Varkala is Kerala's most distinctive beach town. Red laterite cliffs rise straight above the Arabian Sea, with a cliff-top path lined with cafés, yoga studios and guesthouses. It is laid-back, scenic and perfect for ending a Kerala tour.
How to Reach Varkala
- From Trivandrum: about 50 km, 1–1.5 hours.
- From Alleppey: about 2.5–3 hours.
- By train: Varkala Sivagiri station is on the main coastal line, about 3–4 km from the cliffs.
North Cliff and South Cliff
- North Cliff: the lively heart of Varkala, with cafés, shops and sea-view guesthouses along the cliff path.
- South Cliff: quieter, with more resorts and a calmer atmosphere.
Beaches
- Papanasam Beach (Varkala Beach): the main beach below the cliffs. Considered sacred; many Hindus perform rituals for ancestors here.
- Black Beach: further north, with darker sand.
- Odayam Beach: a quieter stretch beyond the north cliff.
- Kappil Beach: where the backwaters meet the sea, about 8–9 km north – lovely at sunset.
Things to Do
- Walk the cliff path at sunset.
- Visit the 2,000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple (dress code applies).
- Take a beginner surfing lesson.
- Join yoga classes and wellness retreats.
- Book an Ayurvedic massage or treatment.
- Take a backwater boat ride at Kappil or Edava.
- Visit Sivagiri Mutt, associated with Sree Narayana Guru.
- Day trip to Jatayu Earth's Center with its giant bird sculpture.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March: sunny weather, calm seas – peak season.
- April–May: hot and quieter.
- June–September: monsoon; rough seas, many cafés close, and swimming is unsafe.
Where to Stay
- North Cliff: sea-view guesthouses and boutique hotels close to cafés.
- South Cliff: resorts with pools and quieter surroundings.
- Odayam and Kappil: peaceful homestays and resorts.
Food
Varkala's cafés serve everything from fresh seafood and Kerala thalis to continental breakfasts, smoothies and wood-fired pizzas. Choose your fish from the evening display at seafood restaurants.
Safety Tips
- Currents can be strong; swim only in flagged areas and follow lifeguards.
- Cliff edges are unfenced in places – be careful, especially at night.
- Respect local customs at Papanasam Beach and temples.
- Use reputed surf schools with proper equipment.
Combining Varkala with Kerala
Varkala is ideal as the last stop of a Kochi–Munnar–Thekkady–Alleppey itinerary, before flying out of Trivandrum. You can also pair it with Kovalam or Kanyakumari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Varkala better than Kovalam?
Varkala has dramatic cliffs and a relaxed café scene; Kovalam has calmer bays and resorts. Both are lovely.
What is the best time to visit Varkala?
October to March.
Is it safe to swim in Varkala?
Swim only in flagged areas with lifeguards; currents can be strong, especially in the monsoon.
How far is Varkala from Trivandrum airport?
About 50 km, around 1–1.5 hours.
How many days should I stay in Varkala?
Two to three days is ideal to relax.
Plan Your Trip with On Travel
Add Varkala to your Kerala tour with On Travel – cliff-top stays, transfers and backwater experiences.
- Phone / WhatsApp: +91 9220564155
- Email: info@ontravel.in
Plan Your Trip with On Travel
Ready to go? These itineraries cover the places in this guide and can be customised to your dates and budget:
- Kerala Gems – Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey & Varkala, 5 Nights / 6 Days
- 7N/8D Kerala Tour Package With Varkala
Browse all Kerala tour packages.
Related reading: Vagamon Travel Guide · Wayanad Travel Guide · Kochi (Cochin) Travel Guide
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