Beaches
Varkala
A cliffside beach town where a dramatic red-laterite escarpment runs straight along the Arabian Sea, backed by yoga retreats, cafes and the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple. Varkala Cliff is one of the few places in Kerala where the coastline rises in sheer bluffs rather than flat sand, giving Papanasam Beach below it a striking backdrop and a reputation, per Hindu tradition, for washing away sins. The clifftop path is now dense with yoga studios, guesthouses and seafood cafes, while Kappil Beach and Lake just north offer a quieter backwater-meets-ocean alternative.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Varkala Cliff is one of the few places in Kerala where the coastline rises in sheer bluffs rather than flat sand, giving Papanasam Beach below it a striking backdrop and a reputation, per Hindu tradition, for washing away sins. The clifftop path is now dense with yoga studios, guesthouses and seafood cafes, while Kappil Beach and Lake just north offer a quieter backwater-meets-ocean alternative. Varkala sits at an elevation of 58 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 days. The most favourable months to visit are December, January, February, and March, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Sivagiri Mutt, Janardanaswamy Temple, and Varkala Tunnel. Other notable highlights include red laterite cliff views from Papanasam Beach, janardanaswamy Temple’s 2000-year-old shrine, and black sand beach at Varkala’s northern end. It falls within Thiruvananthapuram district, India.
Highlights
- Red laterite cliff views from Papanasam Beach
- Janardanaswamy Temple’s 2000-year-old shrine
- Black sand beach at Varkala’s northern end
- Cliff-top sunset at Shiva’s Face rock
- Ayurvedic oil massage at cliffside spa
- Boat ride to hidden Edava backwaters
Places That Define Varkala
Discover the iconic attractions that make this destination unforgettable
Varkala Cliff (North Cliff and South Cliff)
A dramatic 15-meter-high laterite cliff stretching along the coastline, lined with shops, cafes, and guesthouses. It offers panoramic ocean views and is the main promenade for strolling, especially at sunset.
Janardanaswamy Temple
An ancient 2000-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, perched on a cliff near the beach. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and part of the 108 sacred Vishnu shrines, with a unique blend of Kerala and Dravidian architecture.
Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach)
A stunning beach backed by towering red cliffs, known for its spiritual significance where Hindu rituals are performed. The name "Papanasam" means washing away sins, and the sunset views here are spectacular.
Getting There
Things To Do
Swim at Papanasam Beach
Take a dip in the waters at the southern end of the cliff, locally known as Papanasam, believed to wash away sins. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards, and the gentle waves make it safe for a relaxed swim. Avoid the rocky sections near the cliff base.
2 hours
Explore the Varkala Lighthouse and surrounding cliffs
Climb the small, operational lighthouse near the northern end of the cliff for a panoramic view of the coastline and the dense coconut groves inland. The surrounding area is quieter than the main cliff, with fewer crowds and better birdwatching.
45 minutes
Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple
This ancient 2000-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu sits just 200 meters from the cliff, with a sacred temple pond where pilgrims perform rituals. Observe the traditional Kerala architecture and the morning puja ceremonies, best visited before 10 AM.
1 hour
Sunset walk along the Varkala Cliff
Stroll the paved cliff-top path from North Cliff to South Cliff, watching the Arabian Sea crash against the red laterite rocks below. Pause at one of the many viewpoints to see fishermen bringing in their catch as the sky turns orange.
1.5 hours
Kayaking through the backwaters of Edava
Paddle a single or double kayak through the calm, palm-fringed Edava Lake, a lesser-known backwater just 5 km north of Varkala. You will glide past small islands, water lilies, and local village life, with chances to spot kingfishers and cormorants.
2.5 hours
Attend a sunset yoga class at a cliff-top studio
Join a drop-in hatha or vinyasa class at one of the many open-air yoga shalas perched on the cliff, with the sound of waves as your soundtrack. Classes are suitable for all levels, and most include a short meditation at the end facing the ocean.
1.5 hours
Top Attractions
Varkala Cliff (North Cliff and South Cliff)
A dramatic 15-meter-high laterite cliff stretching along the coastline, lined with shops, cafes, and guesthouses. It offers panoramic ocean views and is the main promenade for strolling, especially at sunset.
Janardanaswamy Temple
An ancient 2000-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, perched on a cliff near the beach. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and part of the 108 sacred Vishnu shrines, with a unique blend of Kerala and Dravidian architecture.
Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach)
A stunning beach backed by towering red cliffs, known for its spiritual significance where Hindu rituals are performed. The name "Papanasam" means washing away sins, and the sunset views here are spectacular.
Travel Tips
Take a guided sunset boat ride on the backwaters instead of long cliff walks
For a relaxed group experience, book a private shikara or country boat from the nearby Varkala backwaters (near the railway station) for a 1-hour calm ride. This avoids the crowded cliff promenade and offers a comfortable, seated way to enjoy the sunset together.
Book cliff-top accommodation with easy stair access
Choose hotels or homestays on the North Cliff (near Black Beach) that have ramps or ground-floor rooms, as many cliff paths have steep, uneven steps. Confirm with the property beforehand about accessibility for seniors and arrange for a porter to help with luggage.
