Mulki or Varkala: Where Should You Learn Surfing?

If you’re trying to pick between Mulki and Varkala for surfing, here’s the short answer:

Both are great, but they feel very different. If you are non swimmer then go for Mulki, waves are very small and gentle. But if you really want to level up, head to Varkala.

Technically, as a beginner, it doesn't really matter where you go surfing for your first time. You'll be riding the waves at the shore once they break (called the whitewash). As you progress, you move to catching waves before they break (called green/unbroken waves). If you're looking at surfing for a longer duration (more than 3 days), chances are that you will progress to the green waves. And this is the time where the location you have chosen plays a role in your experience.

Let’s break it down in simple terms 👇

1. Is it good for beginners (and non-swimmers)?

Basically: Will I feel safe and not totally freaked out?

• Mulki: Perfect for first-timers. Soft waves, sandy bottom, and lots of surf and stay package options. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, Mulki feels reassuring.

• Varkala: Still beginner-friendly, but choose the right surf school and the right season. Great if you’re comfortable in water and want a little excitement.

👉 If it’s your first-ever surf: Mulki

👉 If you’ve been in the ocean before: Varkala works great

2. Best time to surf

When the waves are friendly and not trying to humble you.

The time of the year when you visit might determine how your experience is, choose the wrong season and you might not want to surf there again!

• Mulki: October to March = smooth, gentle, learnable waves.

• Varkala: November to Feb = warm water and consistent beginner waves.

  
  

Our honest opinion? Both are solid in winter. Varkala beaches are pristine and the water is so clear and beautiful during the season.

3. Surf culture & vibe

What your days feel like. The vibe of the place, the poeple the community will make you want to keep coming back!

• Mulki: Wake up early, surf, eat, nap, repeat. Very calm, no distractions, very “let’s get better at surfing.” Small village vibes.

• Varkala: Varkala is a vibe! So many things to do and see. Surf in the morning, café hopping by afternoon, sunsets, chats with travellers from everywhere. So many really cool cliffside stay options.

👉 Mulki: Quiet & focused

👉 Varkala: Social, fun & full of vibe

4. What do you do when you’re not surfing?

Because no one surfs all day (no matter what Instagram says).

• Mulki: Kayaking, Surfskate, long conversations, early nights. Great food options all around!

• Varkala: Yoga, shopping, cafés, nightlife, cliff walks, exploring beaches, kayaking, surfskating, skimboarding, paragliding & paramotoring

👉 Want a proper holiday & getaway feel? Varkala

👉 Want rest + reset + just surf? Mulki

5. Cafés, food & sightseeing

Important. Very important.

• Mulki: Simple food, great coastal options, a few cafés, more local and low-key.

• Varkala: Amazing café scene, sunset views, great food options, lots to see. Cliff views are to die for.

  
  

👉 Varkala wins this one easily.

7. Where do you stay?

Your off-board comfort matters.

• Mulki: Mostly surf camps and homestays. Clean, basic, comfortable.

• Varkala: Everything from hostels to boutique stays to fancy cliffside hotels.

👉 More options = Varkala

So… Mulki or Varkala for surfing?

Here’s our long and short honest opinion:

• Pick Mulki if:

  You’re a complete beginner (and a not so confident non swimmer), want to learn properly, and don’t need distractions.

• Pick Varkala if:

  You want surfing + travel + food + sunsets + people & a wholesome vacation.

A lot of surfers do Mulki first, Varkala next, and that’s actually a pretty perfect combo 🌊

Rajeev & Jinal's favourite - Varkala for the wholesome vibes.