Really nice place - amazing people. Lovely outdoor communal areas - really easy to meet guests and chat to staff. Delicious, cheap food served there, yoga every morning. Great location - 5 min walk to the beach. My favourite hostel in Kerala!
Showing posts with label Restaurant & Internet Cafe reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Restaurant & Internet Cafe reviews. Show all posts
Thursday, 13 March 2014
“Home away from home” * Thank you Lulu!***
I visited Shiva Garden in November when I was on holiday in Varkala, when I returned in late December it was a no brainer that I was going to stay here. So for two months Shiva Garden was my home, the rooms offer everything you need, I had an en suite bathroom (cold water only, but this was no issue, as it was so hot outside) and a balcony. What makes Shiva Garden so special is the lovely people who run it and the beautiful garden, that encourages guests to socialize. It just has a very chilled and relaxed atmosphere, I made fantastic friends here and it was ridiculously hard for me to leave. Try Yoga lessons with Sonja, you won't regret it. A big special thank you to Afzal for always being happy and attentive. I can't wait to stay here again! Thank you Sonja and Jayan, until December ;-)
Monday, 24 February 2014
“BEAUTIFUL SETTING, HOMELY, GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY” ** Thank you Lucilla!
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!
Thursday, 30 January 2014
“Magical garden of India” * Thank you Yellie!!!
I've stayed in Shiva Garden a month ago, with my husband.
At this very moment I'm listening to some Indian song and thinking about all wonderful thing happened there. Shiva Garden is one of the best thing I've experienced. If you go to Varkala, you have to visit this place!
Accommodation is great, food is amazing, people are lovely!
Owners wife, Sonia, does amazing Reiki massage, yoga classes, numerology... I feel blessed for meeting her. Miss everybody so much :(
Afsal, the manager, was really helpful too! Thank you for everything!
Hope to see you soon guys...
Beijo para Divia!
Jeja
At this very moment I'm listening to some Indian song and thinking about all wonderful thing happened there. Shiva Garden is one of the best thing I've experienced. If you go to Varkala, you have to visit this place!
Accommodation is great, food is amazing, people are lovely!
Owners wife, Sonia, does amazing Reiki massage, yoga classes, numerology... I feel blessed for meeting her. Miss everybody so much :(
Afsal, the manager, was really helpful too! Thank you for everything!
Hope to see you soon guys...
Beijo para Divia!
Jeja
Saturday, 25 January 2014
“Good place to chill out”
Really relaxed spot.
There is a sort of courtyard in the middle of the premises, we're they've build a roofed place with comfortable cushions and low tables, with nice lighting. Good speakers, nice mellow (Indian) music.
Besides plenty of hammocks, they also have a massive swing, attached to two palmtrees...
The guys running the place are nice and relaxed and the rooms are clean.
I went out for a couple of days on a motorbike in the countryside and it was OK to leave my things there, they looked after them.
There is a sort of courtyard in the middle of the premises, we're they've build a roofed place with comfortable cushions and low tables, with nice lighting. Good speakers, nice mellow (Indian) music.
Besides plenty of hammocks, they also have a massive swing, attached to two palmtrees...
The guys running the place are nice and relaxed and the rooms are clean.
I went out for a couple of days on a motorbike in the countryside and it was OK to leave my things there, they looked after them.
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.
“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.
“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
“The perfect place to relax, to calm down and to meet nice people!” * Thank you Mellanie
Shiva garden is a fantastic place to relax, read books, chat to the very nice owners and to other tourists. Very spacious cottages as well as rooms are situated in a beautiful garden. They are very clean and comfortable with nice furniture. There are several hammocks in the garden and the possibility to play volleyball. Moreover, there is kind of a meeting point in the garden, a space with pillows and low tables, where people can eat, drink, chat to each other or connect to the rest of the world (wifi connection offered). In the morning, Yoga courses are offered by Sonia, who is part of the staff, who runs Shiva garden. We highly recommend this place to everybody!!
“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
“Pleasant outdoor spaces” * Thank you Ben!
We spent two nights at Shiva Garden, spent 600/night on a basic but good room. The real draw is the "garden," an outdoor area with tables and a lounge area and hammocks. The staff were friendly, and the kitchen served good breakfasts. The place seems to attract the backpacker type, at least there was a whole friendly crowd of them while we were there.
“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.
“My best guest house in India !” * Thank you Marie!
Undoubtedly the most friendly guest house that I made in India.
The whole team is adorable. The rooms are clean and tidy.
And the best of the best is the kitchen staff.
For me the best chefs in India.
We had to spend two days ... we stayed there five days so the atmosphere is pleasant.
They also offer trips in the backwaters and yoga classes. A superb address.
Stayed May 2012, traveled with friends
Trip Advisor
The whole team is adorable. The rooms are clean and tidy.
And the best of the best is the kitchen staff.
For me the best chefs in India.
We had to spend two days ... we stayed there five days so the atmosphere is pleasant.
They also offer trips in the backwaters and yoga classes. A superb address.
Stayed May 2012, traveled with friends
Trip Advisor
“The perfect place to relax, to calm down and to meet nice people!” * Thank you Melanie
Shiva garden is a fantastic place to relax, read books, chat to the very nice owners and to other tourists. Very spacious cottages as well as rooms are situated in a beautiful garden. They are very clean and comfortable with nice furniture. There are several hammocks in the garden and the possibility to play volleyball. Moreover, there is kind of a meeting point in the garden, a space with pillows and low tables, where people can eat, drink, chat to each other or connect to the rest of the world (wifi connection offered). In the morning, Yoga courses are offered by Sonia, who is part of the staff, who runs Shiva garden. We highly recommend this place to everybody!!
Stayed May 2012, travelled as a couple
Trip Advisor
Stayed May 2012, travelled as a couple
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.
Trip Advisor
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
“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
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