What Makes Varkala Unique Among Kerala Beaches
Varkala's most distinctive feature is its geological formation — the cliff itself. This UNESCO-recognised geological formation (the Varkala Formation) is thousands of years old and provides natural freshwater springs that flow directly onto the beach from the cliff face. The spring water at Papanasam Beach is considered sacred by Hindus — the beach takes its name (Papanasam = destroyer of sins) from the belief that bathing here washes away sins.
Unlike the more commercial Kovalam Beach 30 km away, Varkala has retained a relatively boutique atmosphere. The North Cliff cafe strip is exactly the kind of place where you can wake up at 8am for a rooftop yoga class overlooking the sea, eat a Kerala sadya thali for lunch, get a 2-hour Ayurvedic oil massage in the afternoon, and watch the Arabian Sea sunset with a fresh lime soda — all within a 200-metre radius.
Top Things to Do at Varkala Beach
Sunrise yoga at a cliff-edge studio with an Arabian Sea backdrop is Varkala's signature experience. Multiple studios along the North Cliff offer daily drop-in classes (₹400–600 per session). Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre and Soul & Surf run structured programmes ranging from single-class drop-ins to 5-day immersive retreats including accommodation.
The Janardhana Swamy Temple at the southern end of the cliff is one of Kerala's most important Vishnu temples, over 2,000 years old. Non-Hindus may not enter the inner sanctum but the grounds and the dramatic coastal view from the temple platform are accessible and magnificent.
Varkala's beach is divided into an upper North Cliff zone (more backpacker and foreigner-oriented) and the main Papanasam Beach stretch below (more local pilgrimage activity). Both are worth experiencing — walk the entire beach from the cliff steps to the river mouth for a complete Varkala immersion.
- →Sunrise cliff-edge yoga class (₹400–600)
- →Ayurvedic full-body massage at a cliff centre (₹1,200–2,500 for 90 min)
- →Papanasam Beach holy dip (free)
- →Janardhana Swamy Temple visit (free, modest clothing)
- →Snorkelling at Black Beach (south coast, rough access)
- →Lighthouse Beach short hike (45 min south via cliff path)
- →Sunset from North Cliff viewpoint (Clafouti Café has best seats)
- →Kayaking in Varkala backwaters (arrange via cliff hotels, ₹600/hr)
Best Restaurants & Cafés on Varkala Cliff
The Cliff strip has evolved into one of Kerala's best beach-dining scenes. Clafouti Café is a Varkala institution — a Franco-Kerala fusion kitchen perched directly on the cliff edge, famous for its crêpes, fresh fish plates, and unobstructed sea views. Trattoria serves the best pasta and wood-fired pizza on the cliff. For authentic Kerala seafood, Kerala Bamboo House at the beach access steps is unbeatable for karimeen (pearl spot) pollichathu and prawn moilee.
The budget food scene is excellent too — dosas and idli-sambhar from street stalls at the base of the temple steps cost ₹30–60 and are some of the best you'll find anywhere in South India.
How to Reach Varkala from Trivandrum & Kochi
By train: Varkala has its own railway station (Varkala Sivagiri station) on the Trivandrum–Kollam suburban line. Trains from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) take 40–60 minutes (₹30–80); from Kollam, 20–30 minutes. This is the cheapest and most reliable option.
By road: Varkala is 55 km from Trivandrum International Airport. Uber/Ola taxis cost ₹600–900 (1–1.5 hours). KSRTC buses from Trivandrum to Varkala run every 30 minutes (₹50–80, 1.5 hours).
From Kochi (Cochin): 4.5 hours by road or train via Kollam. The scenic Kochi–Trivandrum train route offers coastal views for much of the journey.
Why Varkala Beach is a Must-Visit
Discover the untouched beauty of Varkala Beach in Kerala. This coastal haven offers serene landscapes, perfect for those seeking peace away from crowded tourist spots.
Top Things to Do
Don't miss out on these signature experiences when visiting Varkala Beach.
- Beach Walk
- Photography
- Swimming
- Local Food
Things to Do at Varkala Beach
Flora, Fauna & Food
Local Flora
- • Ayurvedic Herbs
- • Coconut Groves
- • Mangrove Forests
Marine Fauna
- • Kingfishers
- • Cormorants
- • Sea Turtles (Seasonal)
Local Food
- • Kerala Sadhya
- • Karimeen Pollichathu
- • Appam with Stew
- • Fresh Toddy
3-Day Varkala Beach Itinerary
Where to Stay Near Varkala Beach
Exploring more of Kerala?
Varkala Beach is just one stunning spot along the Kerala coastline. Discover hidden coves, bustling shores, and detailed itineraries in our dedicated state hub.
View all Kerala Beaches →What to Eat at Varkala Beach
How to Reach Varkala Beach
Train from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala station (55 min). Taxi/bus from Kollam (45 min).
📍 Varkala Beach on the Map
Every guide is based on personal visits. Arjun has stayed overnight at each featured destination, tested the water sports, eaten at the local shacks, and spoken to fishing communities. No generic writing — only verified, first-hand accounts.
