Varkala Beach, Before Everyone Notices
Forget everything you know about a typical Indian beach. Picture yourself standing at the top of a candy-striped lighthouse, sipping on Kokum Kombucha, beholding the most mesmerising sunset of your life as the sparkling Arabian Sea crashes against the golden sand below.
Picturesque. Pristine. Perfect.
Varkala in Kerala is a mood that oscillates between bohemian chic and ancient mysticism. Whether you’re here on a honeymoon or a long-awaited friend’s trip, this Varkala guide is all you need!
Table of Contents
- Slow Luxury & Ancient Tides: What Makes Varkala In KeralaMarvellous!
- Frequently Asked Questions on Varkala in Kerala!
Slow Luxury & Ancient Tides: What Makes Varkala In KeralaMarvellous!
Join us as we decode everything that makes Varkala a lovechild of Kerala!
1. The Most Loved Cliffs and Beaches of Varkala!
Faraz Ghori
How rare is it to find a place where the earth decides to stop being a beach and starts being a hill? Usually, you get one or the other- sandy shores or rugged heights.
But Varkala in Kerala is a geographical outlier. It’s the only spot in southern India where massive, ancient red cliffs stand like guardians right on the edge of the Arabian Sea. This unique “vertical beach” layout means you aren’t just walking along the water, you’re living on a high-altitude balcony overlooking the ocean.
For most travellers, North Cliff is a prime destination. It’s a long, paved path perched on the edge overlooking the sea, lined with bohemian cafes and hidden boutiques. Walking here at sunset feels like being in a floating village. The energy is electric and vibrant.
And then there’s the South Cliff. This is the North’s quieter, more refined sibling. It’s where the music fades out and is replaced by the sound of wind rustling through coconut palms. It’s the side of Varkala for those who want luxury in the form of silence and space. Many luxury and semi-luxury hotels and eateries are lined here, offering private beach access.
Down at the base of these cliffs, the experience changes again. You have Papanasam Beach, a stretch of sand famous for its “holy” spring water that people have visited for centuries to find peace.
Then there’s the moody, volcanic sand of Black Beach, which feels like a private hideaway.
The real magic, though, is further north at Odayam and Edava. Here, the cliffs eventually taper down, leading to a rare sight: a narrow road with the crashing sea on one side and calm, glassy backwaters on the other.
Whether you’re looking down from the high cliff or up from the shore, the pristine beauty makes every view feel like a postcard you didn’t see coming.
2. The Thrilling Adventures of Varkala!
Chris Jewell
Varkala is a high-octane playground where the geography dictates the thrill!
Start your morning in the water. The surf culture here is everywhere. Head to Black Beach or Odayam to catch world-class breaks. It’s the perfect place for “boutique surfing”-think personalised surfing with a private instructor. Local favourites like Moana Surf School or Soul and Surf will have you standing on a board before lunch. There’s nothing like the rush of sliding down a glassy wave with those red cliffs as your backdrop!
Now, look up.
Because of those massive cliffs, Varkala in Kerala is one of the few places in India where you can literally walk off a mountain. Gliding with pros like Fly Varkala or CanFly Adventure gives you a bird’s-eye view of the lighthouse and the endless blue. It’s quiet, airy luxury at its best.
Want to slow it down?
Swap the salt for the silent backwaters of Kappil Lake. Grab a kayak from Mangrove Village Adventure Park and paddle through deep emerald tunnels. Navigating these narrow, leafy waterways feels like uncovering a prehistoric secret.
For a grand finale, drive 35km to Jatayu Earth’s Centre to witness the world’s largest bird sculpture perched atop a massive peak. Take the cable car up for breathtaking 360-degree views and adventure sports, making it a spectacular high point of your time in Kerala, India.
Whether you’re soaring above the cliff or dropping into a wave, Varkala proves why it is one of the most exciting offbeat destinations in India. Touche, right?
3. The Spiritual Soul of Varkala!
Austin Curtis
Beyond the surf and sunsets, Varkala in Kerala exudes an ancient, mythological aura. The Janardhana Swamy Temple has stood on the cliff’s edge for over 2,000 years, its golden-topped shrines watching over the Arabian Sea. If you are seeking spiritual solace, visiting this eminent pilgrimage gem is a must.
