Varkala
The Cliff Beach Coast
Overview
Varkala is a coastal town in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India, distinguished by the Varkala Cliff, a dramatic laterite cliff dropping directly onto Papanasam Beach (the only such cliff on the Kerala coast). It is also the site of the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple. It is a quieter, more dramatic alternative to Kovalam, on the same southern Kerala coast. MyTripMyTravel operates Varkala as a cliff-coast wellness and slow-luxury leg with clifftop stays.
Varkala is Kerala's other beach, the dramatic, less-developed counterpoint to Kovalam, with a single defining feature that nothing else on the coast has: a long laterite cliff dropping straight onto the sand.
The cliff edge carries a walking promenade and a row of small clifftop properties looking directly out over the Arabian Sea, which gives Varkala its peculiar register, Kerala's beach experience at altitude.
Below, Papanasam Beach is significant in Hindu ritual (its name means 'wash away sins') and sits beside the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple, giving the town a layer of meaning Kovalam does not have.
MyTripMyTravel runs Varkala as a quieter alternative to Kovalam for the Kerala close, clifftop luxury stays, sea-facing Ayurveda, and the temple-and-coast walk handled with respect for the sacred elements.
At a glance
Varkala in brief
When to visit
October to March
October to March is the calm-sea season for the cliff walk, the beach, and clifftop Ayurveda. December to February is peak. The southwest monsoon (June to August) is very heavy on the south Kerala coast. April to May is hot and humid. The dry winter window is optimal.
Things to do
Experiences in Varkala
Varkala Cliff walk
The promenade along the laterite edge, the town's defining experience at sunset.
Papanasam Beach
The sacred beach below the cliff, with ritual significance.
Janardanaswamy Temple
The 2,000-year-old temple beside the beach, escorted, respectful visit.
Clifftop Ayurveda
Practitioner-led Ayurvedic treatments at sea-facing resorts, via the sanctuary wing.
Sivagiri Mutt
The hilltop ashram of Sree Narayana Guru, a significant Kerala reformer.
Coastal seafood dinner
Fresh Arabian Sea catch at a clifftop terrace timed for sunset.
Getting there
How to reach Varkala
Thiruvananthapuram International (TRV) is the nearest airport; we manage the ~45-minute chauffeured transfer.
Short chauffeured legs from Kovalam (1.5 hrs) and the wider Kerala circuit.
Varkala Sivagiri station connects the Kerala coastal line; we handle station transfers.
GPS-tracked vehicles for the Kerala circuit close into Varkala.
Where to stay
Sea-facing properties directly on the cliff edge, Varkala's defining stay.
Established wellness resorts with practitioner-led programmes.
Restored coastal properties slightly inland for a quieter base.
Where to eat
Sunset Arabian Sea seafood at a cliff-edge terrace.
Dosha-aligned menus integrated with the resort wellness programme.
An escorted walk along the cliff's long-running cafés and kitchens.
Ready to book
Itineraries featuring Varkala
Private, chauffeured, day-by-day journeys that feature Varkala or explore the wider Kerala Backwaters, each fully customisable, or built around your dates.
Kerala Backwater Bliss
Karnataka Hampi Heritage
Tamil Nadu Temple Trail
Kerala Backwater Ayurveda
GT + Munnar Nature
Good to know
Varkala, your questions
How is Varkala different from Kovalam?
Varkala has the dramatic laterite cliff, Kerala's only true cliff coast, plus the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple, giving it a layer of meaning and a quieter register than Kovalam.
Can I do Ayurveda in Varkala?
Yes, established clifftop resorts run practitioner-led Ayurvedic programmes; we arrange these through our wellness sanctuary wing.
How many nights in Varkala?
Two, for the cliff walk and sunset, beach time, and either a wellness programme or a temple/Sivagiri morning.
When should I avoid Varkala?
The June to August monsoon, heavy on the south Kerala coast. October to March is the calm-sea window.
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Pairs well with Varkala
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