In the northern suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram lies Varkala, the only region in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These cliffs have been declared a national geological monument by the Geological Survey of India and are a geo-heritage site that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The town is most well-known for its Janardhana Swamy Temple, an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India that is often referred to as the “Dakshin Kashi.” The reason tourists love Varkala so much is because of its relaxing ambience, cultural experiences, culinary highlights and propensity for adventure.
Here then is your complete guide to Varkala.
The Papanasam Beach, also known as Varkala Beach, is arguably the most popular sandy shore in Varkala. It is renowned for a natural spring which abounds in its vicinity and is considered to have medicinal and curative properties. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. The evening views of the sunset are worth staying for and there are several small restaurants and snack shops around the area for visitors to quell their hunger.
A little way away from Varkala Beach is a unique red stone cliff that is a big draw with tourists. The Varkala Cliff features colossal rock formations, hillsides, balmy beaches, hidden ruins and forts along with cloistered lighthouses and placid lakes. This busy location has a local flea market with souvenir shops and provides panoramic views of the beach and coastline.
Anjengo Fort is remembered as the location of the first trade settlement of the East India Company in Kerala. Legend has it that the English were given this site by the Queen of Attingal for trade purposes. Anjengo, or Anchuthengu, was a small stretch of land with five coconut trees at the time, and the fort was named after it. Today, this majestic architectural marvel is one of the top places to visit in Varkala. The coconut groves that dot the shore add to the destination’s charm and make it among the finest picnic spots in the area. One can simply sit and watch fishermen diligently going about their work.
Originally built around 2,000 years ago, the Janardhana Swamy Temple’s present structure dates back to the 12th century. Pilgrims religiously make their way here to pray to the primary deity of the temple, Lord Vishnu, and perform the final rites for their loved ones. The paintings of Lord Hanuman in different poses are extremely famous as well. The temple is a fine example of Keralite art and architecture, which includes the circular sanctum sanctorum that is surmounted by a conical dome of copper sheets; the square mandapa (pillared hall or pavilion) with wooden carvings of the navagrahas on the ceiling and copper-plated roof; the quadrangular enclosures called prakaram around them; and a hall containing a bali pitha (sacrificial altar) in front of the inner temple.
The pristine Kappil Beach and backwaters are a famed destination as they offer an idyllic escape from the rigours of daily life. Located close to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, people come here to enjoy the scenic backwaters and the various water sports options. It is a peaceful area with ample chances to simply relax or take a comforting boat ride. A two-hour seaside walk from here leads along a gently undulating path from Varkala's North Cliff, passing a subtly changing beach landscape that includes Odayam Beach and the fishing village of Edava. The Kodi Hills nearby offer a breathtaking view for all those who trek up the cliff.
Surfing, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paragliding are the order of the day in Varkala. Papanasam Beach is ideal for beginner surfers while the Black Sand Beach offers strong waves for skilled surfers. Ride a jet ski along the shore of Anchuthengu Beach with the dramatic cliffs of Varkala standing behind you. See the mangroves that line the backwaters with a guided kayaking tour or take a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lesson from Surf N Sea.
The ancient therapeutic principles of Ayurveda are known to provide relief from medical conditions such as rheumatism, respiratory problems, blood pressure and cholesterol, among others. There is no better place to learn about Ayurveda in India than Kerala, thanks to its long-standing tradition and deep cultural integration of this ancient system of medicine. Book a massage with the Thanal Ayurveda Home, the Ayushi Ayurvedic Retreat, Ayursoul or Namasthe Ayurveda to ease your physical and mental worries.
The Sivagiri Mutt is a pilgrimage centre where the tomb, or samadhi, of Sree Narayana Guru is situated. The philosopher, spiritual leader and social reformer led a reform movement against injustice in the caste-ridden society of Kerala in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Sivagiri Mutt is the headquarters of his organisation, called the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham. The religious centre has a prayer hall, ornate temples and accommodation for visitors. Marvel at the Sivagiri Sarada Temple, which is octagonal in shape and was planned and designed by the Guru himself. Its most distinctive feature is that it has windows, which is very uncharacteristic of a temple. The shrine is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.
The Jatayu Earth Center is a park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam, some 26 kilometres from Varkala. It stands at an altitude of 350 metres above sea level and holds the distinction of having the world’s largest bird sculpture, which is of Jatayu. In the Hindu epic “Ramayana,” there is a reference to a divine bird called Jatayu, who falls to Earth after he tries to save the goddess Sita from the clutches of the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the battered, wingless Jatayu fell on top of a hillock in Chadayamangalam, and it is this exact spot that now features a 70-foot sculpture to memorialise the sacrifice of the bird hero. This eco-tourist site has a cable car; walkway; a group of caves-cum-cottages called the Siddha Healing Caves; an adventure centre where people can try bouldering, paintball, rappelling, free climbing, archery, log walking and shooting, among other activities; and an open-air performance centre.
Varkala’s cosy cafés are not to be missed. Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea’s azure waters and the town’s lush greenery, these places are perfect for those seeking rest and foodies looking to dig into local and international cuisines. Visit the InDa Café for pancakes, the Darjeeling Café for Tibetan momos, the ABBA Restaurant and Everest German Bakery for banoffee pie, the Aum Café for tasty coffee, the Gods Own Country Kitchen for fresh seafood, the Chimney Family Restaurant for Keralite dishes, and the Clafouti Restaurant for South Indian food and pasta.
For a luxury stay, consider the B'Canti Boutique Beach Resort and the Elixir Cliff Beach Resort and Spa. For a budget stay, consider the Magnolia Guesthouse and the InDa Hotel. Backpackers should consider Hope Hostels and Zostel Varkala.
The nearest airport to Varkala is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), approximately 42 kilometres away. The nearest train stop is the Varkala Sivagiri railway station (VAK). Varkala is situated along the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam coastal highway and is connected by State Highway 64 with the Mumbai-Kanyakumari National Highway 66. State-run buses and private ones operate regular services to Varkala from the major cities and towns of Kerala.
The best time to visit Varkala is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. During these months, the temperature ranges between 20°C to 30°C, making exploring the cliffs, temples, and scenic landscapes comfortable.