you time to relax and absorb the wonderful surroundings. Shiva Garden had a lovely homely feel to it, which is great when you are travelling! The guest-house is surrounded by wonderful gardens, palm trees and hammocks - perfect for chilling out. The staff were very sweet and helpful and definitely contributed to the wonderful energy of the place. We stayed in a treehouse on the first night which was lovely and comfortable, we then moved to a double room with a little balcony which was spacious and comfortable. The breakfast was delicious - lots of fresh fruit and Masala tea! The communal area was great to relax in, either talking to other travellers or checking emails. My overall experience was a very positive one and I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Varkala. It was extremely good value for money! And the owners baby daughter is so adorable (an added bonus!) Thank you for such a wonderful stay!
Showing posts with label Location. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Location. Show all posts
Monday, 24 February 2014
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
“Great accommodation, fantastic food and friendly staff.” * Thank you Tom!
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.
“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
“Can't fault this place” * Thank you David
Best place we stayed during 4 weeks in India. Rs800 a night. Clean. Friendly staff. Great location, 3 mins from North Cliff.
Stayed March 2012
Trip Advisor
Stayed March 2012
Trip Advisor
“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
“A very special place” * Thank you Sally!
I was recommended to stay at Shiva Garden by a friend and I was not disappointed. I had a lovely airy room, a cute balcony and thoughtful finishing touches such as candles, incense and seashells in the bathroom. It was clean, well presented and suited my needs perfectly. There is a swimming pool at the hotel next door that you can pay a small fee to use.
It is 5 min walk to the cliff and beaches, and a torch is advisable in the evenings as the way is not always well lit.
I enjoyed enormous bowls of fresh fruit salad in the peaceful garden and took yoga lessons with Sonya every day. I was the most relaxed I've felt on my travels so far. I changed my travel plans in order to stay longer at Shiva Garden because 3 days just wasn't enough. This place has a wonderful feel about it and I look forward to coming back.
Stayed June 2012, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
It is 5 min walk to the cliff and beaches, and a torch is advisable in the evenings as the way is not always well lit.
I enjoyed enormous bowls of fresh fruit salad in the peaceful garden and took yoga lessons with Sonya every day. I was the most relaxed I've felt on my travels so far. I changed my travel plans in order to stay longer at Shiva Garden because 3 days just wasn't enough. This place has a wonderful feel about it and I look forward to coming back.
Stayed June 2012, traveled solo
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
“Great place to stay!”
We loved staying at Shiva Garden.
Location is good, walking distance to beach. Breakfast included and delicious.
Deluxe room was not so deluxe but clean and comfy beds.
Thank god for the fan!
Owners and staff were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed October 2012, travelled with friends
Trip Advisor
Location is good, walking distance to beach. Breakfast included and delicious.
Deluxe room was not so deluxe but clean and comfy beds.
Thank god for the fan!
Owners and staff were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed October 2012, travelled with friends
Trip Advisor
“Home in India”
I came to Siva Garden after a friends recommendation and felt totally at home for the first time in my 4 month stay in India. (which included changing accommodation every 3 days so by this point i had been resident jn ALOT of guesthouses) Owner Jayan and the staff immediately made me feel welcome and comfortable. It offers excellent value for both accommodation and food/drinks. Set back from the main hub of Varkala yet still minutes from the beach, the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed as well as offering you the opportunity to be a social butterfly should you wish thanks to it's communal garden complete with hammocks and swing. For me Siva Garden offered the perfect place to relax, read and meet new friends (cheesy but true) and lead me to extend my stay from 5 days to 2 weeks simply because I didn't want to leave!!
Stayed November 2012
Trip Advisor
Stayed November 2012
Trip Advisor
“A Magical Place” * Thank you David!!!
Shiva Garden is a magical place. I have returned there time and time again over the years. its located just a 3 minute walk from the beautiful main beach. Shiva Garden is probably the most budget friendly place near the main beach. the owner Jayan is a very sweet man. He always treats customers like a guest in his home. This place has a very peaceful energy. the owner and his wife have a beautiful baby that smiles at everybody. when ever i stay here i always stay longer than expected. this is one of the few places in Varkala where you don't feel like anybody is trying to scan you. The food is excellent. really its all about the atmosphere. Shiva Garden has the good vibes!!!
Stayed September 2013, travelled with friends
Trip Advisor
Stayed September 2013, travelled with friends
Trip Advisor
A Home away from home
Inside the courtyard is a wonderful refuge for travelers. Guests gather in the communal hut to enjoy delicious simple food and free wifi. There is a play area for children and sports enthusiasts offering basketball and badminton. The highlight of the place is the manager Afzal who warmly and enthusiastically takes wonderful care of all the guests giving each his personal attention. We felt so taken care of. It was a nice relaxing casual atmosphere in which to escape the busy beach and tourist strip on the top of the cliff.
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