Thiruvambadi Road, 695141 Varkala, India
#2 of 92 hotels in Varkala
Guests' ChoiceBased on 336 hostel reviews
9.4Cleanliness
9.5
Comfort
9.4
Location
9.5
Facilities
9.3
Staff
9.7
Value for money
9.4
Free Wifi
9.4
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End of dialog contentReviewed: September 5, 2025
Talya
United StatesI had the most incredible stay. Thank you so so much.
Stayed in September 2025
Reviewed: August 25, 2025
Tilak
IndiaI had the most amazing time at Barefoot Hostels in Varkala! From the moment I arrived, the place felt warm, welcoming, and full of good vibes. The hostel is spotless—dorms, common areas, and bathrooms are kept really clean—and the kitchen is fully equipped if you want to cook. The location is perfect, just a short walk from the cliff and beach, yet tucked away enough to feel peaceful. What makes this place truly special though are the hosts—Karthik and Vikas. They go out of their way to make everyone feel at home, whether it’s sharing local tips, organizing activities like surfing and kayaking, or just hanging out with guests. They’ve created a real sense of community here, and it’s so easy to meet new people. I originally planned to stay a couple of nights but ended up extending because I loved it so much. The vibe is super relaxed—chill hammocks, rooftop hangouts, and even two adorable dogs who make the place feel even more like home. If you’re coming to Varkala, I can’t recommend Barefoot enough. It’s not just a hostel, it’s a place where you feel part of a family. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: August 25, 2025
Meet
IndiaIt was my first hostel experience and it was exceptional. Vikas from barefoot was friendly and helpful. Great location and great company
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: August 15, 2025
William
United KingdomWent during monsoon season but was quite lucky with the weather. Other guests were really nice and good hostel vibes!
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: August 13, 2025
Anshul
IndiaEverything was soo beautiful, the location of this place, the place itself and even the host!! Such a kind experience. Everything is nearby in walking radius from this place and for rest you can rent a scooty right around the corner. Convenient!!!! Overall a good place to stay and enjoy!!! Also music is always running so don’t forget to vibe vibe!!!
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: August 8, 2025
Camilo
ChileGreat place to stay! The rooms were clean, the staff was friendly, and the location was perfect for exploring the city. There are also two lovely dogs that make the place feel even more welcoming. Good value for the price
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: August 4, 2025
Poonam
India.
Everything, cool and peaceful
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: July 23, 2025
Arun
IndiaAbsolutely loved my stay at Barefoot Hostel in Varkala! The highlight was definitely the incredibly friendly and helpful host, Vikas. he took time to explain all the best local attractions, hidden gems, and places to eat around Varkala. Vikas also arranged a scooter for me, which made getting around super easy. He encouraged me to check out kayaking, which turned out to be great experience. If you’re looking for a welcoming atmosphere and a host who goes out of his way to make your trip memorable, I highly recommend Barefoot Hostel!
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: June 7, 2025
Kate
AustraliaNothing
Booked to stay 1 night here, ended up extending a week. Karthik was very friendly to myself and all his guests. I stayed in the 6 bed which had very comfortable beds. Lots of different chill areas, social vibes in the evening, games to play and hammocks. The hostel has two cute doggies who love cuddles. Karthik organises surf lessons as-well. One of the best hostels i’ve stayed in India, always clean, felt so welcomed and staff were extremely friendly. Made some lifelong memories here. Cannot recommend it enough, please stay here.
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: June 3, 2025
Rachel
IndonesiaSuch postive vibes at Barefoot hostel. It's like a home away from home. Clean comfortable really relaxed and has such helpful lovely staff. Karthik is such a lovely guy to hang with. I recommend anyone passing though Varkala to go stay at Barefoot you won't be disappointed Thankyou Karthik 💜
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: June 1, 2025
Manoj
IndiaLittle bit far from cliff
Good vibes, lot of solo travellers and foreigners. Plus 2 dogs 🐶🐶
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: June 1, 2025
Rahul
IndiaN/A
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: June 1, 2025
Priyadharshini
IndiaThe rooms were a little small for 6 people.
It is very friendly, you would meet eclectic mix of people coming there.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: June 1, 2025
Gadekar
IndiaThe Hostel location is perfect with almost everything accessible in just 300 meters, beautiful people all around. The staff is so friendly and I was accompanied by 2 little puppies they have (how sweet is that 🥺). Kartik (hostel manager) and his friends took me to the hidden gems of Varkala for swimming everyday to a new spot , I had the best time there. Went there to stay for a day and ended up staying for 4 nights
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: June 1, 2025
Gadekar
IndiaNothing that I didn't like.
The best hostel I have ever stayed at, the location is perfect with almost everything accessible in just 300 meters. The staff is so friendly and I was accompanied by 2 little puppies they have (how sweet is that 🥺). Kartik (hostel manager) and his friends took me to the hidden gems of Varkala for swimming everyday to a new spot , I had the best time there. Went there to stay for a day and ended up staying for 4 nights
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: May 27, 2025
Kedar
IndiaThis kind of place is very rare to find.
If you're looking for a place in Varkala that truly feels like home, Barefoot Hostel is the one. Don’t just follow the flashy Instagram trends—pack your bags and experience the real vibe here. The people running the place are incredibly warm, engaging, and go out of their way to make your stay memorable. I stayed here almost two months ago, and honestly, I still feel the vibes. Whether you're a solo traveler or with friends, the energy, the people, and the community at Barefoot make it more than just a stay—it’s an experience. I wish I could have stayed longer. Highly recommended if you want something authentic, peaceful, and full of good energy. Let the team here handle the rest—they're amazing at it. SOLO Traveller, @itkedar
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: May 20, 2025
Verena
DenmarkBig rooms and nice common areas with very attentive staff
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: May 2, 2025
Camille
FranceNothing
Absolutely LOVED this place. Felt like home. Karthik is amazing host, who’s so chill, kind, generous and will help you arrange everything. We met lovely people, went dinner with Karthik and them, had a surf lesson, shared such precious moments in that place. One of the best hostel I’ve done :)
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: April 22, 2025
Coline
FranceBest place to stay in Varkala ! I didn't know anyone, in a few days, I met all the surf community. Managers are the best ! Can't wait to be back boys.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: April 21, 2025
Preetham
IndiaThe size of the room could be bigger
The location of the stay was very good and the staff were very nice to us. They offered food and other facilities which were very welcoming. Enjoyed the stay
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: April 16, 2025
Jennifer
United KingdomHad a great stay at Barefoot. Facilities were great with lots of areas to chill and staff were so helpful when planning activities!
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: March 31, 2025
Frances
United StatesGood vibe, pleasant and helpful staff
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: March 18, 2025
Kaushik
IndiaVikas and Karthik are amazing hosts! The place is wholesome, a nice relaxing gateway from the hustle bustle of the city life.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: March 18, 2025
Chelsea
United KingdomWas an amazing experience! Loved the surfing and kayaking activities. Will definitely be coming back to do more soon.
Stayed in March 2025
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