Mulki Vs Varkala - Best place to learn surfing in India?
by Aakash Jain
When it comes to learning surfing in India, Mulki and Varkala are two of the most talked-about destinations.
In the past year, I’ve surfed at both these places — spending a whole month in Mulki and about 10 days in Varkala. While Mulki has already made a big name for itself among beginner surfers, Varkala is slowly carving out its unique identity.
Both offer completely different experiences — and that’s what makes it worth asking:
Which is the best place to learn surfing in India — Mulki or Varkala?
In this blog, I’ll compare both surfing destinations based on these key parameters so you can decide for yourself:
- Waves
- Surfing culture
- Things to do
- Top surf schools
- Accessibility
1. Waves
Let’s start with the most important factor — the waves.
Mulki:
Mulki’s waves are mellow, consistent, and beginner-friendly, which makes it a perfect place to learn surfing in India. There are a few days when the waves get a bit rough and paddling out can be a challenge, but most days are smooth and enjoyable.
One of my favorite things about Mulki was surfing during sunset — those calm evening sessions were simply magical.
Varkala:
Varkala, on the other hand, has rougher and more powerful waves. As a beginner, you’ll mostly be surfing close to the shore during your first few lessons, which is manageable.
But once you start progressing and try to paddle deeper into the water after 5–6 days, it can get tough. The waves hit hard and often push you back to the shore, which can be exhausting.
I personally struggled to get deep into the water at first. But after 3–4 days, I finally managed — and once I caught those big waves, the thrill was unbeatable. The rides were long, fast, and truly rewarding. It was challenging, but that challenge made it all the more fun.
2. Surfing Culture
Mulki:
The surfing culture in Mulki is phenomenal. The town is filled with surf schools and buzzing with beginner surfers from all over India. It’s often called the surfing capital of India for a reason.
Most instructors are local boys who grew up surfing these waves — while the rest of us were learning cricket, they were mastering the ocean. The vibe here is warm, friendly, and very community-driven.
Varkala:
Varkala’s surfing culture is quite different. It’s less popular among Indian beginners, but very popular among foreigners.
When I was there, I attended the International Surfing Festival in Varkala, which attracted surfers from across the world. The local instructors here are also amazing — mostly local boys who’ve been surfing since childhood.
You’ll find a balanced mix of Indian and foreign surfers here, creating a truly global vibe.
3. Things to Do Beyond Surfing
Surf lessons usually take just 2–3 hours a day, so what you do afterward makes a big difference. Both places offer very different kinds of post-surf experiences.
Mulki:
Mulki is a peaceful, slow-paced town — and that’s its charm. There’s not much happening beyond the river and the waves, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
You can go kayaking or stand-up paddling in the evenings, or visit the Mantra Café — a lovely open café that’s perfect for sunset views.
If you’re visiting around December, you might also get to experience local traditions like Kola (where people dress as deities and perform rituals) and Kambala, the famous buffalo race. And don’t miss the local tiger dance, where performers paint themselves as tigers and dance to traditional beats — it’s a wild sight!
Varkala:
Varkala, on the other hand, is vibrant and full of energy. There’s always something to do here — from kayaking, scuba diving, paragliding, and paramotoring, to simply exploring the North Cliff, lined with cafes overlooking the Arabian Sea.
The atmosphere at sunset is just stunning — live music, delicious food, and that golden sea view make it unforgettable.
I was lucky enough to visit in April, during the Shree Janardhana Swamy Temple Festival, which was an incredible experience. There were traditional performances like Kalari, dance shows, and cultural rituals.
If you’re visiting, check the local cultural center for upcoming events — it’s worth attending at least one.
4. Top Surf Schools
If you’re looking to join a surfing school, both destinations have excellent options.
Top Surf Schools in Mulki:
- Mantra Surf Club
- Aquatic Indica Surf School
- Kayak Boy
- Matsya Surf School
Top Surf Schools in Varkala:
- Moana Surf Club
- Elixir Surf School
- Surf N Sea – Surf School & Hostel
- Mahalo Surf, Varkala
5. Accessibility
If you’re looking to join a surfing school, both destinations have excellent options.
Top Surf Schools in Mulki:
The nearest airport and railway station are both in Mangalore, about 30 km from Mulki. From there, you can either book a cab or take public transport to reach the surf town easily.
Varkala:
Varkala is well-connected, too. The nearest airports are Trivandrum and Cochin — both within a few hours’ drive.
Varkala also has its own railway station (Varkala Sivagiri), and you can easily get trains from both Cochin and Trivandrum. Buses and cabs are also readily available.
Conclusion
Honestly, both Mulki and Varkala stand head-to-head when it comes to surfing experiences.
- If you want a peaceful, community-driven place with calm waves and a true beginner vibe — Mulki is your best choice.
- If you’re looking for a lively beach town with challenging waves, vibrant cafes, and cultural experiences — Varkala will steal your heart.
At the end of the day, both are incredible. Just pick the one that suits your vibe and travel plans — and we’ll take care of the rest.
Happy surfing! 🌊🏄♂️
Christopher Noland
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Aakash Jain
Mulki Vs Varkala? What are you choosing?