Varkala Beach Kerala – Best Time to Visit, Things to Do, Cafes & Cliff Views 2025

Introduction

Varkala beach is the place to be, in case you want to have a different experience at the coast of Kerala. It is also one of the most fascinating locations in India which is characterized by the dramatic cliffs that shoot directly out of the Arabian Sea. The spiritual feel and bohemian atmosphere of the beach make it a very special destination of all travels carried out by Indians.

This heart-warming place has a fusion of tranquility and adventure as well as spirituality. It is time to jump into all that you had to know about planning the perfect vacation in Varkala Beach and its Old Gravel Cliff.

Location, Connection and Airport closest to Varkala

Varkala beach is located in Thiruvananthapuram district which is the Gods own country in Kerala. It has unique cliffs called the Varkala Formation which is a declared geological monument. It is quite convenient to reach, having the good rail and air connections with the majority of Indian major cities.

The closest international airport is the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), at 45-55 km distance. Still, even when you travel by train, Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station is quite close to the main section of the beach, it is only about 2 kilometers.

What is the reason behind calling Varkala Beach as the Papanasam Beach?

The larger part of the Varkala beach is intensely holy to the Hindu pilgrims and is commonly referred to as Papanasam Beach. The term papanasam simply can be translated as the destruction of sins.

It is believed that by immersing into the holy waters, the sins are cleansed, body and soul are purified. Varkala is therefore a major pilgrimage point also referred to as Dakshin Kashi or the Benares of the south.

Best of Things to do: The Varkala Cliff and More

Varkala Cliff is a great site to visit and this is the tourism capital of the town. It presents spectacular coastline sceneries of the Arabian Sea and a colorful line of cafes, resorts, and shops. Temples, mutts, and other manmade wonders are present in Varkala besides the cliff as well.

They are the main attractions that should be supposed in case you are visiting Varkala beach:

• Varkala Cliff (North and South Cliff): The core of attraction, which is best viewed during a sunset, and it can be used to shop and dine in the restaurants located on the sea.
• Janardhana Swamy Temple: an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu that is estimated to be about 2000 years old, and is situated right adjacent to Papanasam Beach.
• Sivagiri Mutt: This is a peaceful pilgrimage centre and it is located on a hill founded by a social reformer known as Sree Narayana Guru.
• Black Sand Beach: This is a peculiar beach found to the north of the main cliff which has black colour due to the major deposits of minerals in the sand.
• Kappil Beach and Backwaters: This is a scenic place that a couple of kilometres north of Varkala where the backwaters meet with the sea.

The Fun Things and Experiences to Play at Varkala

Varkala is a place that has been built with a combination of taking it easy with high intensity-fun. You will never spend the same day working, doing wellness retreats or adventure sports. North Cliff in particular is famed with its yoga studios and a telling cultural community.

These are the best experiences which should be included in your Varkala beach program:

• Yoga and Ayurveda: Varkala is a fitness and wellness centre, it has many yoga classes, meditation classes, and some Ayurvedic massage centres.
• Paragliding: You can also have the best time of your life as you enjoy a bird-eye magic image of the coastline as you paraglide off of the Varkala Cliff.
• Surfing and Water Sports: Go to the local beach or local beaches to undergo surfing lessons, jet-ski, and parasailing.
• Shopping Tibetan Market: The cliffside marketplace: The market with its entrance is bohemian clothes, souvenir, Kashi jewellery and Tibetan artefact set.
• Fisheries at the Cliffside Cafes: Savor fresh fish cooked Kerala style besides watching a magnificent sunset at the Varkala Cliff.

Varkala Beach Best Time To Visit

Varkala beach is finest during winter and this is the best time to visit it. It is also the high season of tourists due to the favorable weather.

The temperate climate is less noisy and moener. During hot and humid summers, the use of the car is seldom made.

During winter there is a blue sky, cold evenings with the best atmosphere to do outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Conclusion

Varkala beach is a real treasure of the Kerala coast line which is composed of geological beauty, spiritual nature and bohemian tourism. The Varkala Cliff has a gorgeous background, which is very photogenic and unforgettable.

The diverse appeal of Varkala has ensured that it is the destination of tourists back to the beach, be it in search of spiritual comfort in Papanasam Beach or an exciting adventure of paragliding. Visit in October to March in order to experience the best of this coastal heaven.

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