India’s west coast has some of the best beaches in the country. While Goa and Gokarna are the prominent ones, there other amazing beaches as you travel down south. And, in the southern part of Kerala Varkala is creating noises among travellers now. Furthermore, people are preferring to come here for a more placid vacation. Also being easily accessible while offering sublime views and places to see. Due to its interesting geography and the laid back lifestyle make it a perfect place to wind down and chill. Varkala cliff has become a favourite location for both domestic and international tourists. The location is historically important and there are multiple things to do here. Let’s check out what makes the Varkala cliff special.

Why Varkala?

Neatly tucked away in the Southern part of Kerala, Varkala has some of the similar features from Goa and Gokarna. The towering red laterite cliffs with the waves gently touching its feet. This famous beach is around 50kms from Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram. Because of its easy accessibility, Varkala is an ideal weekend destination. Also, this small town is a famous pilgrimage destination as well. As there are 2000 years old temples, a lively beach scene makes Varkala perfect for everyone.

Anyone who prefers to wind down and relax for a few days, maybe catch a wave and go for a hike, look no more. The beaches have perfect waters and they are a sunbather’s paradise. Also, there are cute little restaurants and shopping options which should not be missed. Along with amazing local seafood and global menus, these restaurants play all types of music and has fascinating decor.

Varkala Cliff Beach — Image Source: Google Images

Things to see in Varkala

Varkala is not just beaches, it is an intriguing location with so much to experience. It can satisfy all kind of tourists and almost all trips never end without watching a sunset on the cliff.

Beaches

Varkala Beach: Popularly known as Papanasam Beach, this stretch of golden sand beach is the main attraction. The peculiar rock formation makes it the only cliff beach in Kerala. The view from the top is simply amazing. Also, the beach has great restaurant options and spas for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Thiruvambadi Beach: This black sand beach is not as busy as Varkala beach, but still attracts a good number of travellers. Being only 3 kilometres away from Varkala town, the beach is less noisy and less crowded.
Kappil Beach: This is truly an awesome place in Varkala. As this is one of the very few places where you see the beach and the backwaters separated by a road. Yes, as you ride the road, you have the ocean on one side and the Kappil Pozhi on the other side.

Kappil Beach Varkala — Image Source: Google Images

Other Attractions

Janardhana Swami Temple

This Vaishnavite temple is 2000 years old and one of the main pilgrimage centres in Varkala. Additionally, it’s has a 10-day festival called “Aarattu” in the month of March and April. Also, the temple and the grounds are beautifully built, which is worth exploring.

Anjengo Fort

Built by English East India Company in the 17th century, the fort is a beautiful masterpiece. Also, the garden and its premises are fun to walk around and you travel back in time. Since the actual name of Anchuthengu was tough for the British to pronounce they shortened it to Anjengo.

Varkala Lighthouse

Again a British construction for sea navigation, this now offers some of the best views in Varkala. Since it is situated near to the fort, this is an excellent spot to visit in the evening and make sure to bring in your best camera for the photos.

Sivagiri Mutt

The Mutt is the ashram and the final resting place of Sri Narayana Guru. He was one of the great social reformers in Kerala history. Because of its importance and location on the Sivagiri hills, this is a must-see place in Varkala. Guru’s teachings on peace, equality and good deeds are still relevant. Also, the shrine and the premises of the Mutt creates a positive experience and help you find your inner self.

Watersports

Varkala is home for a variety of watersports activities which are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. The ocean is relatively calm and perfect for adventure sports. The main things you can do here are jet-skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides. Parasailing is highly recommended as the cliff beach kinda ideal for that. Also, don’t be surprised if you find surfers here, the waves may not be that big, but it is sure fun to do.

Best time to Visit Varkala Cliff

The summer season in Varkala begins from April and lasts till early June. The temperature tends to touch 40-degree Celcius. You get plenty of Sunshine but it will be really really hot. Winter starts from late October and extends till early February and this is an excellent time to visit the Varkala cliff. Moderate temperatures and breezy day time make this is a good time to explore in and around Varkala. Monsoons are not really ideal to visit as there will be heavy rains and the beach is not that fun during the rains.

Also Read: Top Things you should know about Kerala

How to Reach Varkala

Varkala is quite easily accessible and is well connected by train and road. Thiruvananthapuram is the major city close to Varkala and it also has the nearest international airport as well.

By Air

The Thiruvananthapuram International airport is the closest airport. It takes about 50 km and just over an hour to reach Varkala from the airport. The airport is well connected with major cities in India. You can reach Varkala by public bus or a private taxi.

By Rail

Varkala has a train station where all the passenger trains halt and some of the long route trains also stop here. Since it’s en route Thiruvananthapuram almost all trains pass through but the long ones have less stoppage time here. In the case if you are coming by Kerala Express or any similar train, you have to be very cautious and get off at Varkala otherwise you might miss the stop. There are frequent passenger trains which shuttle between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.

By Road

There are plenty of local bus services along with Govt owned public buses and Volvos. Varkala cliff is well connected with all these major places, the main hub is located at Attingal where you can get buses to all parts of Kerala. Buses are an effective way of commuting within Varkala and its a nice way to experience the daily life of the locals and maybe even interact with some.