Kerala · Travel guide
Varkala
A red-laterite cliff above the Arabian Sea
Weather in Varkala
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Varkala is the rare Kerala beach with a balcony. A wall of red laterite cliff rises straight from Papanasam beach, its rim strung with cafés, yoga shalas and sunset-facing tables. Below, pilgrims bathe at a shore considered sacred, and the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple anchors the town. It is at once a backpacker hangout and a place of genuine ritual.
Why go
Walk the cliff-top path at sunset with the whole Arabian Sea on fire below.
Bathe at Papanasam — the 'beach that washes away sins' — beside its mineral springs.
Try paragliding or surf lessons off the north cliff.
Slow down with cliff-edge yoga and Ayurvedic massage.
Best season
October to March
Dry, warm days and calm seas — peak season. April–May is hot and humid; the monsoon (June–September) brings rough surf and many cafés shut.
Getting there
- By air
- Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport is just ~50 km / 1.5 hrs south.
- By rail
- Varkala Sivagiri station is on the main coastal line — direct trains from Trivandrum, Kollam and beyond, a short auto from the cliff.
- By road
- Easy taxi or bus from Trivandrum and Kollam along the NH-66 coast.
Highlights
North Cliff sunset walk
The classic Varkala stroll — café after café perched over the sea, best an hour before sundown.
Papanasam Beach
Swim or simply watch the rituals where freshwater springs meet the sea at the cliff base.
Paragliding
Tandem flights launch off the cliff in season, weather permitting — book with licensed operators.
Sivagiri & Janardanaswamy Temple
The Sivagiri Mutt pilgrimage centre and an ancient seaside Vishnu temple in the old town.
Sleep here
Stays near Varkala
Travelling solo to Varkala?
Find your crew — travellers heading the same way, matched by vibe and budget.
Local tips
The cliff path has no railings near the edge — mind your footing after dark.
Dress modestly at the temple and at Papanasam's ritual areas.
Beware strong rip currents; swim where flagged and avoid the sea in monsoon.
ATMs are limited on the cliff — carry some cash for the smaller cafés.
Make it happen
Plan your Varkala trip
Find a group heading to Varkala, or start your own and bring a crew along.