Varkala, in Kerala, is a spectacular coastal town famed for its dramatic red cliffs overlooking a golden beach, a laid back clifftop scene, temples and wellness retreats. A uniquely beautiful beach destination, it enchants visitors. The best time to visit is October to March, and two to three days let you enjoy its beaches, cliffs and relaxed vibe.
Why Visit Varkala
Varkala is one of India’s most striking and beautiful beach destinations, uniquely set beneath dramatic red laterite cliffs that rise above a golden sandy beach and the Arabian Sea. This spectacular clifftop setting, lined with cafes, shops and guesthouses offering stunning sea views, gives Varkala a charm quite unlike anywhere else. The combination of natural beauty, a relaxed bohemian atmosphere and gorgeous sunsets makes it a favourite for travellers seeking a scenic and laid back beach escape.
Beyond its famous cliff and beach, Varkala has spiritual significance as a temple town and is known for its wellness and yoga retreats, drawing those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The blend of beautiful beaches, a lively clifftop scene, spirituality and a mellow vibe gives Varkala a special appeal. Whether you seek sun and sea, wellness, or simply a beautiful place to unwind, this stunning cliff beach offers a memorable and rejuvenating coastal getaway.
Top Things to Do in Varkala
Varkala offers cliff and beach relaxation, a lively clifftop scene, temples and wellness.
Relax on the Beach and Cliff
Varkala’s main beach, backed by its dramatic red cliffs, is a beautiful spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing, while the clifftop path above offers stunning views and a lively scene of cafes and shops. Splitting your time between the golden sand below and the vibrant cliff above, watching the waves and the spectacular sunsets, is the quintessential Varkala experience and utterly relaxing.
Stroll the Clifftop Promenade
The clifftop promenade is the heart of Varkala’s laid back scene, lined with cafes, restaurants, shops and guesthouses perched above the sea. Strolling here, browsing for crafts and clothes, enjoying a meal or drink with an ocean view, and soaking up the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere is a delight. The clifftop is especially magical at sunset, when the sky and sea glow and the whole scene comes alive.
Visit the Janardanaswamy Temple
Varkala is also a temple town, home to the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple, an important pilgrimage site, and the nearby Papanasam Beach, considered holy, where pilgrims perform rituals. Visiting these sites offers insight into the spiritual significance of Varkala beyond its beach appeal, and adds a cultural and devotional dimension to a visit. The blend of the sacred and the scenic is part of Varkala’s unique character.
Enjoy Wellness and Yoga
Varkala is a popular destination for wellness, with numerous yoga centres, Ayurvedic spas and retreats set in beautiful surroundings. Practising yoga on the clifftop with the sea as your backdrop, or enjoying a rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment, is a wonderful way to relax and recharge. This focus on wellness, combined with the serene setting, makes Varkala an ideal place for rest, rejuvenation and mindful escape.
Food and Local Flavours in Varkala
Varkala’s clifftop cafes offer fresh seafood, Kerala cuisine and global fare.
- Fresh seafood, often grilled and served with a sea view.
- Kerala dishes like appam, fish curry and spiced curries.
- International cafe fare catering to the traveller crowd.
- Fresh fruit, juices and refreshing drinks along the cliff.
The clifftop cafes of Varkala are perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and Kerala specialities with a stunning sea view, and the relaxed dining scene, blending local and international flavours, is a lovely part of the town’s laid back charm.
Nature, Spirituality and Vibe
Varkala’s most distinctive natural feature is its dramatic red cliffs, a rare geological formation along this stretch of coast that gives the town its spectacular setting. The beautiful beaches below, the sweeping sea views and the gorgeous sunsets create scenery of exceptional beauty. This unique coastal landscape, combined with the relaxed clifftop scene, is the heart of Varkala’s appeal and sets it apart from other beach destinations in India.
The town also carries a spiritual dimension, as a temple town and a place associated with sacred rituals, alongside its thriving wellness and yoga culture. This blend of natural beauty, spirituality and a mellow, bohemian vibe gives Varkala a special, restorative atmosphere. Whether you come to relax on the beach, practise yoga on the cliff or simply soak up the beautiful sunsets, Varkala offers a uniquely soothing and scenic coastal experience.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
Varkala is well placed for exploring more of southern Kerala’s coast.
