Wanderyn
Varkala
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
city · India

Varkala

Recommended stay: 2 days
Getting around: Varkala's main draw, the cliff area above the beach, is entirely walkable, with cafes, shops, and guesthouses lining the cliff path directly above the water — genuinely one of the most pleasant walkable beach settings in Kerala. Auto-rickshaws are needed to reach the Janardhana Swamy Temple, the backwaters nearby, or the railway station, which is a few kilometers from the cliff itself.
Hours: The cliff and beach are best enjoyed in the late afternoon into sunset, when the cafes are liveliest and the light on the cliffside is best; swimming should be approached cautiously, since Varkala's beach has a notable undertow and drowning incidents are reported some years — stick to flagged safe zones and heed lifeguard warnings.

Varkala is known for its dramatic red laterite cliffs rising directly above the Arabian Sea, with a walkway along the top lined with cafes, yoga studios, and guesthouses that has made it one of Kerala's most popular backpacker and wellness-tourism beach towns, distinct from the more commercial development of Kovalam. Below the cliff, the beach itself is also considered sacred — it's known locally as Papanasam Beach, believed to wash away sins, and pilgrims bathe here alongside sunbathing tourists, an unusual and fairly unique combination of pilgrimage and beach-holiday culture in the same stretch of sand.

The Janardhana Swamy Temple, an important Vishnu shrine, anchors the town's religious significance, while natural mineral springs near the beach add another layer of local ritual practice. Varkala's undertow can be genuinely dangerous, so caution around swimming is warranted regardless of how calm the water looks, and the cliff itself has experienced periodic erosion, so some sections are managed with barriers.

Varkala FAQs

Is it safe to swim at Varkala beach?

Exercise real caution — the beach has a notable undertow and drowning incidents occur most years; swim only in flagged safe zones and follow any lifeguard instructions, especially outside the main tourist season when supervision may be reduced.

Why is Varkala beach considered sacred?

Known locally as Papanasam Beach, it's believed in Hindu tradition to wash away sins, and pilgrims bathe here specifically for that reason, alongside tourists using the same beach for sunbathing and swimming.

How is Varkala different from Kovalam?

Varkala's cliff-top walkway gives it a more laid-back, backpacker-and-wellness character with cafes and yoga studios directly above the sea, whereas Kovalam is more developed with larger resorts.

How far is Varkala from Thiruvananthapuram?

About 50 km, roughly an hour by road or a similar time by train, and it has its own railway station a few kilometers from the cliff area.

Is Varkala good for yoga and wellness retreats?

Yes, it's developed a strong reputation for yoga studios, Ayurvedic treatment centers, and wellness-focused stays along the cliff, appealing to travelers looking for a slower-paced beach stop with a wellness angle.

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