Wi-Fi speeds, co-working spots, cost of living, and community — everything digital nomads need to know about working remotely from Varkala.
The Rise of Varkala as a Digital Nomad Hub
While Bali and Lisbon get all the headlines, Varkala has been quietly building a reputation among digital nomads who want something different — slower pace, lower costs, and genuine cultural immersion.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Let's address the elephant in the room first.
Internet Speeds
- Cafés: 10-30 Mbps (sufficient for video calls)
- Hostels/Hotels: 20-50 Mbps (varies by property)
- Mobile Data: 4G widely available, 5G rolling out
Our Recommendation
Always have a backup. Get a local SIM (Jio or Airtel) with a good data plan. Most cafés have decent Wi-Fi, but speeds can drop during peak hours.
At BunkMonk, we've invested in reliable high-speed internet specifically for our remote-working guests.
Cost of Living
This is where Varkala really shines.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (dorm) | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Accommodation (private) | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Food | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Co-working/Café | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Transport | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 |
| Activities | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Total | ₹35,000 – ₹90,000 |
That's roughly $400 – $1,100 USD per month for a comfortable nomad lifestyle.
Best Places to Work
Cafés with Good Wi-Fi
The cliff is lined with cafés, many of which welcome laptop workers. Look for:
- Stable Wi-Fi
- Power outlets
- Comfortable seating
- Good coffee (obviously)
Hostels with Work Spaces
Several hostels, including BunkMonk, have dedicated quiet areas for working. Benefits:
- Reliable Wi-Fi
- No need to buy food/drinks constantly
- Community of fellow nomads
Tips for Café Working
- Go early (before 10 AM) for best speeds
- Order regularly to support the business
- Have mobile data as backup
- Bring headphones for calls
The Digital Nomad Community
Varkala's nomad community is smaller than Goa's or Bali's, but that's part of the appeal. You'll find:
- Genuine connections (not just networking)
- Mix of nationalities — Europeans, Americans, Australians, Indians
- Diverse professions — writers, developers, designers, coaches
- Informal meetups at cafés and hostels
A Typical Nomad Day in Varkala
6:30 AM — Sunrise yoga on the cliff 8:00 AM — South Indian breakfast 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Deep work session 1:00 PM — Lunch at a cliff café 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Afternoon work or beach time 5:30 PM — Sunset watching 7:00 PM — Dinner with fellow travellers 9:00 PM — Early night or casual drinks
Pros & Cons for Digital Nomads
Pros
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Beautiful, inspiring environment
- ✅ Strong café culture
- ✅ Yoga and wellness options
- ✅ Friendly, welcoming community
- ✅ Less distracting than party destinations
- ✅ Authentic cultural experience
Cons
- ❌ Internet can be inconsistent
- ❌ Limited co-working spaces
- ❌ Smaller nomad community
- ❌ Monsoon season (June-Sept) limits options
- ❌ Not ideal for those needing corporate infrastructure
Best Time for Digital Nomads
October – March: Perfect weather, peak season, most nomads April – May: Hot but manageable, fewer people, good deals June – September: Monsoon — dramatic but limiting
Long-Stay Options
Many nomads come for a week and stay for months. Look for:
- Weekly/monthly discounts at hostels and guesthouses
- House rentals for longer stays (₹20,000-40,000/month)
- Workation packages that include accommodation and workspace
At BunkMonk, we offer special rates for stays of a week or longer.
The Verdict
Varkala is perfect for digital nomads who:
- Value experience over infrastructure
- Want affordable living costs
- Prefer a slower, more mindful pace
- Don't need blazing-fast internet
- Appreciate authentic cultural immersion
It might not suit nomads who:
- Need guaranteed high-speed internet
- Want a large, established nomad scene
- Prefer urban environments
- Need co-working spaces with meeting rooms
Ready to try the Varkala nomad life? Check out our workation packages.