Catch waves, sip chai, and unwind at Soul & Surf India – Kerala’s original surf and yoga retreat.
Words by Anita Seres | 26th June ‘25
When you think of surfing destinations, India might not be the first place that comes to mind. But those who have discovered Kerala’s coast know it offers something truly special. With warm-water waves, palm-fringed beaches, and a culture rooted in simplicity and soul, surfing in Kerala is an experience that blends adventure with deep connection.
Morning ritual by the palm trees
Most surfers base themselves in Varkala, Kerala’s laid-back cliffside town overlooking the Arabian Sea. Here, life moves at an unhurried pace. Dawn surf sessions often begin with the sound of temple bells and crows calling as the first light hits the water. Waves are typically small to medium year-round, making it ideal for beginners and intermediates, with sandy-bottom beach breaks and the occasional clean long rides on a minimal or longboard.
Soul & Surf India pioneered surf and yoga experiences in the area and have been here since 2010, creating a sanctuary for travellers who want to do more than just catch waves. Days begin with an early surf session, followed by a stop for chai and Kerala’s famous banana balls to refuel. The lush garden at the hotel is perfect for daytime chilling, reading, or journaling, before evenings drift into sunset yoga sessions and candlelit dinners, creating a rhythm that nurtures both body and soul.
You can read more about our surf program here.
But what truly sets surfing in Kerala apart is the atmosphere. Surf culture here is still in its youth; there’s little of the crowded lineup hustle you find elsewhere. Instead, you’ll share the ocean with fishermen casting nets from their traditional wooden boats, kids learning to body surf, and a few early-rising travellers floating under pink dawn skies.
There’s a calmness to surfing in Kerala that’s hard to find in more developed surf destinations. No aggressive locals, no fight for waves – just warm water, playful waves, and a laid-back vibe that makes every session feel like a blessing. It’s the kind of place where you’re as likely to spend time chatting with your surf coach over chai as you are improving your pop-up, and where the focus is as much on enjoying the ride as it is on performance.
Morning yoga lesson
Beyond the waves, Kerala offers a rich tapestry of experiences: Ayurvedic treatments, Kathakali performances, spice markets, amazing food and backwater canoe trips. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and connect with life’s simple pleasures – a fresh coconut after a surf, a cooling monsoon breeze, or the rhythmic chants from a nearby temple as the sun dips into the sea.
If you’re looking for a surf trip that feeds your soul as well as your stoke, Kerala is calling.
Surfing by the palm trees
