Places to Visit in Varkala Cliff & Beach: The Complete Coastal Guide

Introduction to Varkala: The Red Cliff Paradise of the Arabian Sea

Rising dramatically above the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea in southern Kerala, Varkala is one of the most geologically striking coastal destinations in India. What sets Varkala apart from every other beach town in the country is its towering tertiary sedimentary cliff formation—known to geologists as the Varkala Formation and declared a National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India. Perched atop these red laterite cliffs, you find an enchanting promenade of seafood cafes, yoga studios, ayurvedic massage centres, and bohemian craft stalls overlooking pristine sands below. Easily accessible by train or coastal road—as outlined in our guide on how to reach Varkala from Bangalore and Kochi—this coastal haven combines spiritual heritage, laid-back beach culture, and dramatic coastal topography.

1. The Red Laterite North Cliff & Promenade

The beating heart of Varkala's backpacker and workation culture is the famous North Cliff. Stretching for over 1.5 kilometres along the edge of sheer 80-foot red sandstone bluffs, the pedestrian-only cliff path offers panoramic vistas across the boundless ocean. By day, visitors lounge at cliff-edge cafes sipping iced coconut cold brews and fresh fruit smoothies while catching sea breezes. As the sun begins to descend, the cliffs transform into a vibrant sunset hub where travellers gather to watch the fiery red sun sink into the Arabian Sea.

The cliff is lined with open-air candlelit restaurants displaying fresh catches of the day—from kingfish and red snapper to tiger prawns and calamari grilled with Keralan spices. Staying at one of the scenic cliff view resorts near the Varkala Helipad or vibrant workation hostels in Varkala Cliff puts you directly above the sandy shore with high-speed internet and panoramic balcony views.

2. Papanasam Beach & Natural Mineral Springs

Directly beneath the cliff lies Papanasam Beach, which holds profound significance in local folklore. The name Papanasam translates literally to "redemption from sins," and Hindus believe that taking a holy dip in these sacred ocean waters cleanses the soul of all past transgressions. Beyond its spiritual significance, Papanasam Beach is renowned for its natural mineral water springs and bubbling hillside streams that trickle down through the mineral-rich laterite rock beds. Many visitors bathe in these freshwater springs right by the shore, believing the water to possess therapeutic, skin-healing properties.

The beach itself is divided into two distinct sections: the southern end, where pilgrims and priests perform sacred ancestral rituals (Vavu Bali), and the northern stretch below the cliff, which attracts sunbathers, swimmers, and surf enthusiasts. Lifeguards are stationed along the shore, though swimmers should be mindful of strong undercurrents during high tide.

3. Black Sand Beach & Thiruvambadi Beach

A short 2-kilometre walk north along the coastal path past the North Cliff brings you to Black Beach and Thiruvambadi Beach. Characterized by distinctive patches of dark, glistening radioactive-free mineral sand (rich in ilmenite and monazite), Black Beach offers a peaceful sanctuary away from the busier central promenade. Sheltered by leaning coconut palms and gentle sand dunes, it is one of the best spots in Varkala for quiet morning yoga, meditation, and unhurried swimming. The shallow waters and gentle wave breaks here also make it a popular training ground for local surf schools that offer beginner lessons during the winter season.

4. Kappil Lake & Beach: Where the Backwaters Meet the Sea

Located approximately 7 kilometres north of Varkala Cliff, Kappil is a spectacular confluence where the tranquil backwater lagoon of Edava-Nadayara Lake flows directly alongside the crashing waves of the Arabian Sea, separated only by a narrow coastal road. The drive to Kappil on a rented scooter is among the most scenic coastal stretches in Kerala, winding past sleepy fishing hamlets, estuaries, and dense coconut groves.

At Kappil Lake, you can hire traditional wooden rowboats, pedal boats, or modern speedboats from the Priyadarshini Boat Club to cruise along the quiet backwater channels fringed with mangrove thickets. Afterwards, cross the road to Kappil Beach, a broad, secluded strip of golden sand where you can watch local fishermen haul in their massive shore-seine nets against the backdrop of distant blue headlands.

5. The 2,000-Year-Old Janardhana Swamy Temple

Situated on a hilltop near the southern entrance of Papanasam Beach, the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple is a major Vaishnavite pilgrimage site with a history spanning over two millennia. Often referred to as the "Dakshin Varanasi" (Banaras of the South), the temple is dedicated to Lord Janardhana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple compound is dominated by an ancient circular sanctuary (srikovil), intricate wooden carvings depicting scenes from the Puranas, a sacred peepal tree wrapped in brass bells, and a massive Dutch bronze bell gifted by the captain of a shipwrecked European vessel in the 18th century. The temple pond, surrounded by mossy stone steps, reflects centuries of spiritual devotion and offers a serene retreat into Kerala's living heritage.

6. Historic Anjengo Fort (Anchuthengu) & Lighthouse

Located 12 kilometres south of Varkala, the historic settlement of Anchuthengu (meaning "five coconut trees") is home to Anjengo Fort, established by the English East India Company in 1695. As the British East India Company's first permanent coastal trading post in Kerala, the laterite fort played a pivotal role during the Anglo-Mysore wars and the Attingal Rebellion of 1721. Today, you can explore the preserved bastion walls, ancient European tombstones, and cannon embrasures overlooking the fishing harbour.

Directly adjacent to the fort stands the 130-foot Anjengo Lighthouse, built in 1988. Climbing the spiral staircase to the top balcony rewards visitors with a breathtaking 360-degree aerial panorama encompassing miles of uninterrupted palm tree canopies, the glimmering backwaters of Anchuthengu Lake, and the roaring ocean surf.

Top Attractions in Varkala at a Glance

Ayurveda, Yoga & Wellness in Varkala

Beyond sightseeing, Varkala is world-renowned as a sanctuary for holistic healing and wellness. The cliff breeze, rich in iodine and sea minerals, combined with Kerala's traditional medical knowledge, creates an ideal environment for rejuvenation. Renowned ayurvedic beach resorts in Varkala offer certified Panchakarma treatments, herbal steam baths, and specialized therapeutic massages administered by experienced Vaidyas. Daily open-air sunrise yoga classes overlooking the ocean are hosted across various rooftop shalas and backpacker hostels in Varkala, catering to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

Practical Tips for Visiting Varkala

• Best Season: November to March is the peak season with dry sunny days, calm blue seas, and cool evening breezes (24°C to 31°C). The monsoon from June to September brings heavy waves and rough seas, though the cliffs become lush and serene.
• Getting Around: Renting an automatic scooter (Rs 350–500 per day) is the most convenient way to explore Kappil, Anjengo Fort, and surrounding fishing villages.
• Ocean Safety: Varkala's surf can have powerful rip currents. Always swim within marked lifeguard zones and avoid entering the water after sunset.

Conclusion

With its dramatic red laterite cliffs, sacred mineral beaches, peaceful backwater junctions at Kappil, and centuries of maritime history at Anjengo, Varkala is an unforgettable coastal destination. Whether you come for spiritual peace, wellness retreats, or vibrant cliffside evenings, this Kerala jewel promises memories that linger long after the tides recede.