For a deeper dive into Kerala’s social soul, visit Sivagiri Mutt. This is the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, the legendary reformer who preached “One Caste, One Religion, One God.” The atmosphere here is pure, quiet luxury for the mind.
Don’t miss the Sarkara Devi Temple, just a short drive away, famous for its dramatic Kaliyoot festival- a vivid reenactment of the goddess’s victory over evil.
4. Ayurvedic Massages & Suryanamaskara by the Beach!
Raimond Klavins
Varkala is Kerala’s ultimate wellness hub. Here, luxury is about pampering and treating your mind and body well. You’ll find world-class Ayurveda centres perched right on the cliff. Tourists flock here for the legendary Abhyanga (four-hand oil massage) and Shirodhara, where warm herbal oil is poured rhythmically over the “third eye” to melt away stress. For authentic, high-end treatments, Bhumiveda and Praana are local icons popular for their expert-led, personalised panchakarma healing.
As the sun begins to rise, the cliffs transform into a giant open-air yoga shala. Practising Suryanamaskara (Sun Salutations) at dawn, with the salt-mist rising from the Arabian Sea, is a Varkala rite of passage. It is widely considered one of the most serene stops on any yoga tour of India. Whether you’re a pro or a first-timer, schools like Kerala Yogashala and Suneesh School of Yoga offer breathtaking clifftop sessions that feel more like a cosmic reset than a workout.
5. A Feast for the Foodies!
Rohit Dey
In Varkala, your appetite is just as likely to be swept away as your senses, thanks to a vibrant food scene.
The North Cliff is the high-energy heartbeat of this culinary map. It’s a bohemian dream where you can jump from the European charm of Cafe Italiano to the vibrant, neon-lit vibes of Darjeeling Cafe. For a sophisticated health fix, InDa Cafe is legendary for its Buddha bowls, and Lumuma Cafe is the premier vegan spot on the cliff.
If you’re craving “quiet luxury,” cross over to the South Cliff. The vibe here is slower and exquisitely aesthetic- perfect for those who want their meal served with a side of silence. Trip Is Life offers perhaps the most iconic infinity sea views in town, making it the ultimate spot for a sunset cocktail. Meanwhile, Cafe Sarwaa and Soul Food Cafe serve up artisanal plates in serene settings that feel worlds away from the North’s bustle. This blend of laid-back charm and coastal drama is precisely why Varkala in Kerala is an unmissable stop for most curated South India tours.
But for the true soul of Varkala in Kerala, follow the scent of spices inland. Authentic seekers should head to Lekshmi Restaurant for a traditional Kerala Sadhya or God’s Own Country Kitchen for their famous banana-leaf fish. As dusk falls, the cliff transforms into a seafood theatre. Restaurants display the “Catch of the Day”- massive Tiger Prawns and Red Snapper resting on ice. Pick your favourite, have it grilled with local Malabar spices, and enjoy a feast as fresh as the ocean breeze.
When the stars come out, head to Sandy Bay to catch the most electric clifftop DJ parties and sunset beats. Over some shots, turn the volume up and enjoy the best nightlife with your friends.
Frequently Asked Questions on Varkala in Kerala!
Eswar M
- What is the best time to visit Varkala?
- The ideal window is from October to March, when the weather is balmy, perfect for including in a winter Kerala tour itinerary.
- How do I reach Varkala?
- Trivandrum International Airport is just 45km away. You can grab a taxi or enjoy a short, scenic train ride to Varkala Sivagiri station.
- Is it safe for solo female travellers?
- Yes, Varkala has a very safe, communal vibe. In fact, Varkala is popular for solo travelling.
- How many days are enough?
- Three to four days allow you to experience the surf, the spiritual sites, and the cafe culture without rushing.
- What are the best hotels in Varkala?
- For a premium stay, B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort and The Gateway Hotel are the gold standards, offering cliff-top luxury and world-class wellness facilities. If you’re looking for a more social or budget-friendly experience, go for hostels like Zostel, Lost Hostels, and The Hosteller.
Varkala in Kerala is really a rare paradox, eh?
A place that feels both ancient and effortlessly modern. Whether you’re sharing a sunset cocktail on a romantic honeymoon retreat or catching waves with friends, Varkala is that soul-soothing escape you need.
So together with us, let’s plan a couple of days living slow
