Best months with a dog
November to March
Worth avoiding
monsoon
rough seas and rain
What to know before you go
Cliff-top setting with steep steps down to the beach, which is hard on senior dogs and small breeds. Strong currents mean the sea is not a safe swim for dogs.
Getting there
Varkala is roughly 4 hours by road from Kochi. Driving yourself is almost always the easiest way to travel with a dog, because you control the stops, the temperature and the pace, and your dog is never handled by a stranger.
Whatever the distance, stop every two hours or so for water and a short walk, never leave your dog in a parked car even briefly, and travel on a light stomach to reduce car sickness.
Where to stay with a dog in Varkala
Always confirm before booking. Pet policies in India change often and are usually left to the individual owner or franchisee, so a property that welcomed dogs last season may not this one. Treat everything below as a starting point, call to confirm for your dog's size, and get the pet permission added to your booking confirmation in writing.
We are still collecting properties for Varkala. In the meantime, the questions below are what actually get you a reliable yes.
Beyond named properties, homestays and villas with their own compound tend to be far easier with a dog than large hotels, because there are fewer common areas and fewer other guests to negotiate.
Ask these five questions when you call
- Do you allow dogs, and is there a size or weight limit?
- Is there a pet charge, and is it per night or per stay?
- Can the dog be left in the room unattended at any point?
- Are dogs allowed in the restaurant, garden or common areas?
- Can you add the pet permission to my booking confirmation email?
Nearby, if you want to extend the trip
One last practical thing. Hotel rooms and unfamiliar places disrupt toilet routines, and a dog who will not go in a strange place holds it far longer than is good for them. A familiar surface from home makes a real difference, which is the unglamorous reason we make a portable coir potty.