Trivandrum: Varkala BeachKnown for its red clay cliffs and natural springs, it is quickly gaining popularity technical professionals and startups as work destinations. This coastal town has become a vibrant hub for work and leisure, home to new start-ups and businesses. teleworker People from all over the world flock here to rent houses, hotels and resorts for extended stays of three to four months.
kerala entrepreneurship mission (KSUM) Now all set to set up a dedicated space in Varkala, the tourism department has allotted 50 cents of land for the purpose. The entities are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the Huddle Global event on November 28.
Anoop Ambika, CEO of KSUM said that ever since Varkala became a hotspot for techies across the globe, Travis KalanickUber’s co-founder and former CEO spent weeks coding there.
“Varkala is now synonymous with work and leisure”
On the advice of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, we have decided to formalize this trend by creating a dedicated tech space.
Kalanick came to Varkala in January 2008, when his second startup, Red Swoosh, was acquired by Akamai, and spent several weeks coding with the team there. “If you can code anywhere, why not code on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world?” he later quipped in an interview.
Proximity to Trivandrum International Airport and Technology Park further enhances its appeal to professionals. KSUM will also invite expressions of interest (EOI) from eligible startups to set up workspaces in the new space, with the goal of building a strong tech ecosystem amidst the natural beauty of the beach destination.
Finotes co-founder Robin Alex Panicker describes Varkala as an emerging international brand for technology professionals. “I posted a job on LinkedIn, mentioning Varkala as a place to work, and the response was overwhelming, especially from foreign applicants. Many people don’t know about Trivandrum, but Varkala has become synonymous with work and leisure. ” he said.
This integration of work-life balance isn’t limited to startups. Anandu S, chief operating officer of Engagespot, said working on the Varkala cliffs can transform productivity. “The calm environment stimulates creativity, and the opportunity to communicate with foreign programmers enhances mutual learning. In addition, the beach atmosphere, food and leisure activities keep us refreshed,” he said.
The state government’s initiative to integrate tourism with innovation can also serve as a blueprint for other scenic spots in Kerala to contribute more to the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state.
