Varkala
Kerala's only cliff beach — where springs emerge from laterite and fall into the sea
About This Place
Varkala is a geological accident that became a travellers' institution. A 15m laterite cliff of compressed red sandstone rises directly from the sea — the only such cliff on Kerala's coastline. Natural mineral springs emerge from the cliff face, used for millennia for holy bathing (the beach is sacred to Lord Vishnu). The clifftop path stretches 1.5km above the sea, lined with open-air restaurants, hammocks, and Ayurveda massage parlours.
While Kovalam and Alappuzha host the package tourists, Varkala has retained a slower, more intentional character. The Janardhana Swami Temple at the cliff's north end is 2,000 years old and actively used. Below, the beach is accessed via steep steps cut into the cliff — which conveniently discourages mass tourism.
Varkala is one of the few places in Kerala where you can do a 10-day Panchakarma treatment, learn Kalari martial arts, and still reach your beach towel in 5 minutes. Many visitors arrive for a week and stay a month.
Why Go Here
Why It\'s Still Hidden
"International travellers found it 20 years ago. Most domestic tourists still haven't."
Gallery
How to Reach
Train to Varkala station (on Thiruvananthapuram–Mumbai line, many trains stop here). 2km auto ride to the cliff.
Must-Visit Places
Best spots near Varkala
natureNorth Cliff — The Promenade
A 1.5km clifftop path above the Arabian Sea lined with yoga studios, Ayurvedic massage parlours, open-air restaurants, and hammocks. The path ends at natural mineral springs pouring from the laterite cliff face directly into the sea.
Walk the cliff path at sunrise (6am) before any stalls open. The light over the sea and the cliff are at their most dramatic.
landmarkJanardhana Swami Temple
A 2,000-year-old Vishnu temple at the northern end of the cliff, perched directly at the cliff edge. The sacred beach below (Papanasam Beach) has natural mineral springs used for ritual bathing since ancient times.
Visit at sunset when the temple is lit and pilgrims take a dip in the sacred spring at the cliff base. Dress modestly — dhoti wrap available at the gate.
beachPapanasam Beach
The beach below the cliff, accessed via steep steps cut into the laterite. The northern end is a sacred bathing ghats with mineral spring pools; the southern stretch is clear sea and soft sand — typically uncrowded.
The beach is divided — northern section is sacred (no swimming). The middle and south sections are for swimming. Strong undertow — only swim between the flags.
natureKappil Lake Backwater
Just 7km north of Varkala, Kappil lake meets the sea at a stunning estuary where backwater boat rides pass through coconut-palm lined channels. Far less touristy than Alleppey houseboats.
Hire a local fisherman's canoe (not a tourist boat) for ₹200–300 — they'll take you through the narrow palm-lined channels that motor boats can't reach.
What to Do
Experiences in Varkala
Authentic Ayurveda Panchakarma
Varkala has genuine Ayurvedic hospitals (not tourist spas) offering 7–21 day Panchakarma detox and rejuvenation programmes under licensed doctors. A fraction of the cost of Kovalam packages.
Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Class
Learn India's oldest martial art from a Kalari (traditional gym) master. Varkala has two authentic Kalari schools offering introductory and week-long courses in the ancient Kerala fighting system.
Sunrise Yoga on the Cliff
Multiple yoga studios on the cliff offer sunrise classes in open-air studios with the Arabian Sea as your backdrop. Styles range from Ashtanga to Hatha to Yin — suitable for all levels.
Travel Tips
Before you go
October–February is peak season with calm seas and perfect weather. March–May is hot but quieter. June–September is monsoon — beautiful green cliffs but dangerous swimming.
Train to Varkala station (on the Thiruvananthapuram–Mumbai Konkan line) is the most convenient — 2km auto ride to the cliff. Avoid long bus journeys.
The cliff restaurants are tourist-priced. Walk 5 minutes into town for Kerala meals at ₹80–120 (same as locals eat).
Varkala is one of the few beach towns in India where you can swim off-season — the cliff creates a partial wind shield and the springs make the water unusually calm near shore.
Many travellers arrive for a weekend and stay a month — budget for the possibility. The cliff lifestyle is extremely easy to settle into.
Avoid the southern beach (Odayam) during monsoon — strong rip currents. The mineral spring pool on the north cliff beach is always safe.
At a Glance
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