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Varkala, about 50 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs rise straight above the Arabian Sea. The red and ochre laterite cliffs stretch for several kilometres along the coast, with a narrow beach at their foot and a footpath along the top lined with cafés, guesthouses, shops and Ayurveda centres.
The cliff is the reason most people come. You can spend a whole day here doing very little: a swim in the morning, a slow walk along the clifftop, an Ayurvedic massage in the afternoon and sunset from a café terrace.
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A National Geological Monument
The cliffs are not just pretty – they are of real scientific interest. They expose layers of sandstone, clay and lignite laid down millions of years ago, in the Mio-Pliocene period, a sequence that geologists call the Warkalli (Varkala) Formation. Elsewhere the Kerala coast is low and flat, so this section is unusual.
The Geological Survey of India has declared the Varkala cliffs a National Geological Monument to protect them. Erosion is a real issue: rain, waves and building on the cliff edge have caused cracks and small collapses in places, so treat the edge with respect.
Papanasam beach and the springs
The main beach below the cliff is called Papanasam, meaning ‘washing away of sins’ in Malayalam, because a dip here is believed to cleanse the soul. Hindu families come here to immerse the ashes of the dead and perform rites for their ancestors, and the beach is especially crowded on Karkidaka Vavu, the day of ancestral offerings in the monsoon month of Karkidakam.
Small natural springs trickle out of the laterite cliff face near the beach. Kerala Tourism notes that the spring water is believed to have medicinal qualities, and many visitors take a dip under it.
Inland from the beach is the Janardana Swamy temple, a Vishnu temple that local tradition dates back about two thousand years, and a short drive away is Sivagiri Mutt, where the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru is buried.
North Cliff, South Cliff and beyond
The busy clifftop path above Papanasam is usually called the North Cliff. It is lined with restaurants, yoga shalas and small shops and is liveliest from November to March. The southern end of the cliff, around the helipad, is more open and has wide views over the beach.
Further north, the cliffs continue past smaller beaches, including a stretch of black sand (Thiruvambadi or Black Beach). Walking the cliffs in the early morning, before the cafés open, shows a much calmer side of Varkala.
Ayurveda in Varkala
Kerala Tourism describes Varkala as a popular health resort because of its many Ayurvedic massage centres. Along the cliff and in the lanes behind it you will find everything from simple massage rooms to full residential Ayurveda resorts offering multi-day treatment programmes. For anything beyond a relaxing massage, choose a centre with qualified doctors and a proper consultation, and book serious treatments in advance.
Sea and cliff safety
- Swim carefully: currents can be strong, especially from May to September during the south-west monsoon. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty and follow their flags and whistles.
- Mind the edge: parts of the cliff path have no railing; keep well back from the edge, especially at night and after rain.
- Steps: the paths down to the beach are steep – wear sandals with grip.
- Dress: swimwear is fine on the beach, but cover up on the clifftop, in town and near the temple.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Varkala is about 590 km from Pondicherry, so it is best done as part of a longer Kerala trip rather than a weekend. Our Kerala coast tour: Kochi, Kumarakom and Varkala ends with two relaxed days here. You can also combine Varkala with Kovalam and Thiruvananthapuram, roughly 1.5–2 hours to the south. See our beaches and Ayurveda and wellness pages for more.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Varkala Cliff famous?
Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala with cliffs right beside the Arabian Sea. The cliffs are a National Geological Monument, and the clifftop path is known for its sea views, cafés and Ayurveda centres.
Is it safe to swim at Varkala beach?
It can be, in calm weather and only where lifeguards are on duty. Currents can be strong, especially during the south-west monsoon from about May to September.
What is the best time to visit Varkala?
October to March, when the sea is calmer and the weather drier. Late afternoon to sunset is the best time on the cliff.
How far is Varkala from Thiruvananthapuram?
About 50 km, roughly 1.5 hours by road.