Places to visit in Varkala

Picture a place where the turquoise Arabian Sea is protected by fiery red cliffs. The sound of waves crashing wakes you up every morning, and every sunset feels like a work of art just for you. Varkala is not a dream it is one of the top places to visit. This bohemian beach town is hidden away in Kerala’s lush landscape. It has quietly become the place to go for travelers looking for a spiritual getaway with a little adventure.

For a long time, Varkala was a secret place that only spiritual seekers and backpackers knew about. Today, it has the perfect mix of peaceful spirituality and relaxed beach culture that draws in everyone who comes. You can start your day with yoga by the ocean, spend the afternoon surfing, and end it at a cafe on a cliff, where you can watch the sky explode with color. Varkala is the place to go if you want to really unplug and reconnect.

Places to Visit in Varkala

A Cliff Like No Other
The beautiful cliff in Varkala is what makes it different from any other beach town in India. This amazing geological feature is the only place in southern Kerala where you can see steep cliffs right next to the sea. Along the edge is a paved footpath that makes a lively promenade with a mix of cafes, craft shops, yoga studios, and guesthouses. This cliff is the center of Varkala and has amazing views from every angle. Every day, people walk along the cliff as the sun sets. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

There are many beaches along the coast to explore.
A set of stairs from the cliff leads down to the town’s main attraction, Varkala Beach, which is also called Papanasam Beach. People believe that bathing in the holy waters of Papanasam will wash away their sins, so the name means “destroyer of sins.” But the fun doesn’t end there:

Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach) is the town’s main hub. It’s great for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. It’s one of the few surf spots in India that people know about.

Black Beach: This unique stretch of coastline is known for its striking black sand, which makes a dramatic contrast with the blue sea. It’s only a short walk from the main beach.

Kappil Beach is a peaceful place a few kilometers away where the backwaters meet the sea. You can take a peaceful boat ride through the calm backwaters, which are lined with coconut palms. The coast is beautiful, but Varkala’s true beauty comes from its spiritual roots.

Janardanaswamy Temple

This beautiful temple, which is 2,000 years old and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an important part of Varkala’s spiritual life. People often call it the “Varanasi of the South” because of its Dravidian architecture and calm atmosphere, which make it a great place to relax.

Sree Narayana Guru, a great social reformer, is buried at Sivagiri Mutt. This ashram is a pilgrimage site known for its peaceful atmosphere and unique multi-tiered white terraces.

Varkala is a major center for wellness, with yoga and Ayurveda. Join a drop-in yoga class on the cliff or get a real Ayurvedic massage to relax your body and mind and feel the peaceful energy of the town.

Don’t miss the Jatayu Earth’s Center, which has the world’s largest bird sculpture, or a day trip to the peaceful backwaters of Munroe Island for some adventure.

Varkala is more than just a nice beach. It’s a place to get better, learn new things, and just be. It’s the kind of place that takes a piece of your heart and makes you want to go back again and again.

Want to know more about other beach destinations like Goa & Gokarna

Why stay in boring hotels, just book an Airbnb in Varkala