- Papanasam Beach, the holy beach near the temple.
- Kappil Beach and backwaters, a scenic spot nearby.
- Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, within reach.
- Kovalam and other beaches along the southern coast.
The nearby holy Papanasam Beach and the scenic Kappil backwaters make lovely excursions, while the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and the beach town of Kovalam are within reach for those exploring more of southern Kerala’s coast.
Best Time to Visit Varkala
October to March is the most pleasant time to visit, with comfortable weather ideal for beaches, the clifftop scene and wellness activities. This is also when the clifftop scene is at its liveliest. Summers are hot and humid, typical of the coast, while the monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas, quieting the town but offering lush greenery. For the best beach and clifftop experience, the cooler, drier winter months are clearly ideal.
How to Reach Varkala
Varkala is well connected by rail, with a railway station on the Kerala coastal route linking it to Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and other cities. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram, a convenient distance away, with onward road travel. Buses and taxis serve Varkala from surrounding areas. Within the town, the beach, cliff and temple are close together and easily explored on foot, with autos and taxis for longer distances and connections to nearby spots.
Where to Stay in Varkala
Varkala offers a wonderful range of accommodation, from clifftop guesthouses and boutique hotels with stunning sea views to beach resorts, wellness retreats and budget stays. Staying on or near the cliff immerses you in the beautiful views and lively scene, while quieter spots offer more seclusion. The town’s focus on relaxation and wellness makes it ideal for a rejuvenating getaway. Choosing a clifftop or sea facing stay greatly enhances the scenic charm of a visit to Varkala.
Planning Your Trip
Varkala rewards a relaxed two to three day visit, with time for the beach, the clifftop scene, the temple and perhaps some yoga or an Ayurvedic treatment. It combines well with Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam and other southern Kerala destinations. Enjoy the beach by day and the clifftop cafes at sunset, and embrace the mellow, unhurried vibe. Book a clifftop stay for the best views, and leave time to simply relax and soak up the stunning scenery of this unique beach town.
Practical Travel Tips
- Enjoy the beach by day and the clifftop cafes at sunset.
- Take a stroll along the scenic clifftop promenade.
- Try a yoga session or Ayurvedic treatment for rejuvenation.
- Visit the Janardanaswamy Temple and holy Papanasam Beach.
- Book a clifftop or sea facing stay for the best views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Varkala famous for?
Varkala is famous for its dramatic red cliffs overlooking a golden beach and the Arabian Sea, its laid back clifftop scene of cafes and shops, its ancient temple and its wellness and yoga retreats. It is a uniquely beautiful beach destination.
How many days do you need in Varkala?
Two to three days are ideal to enjoy the beach, clifftop scene, temple and some yoga or wellness. Varkala combines well with Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam and other southern Kerala destinations.
What makes Varkala beach special?
Varkala beach is special for its dramatic setting beneath striking red laterite cliffs, a rare formation along the coast. The clifftop above, lined with cafes and shops with stunning sea views, gives it a charm unlike other Indian beaches.
What is the best time to visit Varkala?
October to March offers the most pleasant weather and the liveliest clifftop scene. Summers are hot and humid, while the monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas, so the cooler winter months are best.
How do you reach Varkala?
Varkala has a railway station on the Kerala coastal route linking it to Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, with the nearest airport at Thiruvananthapuram. Buses and taxis also connect it to surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts
Varkala is a stunning and unique beach town where dramatic red cliffs rise above golden sands, creating one of the most spectacular coastal settings in India. Relax on the beach, stroll the lively clifftop lined with cafes, watch glorious sunsets over the sea and rejuvenate with yoga and wellness amid the beauty. Scenic, spiritual and wonderfully laid back, Varkala offers a rejuvenating and memorable beach escape that captures the relaxed, soulful charm of coastal Kerala. Few beach destinations in India combine such dramatic natural beauty with such an easygoing, welcoming atmosphere.