Varkala or Goa?

I've just started my second week in India. Now I've reached the South, staying in Cochin. I wanted to go for some days to Varkala at the end of my trip just to relax. But now I've heard that it is not as nice as I thought. People recommended Goa to me. Can you please tell me if it is worth going to Varkala just to relax and stay on a nice beach? Thank you!

Varkala is more laid back......but goa is a non stop aprty.....I'll take varkala.....very mellow

I personally think that Verkala was great. It's mellow, and fairly quiet, with a beautiful beach. On the other hand, if you go to Goa and head south to Paloem, that's a picture perfect place as well. Go to both, and you wont be disspointed. If you have limited time, skip Varkala and go directly to Paloem. No parties for the most part there- it's super mellow and gorgeous.

Another vote for Varkala!

I also like Varkala. If you go to Goa you'll have to choose a certain beach as each has its qualities/drawbacks.

first varkala, and then goa, i thing is a good idea!

but varkala is more layed back

Thank you!

Goa is an entire state... so I'm sure there's loads of places better than varkala... more laid back.... more picturesque

however - varkala is easy and nice.... as everyone above has said. Set up for tourists though, dont expect a deserted coastlinbe and beach

Was in Varkala in July 2001. I was lucky, monsoon had not hit the West coast fully by then. Sea was wild, lots of small hotels and restaurants closed, but everything so calm and beautiful. Restaurant next to watertank in town the best lace for sunset.