Visit the beach early morning or late afternoon for gentle walks
The main Varkala Beach is best enjoyed between 7-9 AM or 4-6 PM when the sun is mild and the sand is less crowded. For group members with mobility issues, stick to the flat stretch near the lifeguard tower and avoid the rocky southern end.
Stay hydrated and carry light snacks, but avoid cliff-top cafes at peak meal times
The cliff restaurants have steep seating and slow service during sunset hours, which can be tiring for seniors. Carry your own water bottle and have breakfast at your hotel; for lunch, choose a cafe with ground-level seating and order in advance for the group.
Plan group transport via pre-booked auto or taxi for all sightseeing
Do not rely on hailing autos on the cliff, as they are scarce and often refuse longer trips. Pre-book a single taxi or a 6-seater auto for the day to visit Janardhana Swamy Temple, Papanasam Beach, and the cliff viewpoints, splitting the cost among the group.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Varkala — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- Sivagiri Sree Narayana Medical Mission Hospital1 km
Pharmacies
- Kairali Ayurveda Pharmacy2.1 km
ATMs
- Punjab National Bank0.8 km
Restaurants
- Buzz and Breeze2.1 km
- The Surfer's Cafe2.2 km
- Theeram2.2 km
- Oottupura Vegetarian Restaurant2.3 km
- BGL surf and bistro2.4 km
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are a few gentle access points. The main beach entrance near the Varkala Aquarium has a wide, well-maintained ramp that reduces the number of steps, and the north end near the Black Sand Beach has a more gradual slope. For those with mobility issues, consider staying in a cliff-top hotel that offers direct views, so you don't need to go down daily. Auto-rickshaws can also drop you at the beach road end, though the last 100 metres may still have some steps.
Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth, and avoid ice in drinks unless you confirm it's made from purified water. Most cliff restaurants serve fresh seafood, Kerala thalis, and continental food; choose well-cooked dishes and avoid raw salads or cut fruits from street stalls. For sensitive stomachs, opt for places with high turnover and hygiene ratings, like Clafouti or The Juice Shack, which are popular with repeat visitors.
The ideal time is from October to February, when the humidity is lower, daytime temperatures hover around 28-32°C, and the sea breeze keeps things pleasant. March to May gets hot and humid, while June to September brings heavy monsoon rains that can make the cliff path slippery. For a quieter experience, plan for mid-January to mid-February, after the peak New Year rush.
Yes, the main Cliff road is mostly flat and paved, with some gentle slopes and steps at certain points. The walkable stretch from the north end to the south end is about 1.5 kilometres, which takes roughly 30-40 minutes at a leisurely pace. Stick to the inner railing side during the evening, as the outer edge has no barriers in some places.
Yes, there is a government primary health centre in Varkala town (about 2 km from the cliff), and several private clinics along the main road. Pharmacies are common on the cliff road itself, with at least two open until late evening. For emergencies, the nearest larger hospital is in Thiruvananthapuram (about 50 km away), so carry your regular medications and a copy of prescriptions. Most hotels can arrange a doctor visit for a small fee if you prefer not to travel.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Varkala
Day 1
Settle into the relaxed pace of Varkala with a gentle introduction to its most iconic feature—the red laterite cliff. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing to the coastal air, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the cliff top as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea. End the day with a quiet dinner at a cliffside café, listening to the waves below.
- Take a slow, flat walk along the northern end of Varkala Cliff (from Black Beach towards the main Papanasam Beach), stopping at viewpoints to watch the waves crash against the red rocks.
- Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple (a 15-minute walk inland from the cliff) — a 2000-year-old Hindu temple with intricate wood carvings, best seen in the late afternoon when it’s less crowded.
- Relax on Papanasam Beach (the main beach at the cliff base) for an hour, where the water is considered sacred for purifying sins—just dip your toes, no need to swim.
Day 2
Explore Varkala’s quieter side—lesser-known beaches and the tranquil backwaters that lie just inland from the coast. The morning is perfect for a gentle boat ride, while the afternoon offers time for a restorative Ayurvedic massage or a lazy beachside lunch. Finish with a short hike to a hidden viewpoint for a final panorama of the cliff.
- Morning boat ride on the Varkala backwaters (from the Kappil lake area, about 6 km south) — a 1.5-hour punt through palm-lined canals, spotting kingfishers and local village life; easy boarding and flat-bottomed boats.
- Visit Kappil Beach, a quiet, less-developed stretch of sand where the backwaters meet the sea—walk along the shore for 30 minutes, then climb the small rocky outcrop on the north end for a sweeping view.
- Afternoon Ayurvedic massage or oil treatment at one of the many certified centers along the cliff (choose a 30-minute head-and-shoulder massage for a gentle introduction, or just sit at a yoga shala’s open deck for a meditation session).
- Evening walk to the southern end of the cliff, ending at the viewpoint near the Varkala Lighthouse (not open to the public, but the surrounding promenade offers a dramatic cliff-drop view).
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