Varkala is a relaxed seaside town on Kerala's southern coast, famous for the dramatic red laterite cliffs that rise sharply above the Arabian Sea. A paved promenade runs along the cliff edge, lined with open-air cafes, yoga shacks, boutiques and ayurvedic spas, while a steep stairway leads down to the golden sands of Papanasam Beach below. Unlike the backwater hubs further north, Varkala is compact, walkable and easy to enjoy over a long weekend. Mornings are for surfing lessons, beach walks or sunrise yoga; afternoons drift by over fresh coconut water and grilled fish; and evenings belong to the cliff, where the sun sinks into the sea in a blaze of colour as cafes light up. Beyond the beach scene, Varkala carries genuine spiritual weight: pilgrims come to the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple and to bathe at Papanasam, whose name means 'washing away of sins.' The town blends an easygoing backpacker buzz with deep local tradition, making it equally appealing for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers seeking a slower, scenic stretch of coast. Reachable by train and a short drive from Thiruvananthapuram, it is one of the most rewarding weekend getaways in South India.
Top Attractions
Varkala Cliff (North Cliff)
The town's signature landmark, a towering stretch of red laterite cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea. A paved walkway along the edge is lined with cafes, shops, spas and viewpoints, buzzing from late afternoon into the night. It's the best place to watch the sunset, browse handicrafts, or simply sit with a drink as waves crash below. The cliff connects to the beach via several stairways and is the heart of Varkala's social scene.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free
- Hours: Open all day; liveliest 4 pm to late evening
- Best Time: Sunset hour
- Tip: Walk the full length of North Cliff toward the helipad ground for quieter, less crowded sea views.
Papanasam Beach (Varkala Beach)
The main beach below the cliff, with soft golden sand and mineral springs said to have curative powers. Its name means 'destroyer of sins,' and pilgrims perform ancestral rituals here at dawn. By day it's good for swimming in marked areas, sunbathing and beginner surfing. Lifeguards patrol during the season, but currents can be strong, so heed the flags and avoid the rockier southern end for swimming.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free
- Hours: Daylight hours; lifeguards typically 9 am to 6 pm in season
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
- Tip: Swim only between the safety flags; rip currents are common outside patrolled zones.
Janardanaswamy Temple
A roughly 2,000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, perched near the beach and one of Kerala's important pilgrimage sites. Often called the 'Varanasi of the South,' it draws devotees who perform rituals for ancestors at the adjacent Papanasam Beach. The temple architecture, ancient bell and serene courtyard reward a quiet visit. Non-Hindus may not be allowed into the inner sanctum, but the grounds and surroundings are open to all.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free
- Hours: Roughly 4:30 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm
- Best Time: Early morning
- Tip: Dress modestly and remove footwear; men may be asked to remove shirts in the inner area.
Sivagiri Mutt
An important spiritual centre established by the social reformer and philosopher Sree Narayana Guru, located on a hill a few kilometres from the cliff. The serene ashram and the Guru's samadhi (final resting place) draw thousands during the annual Sivagiri Pilgrimage in late December and January. It offers a calm, reflective contrast to the beach and insight into Kerala's powerful 20th-century social reform movement.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free
- Hours: Roughly 5 am to 8 pm
- Best Time: Morning
- Tip: Visit during the December 30 to January 1 pilgrimage period to see it at its most vibrant.
Kappil Beach and Backwaters
About 6 km north of Varkala, Kappil is a quiet beach where the backwaters meet the sea, separated by a narrow strip of sand. A small bridge offers lovely views of the lake on one side and the ocean on the other. It's far less crowded than the cliff, ideal for a scenic scooter ride, and you can hire a boat to explore the calm palm-fringed backwaters.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free; boat rides extra
- Hours: Daylight hours
- Best Time: Late afternoon
- Tip: Rent a scooter to combine Kappil with Edava Beach for a peaceful half-day coastal loop.
Anjengo (Anchuthengu) Fort and Lighthouse
A short drive south of Varkala lies this early English East India Company fort dating to the late 17th century, one of the first British footholds on the Malabar coast. The weathered ramparts, sea views and nearby lighthouse make for an offbeat historical detour. The surrounding fishing village and backwater estuary add to the atmosphere, and it pairs well with a visit to nearby Kappil.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free; lighthouse small fee
- Hours: Daylight hours; lighthouse afternoons
- Best Time: Late afternoon
- Tip: Combine with a backwater boat trip from Anchuthengu for a full local experience.
Food & Local Flavours
Varkala's cliff cafes serve fresh-off-the-boat seafood alongside Keralan classics and global backpacker favourites.
Fresh Grilled Fish
The cliff's signature experience: pick your fish from the day's catch displayed on ice, choose tandoori, garlic-butter or Keralan masala, and have it grilled to order. Kingfish, snapper, tuna and prawns are common, usually served with rice, salad and a wedge of lime as the sea glows below.
Price: INR 350-700 per plate (by weight)
Try: Cliff-edge seafood cafes along North Cliff
Kerala Fish Curry with Rice
A tangy, coconut-rich curry of fish simmered with kokum or tamarind, curry leaves and spices, ladled over steaming red or white rice. Earthy, fiery and deeply local, it's the dish that best captures coastal Kerala. Often served as a meals plate with sides like thoran and pappadam.
Price: INR 150-300
Try: Local thali joints and cliff restaurants
Appam with Stew
Soft, lacy fermented rice-and-coconut pancakes with crisp edges and a fluffy centre, paired with a mild coconut-milk vegetable or chicken stew. A classic Keralan breakfast that's light yet satisfying, perfect before a day on the beach. Found at most cafes and traditional eateries in town.
Price: INR 80-200
Try: Breakfast cafes and toddy-style eateries
Fresh Tender Coconut and Fruit Bowls
Beat the heat with chilled tender coconut water straight from the shell, or a colourful bowl of papaya, banana, pineapple and mango topped with curd, muesli or honey. A staple of the cliff's cafe culture and a refreshing, healthy way to refuel between swims and walks.
Price: INR 50-250
Try: Beach shacks and North Cliff cafes
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Walking: free — the cliff, beach and cafes are all easily covered on foot
- Scooter/motorbike rental: INR 350-600 per day — best for Kappil, Edava and Anjengo
- Auto-rickshaw: INR 50-200 per short trip — handy for the railway station and temple
- Taxi/cab: INR 600-1,500 — for day trips or airport transfers to Thiruvananthapuram
Budget Guide (Per Day)
- Budget: INR 1,200-2,500 (~$15-30): hostel or guesthouse bed, local meals, scooter and beach time
- Mid-range: INR 3,500-7,000 (~$42-85): clifftop boutique stay, seafood dinners and an ayurvedic massage
- Luxury: INR 10,000+ (~$120+): cliffside resort with sea-view villa, spa packages and private transfers
Best Time to Visit
- November to February: dry, pleasant weather and calm seas, the peak season for beach days and sunsets
- October and March: shoulder months with fewer crowds, warm days and good value before and after peak
- June to September: lush monsoon greenery and low prices, but rough seas, closed beach access and frequent rain
Interactive Map
Explore Varkala on the map.
Image Credits
Varkala — Pkukreti7, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons