VARKALA & COASTAL KERALA
Varkala & Coastal Kerala is where the Arabian Sea meets dramatic red cliffs and tranquil backwaters. It is a bohemian, spiritual, and naturally beautiful destination, perfect for wellness, sunbathing, and surfing.
This region is the heart of Kerala’s captivating coastline, renowned for its ancient temples, Ayurvedic traditions, and unique geological formations, offering a serene escape with vibrant local culture.
Most Popular Attractions
Varkala Cliff & Beaches:
Varkala Cliff (North & South Cliff): A stunning, unique geological monument with panoramic sea views, bustling with shops, cafes, and yoga studios.
Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach): The main stretch of sand, famous for its sacred waters believed to wash away sins, ideal for sunbathing and spiritual rituals.
Black Sand Beach: A quieter, more secluded beach just north of the main cliff, known for its unique black mineral-rich sand.
Odayam Beach: A peaceful, untouched stretch of sand, perfect for tranquil walks and solitude, often found on the way to Kappil.
Chilakkoor Beach: A hidden, peaceful beach with golden sand and coconut groves, offering a rustic coastal appeal.
Spiritual & Historical Sites:
Janardhanaswamy Temple: A 2000-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, often called the ‘Southern Benares’ and overlooking Papanasam Beach.
Sivagiri Mutt: A major pilgrimage center and ashram founded by the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, set on a hilltop with a serene ambiance.
Anchuthengu (Anjengo) Fort & Lighthouse: A 17th-century historic fort built by the British East India Company, offering a glimpse into colonial history and coastal views.
Varkala Lighthouse: An 18th-century structure offering a bird’s-eye view of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding pristine shores.
Varkala Tunnel (Varkala Canal): A 924-foot-long, British-built tunnel, once an active water passage for trade and now a historical site.
Kilimanoor Palace: The birthplace and early studio of the celebrated Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma, showcasing traditional Kerala architecture and art.
Backwaters, Lakes & Nature:
Kappil Lake & Beach: A beautiful spot where the Kappil Lake meets the Arabian Sea, featuring a scenic bridge and boat club for backwater rides.
Ponnumthuruthu Island (Golden Island): A secluded, uninhabited island in the Anchuthengu backwaters, accessible by boat and home to a century-old Shiva-Parvati temple.
Paravur Mangrove Forest: A lush ecosystem perfect for tranquil kayaking or country boat rides through dense mangroves, especially beautiful at sunset.
Edava-Nadayara Lake: A picturesque backwater body running parallel to the coast, separated from the sea by a strip of road, ideal for photography.
Vettakada Beach: A quiet beach near the backwaters, offering a serene environment away from the crowds.
Culture, Wellness & Activities:
Ayurveda & Wellness Centres: Numerous centres across Varkala offering traditional Ayurvedic massages, treatments, and rejuvenation programs.
Yoga & Meditation Classes: A central hub for yoga retreats, sound healing, and drop-in classes, often held on the cliff overlooking the sea.
Tibetan Market (North Cliff): A vibrant collection of stalls selling souvenirs, silver jewelry, handicrafts, and bohemian accessories.
Surfing & Water Sports: Opportunities for surfing lessons, parasailing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding at various beaches like Black Sand Beach and Kappil Beach.
Varkala Culture Center: Hosts cultural evenings, often featuring traditional Kerala art forms like the Kathakali dance.
Jatayu Earth’s Center (Day Trip): Home to the world’s largest bird sculpture (Jatayu) on a hilltop, offering panoramic views and a cable car ride (located about 26 km away).
Activities & Experiences
Practice Yoga and Meditation: Join a sunrise yoga class or enroll in a multi-day yoga and meditation retreat offered by the numerous centers along the North Cliff.
Indulge in an Ayurvedic Treatment: Experience the traditional Kerala system of medicine with a therapeutic Ayurvedic massage, often featuring detoxifying and rejuvenating therapies.
Surf at Black Sand Beach: Take beginner-friendly surfing lessons or rent a board to catch the waves at Black Sand Beach or Papanasam Beach, which offers ideal conditions for learners.
Kayak or Canoe through the Mangroves: Explore the tranquil backwaters and mangrove forests near Varkala (like at Kappil Lake or Paravur) by kayak or country boat for a peaceful nature experience.
Go Paragliding from the Cliff: Take the plunge from the iconic Varkala Cliff for an adrenaline-pumping paragliding or parasailing experience, offering breathtaking aerial views of the coastline.
Witness a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu Performance: Attend a cultural show at the Varkala Cultural Center to see the vibrant, traditional dance-drama of Kathakali or the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Walk the Varkala Cliffside Path: Stroll along the path atop the cliff, browsing the quirky boutiques, Tibetan stalls, and jewelry shops, and stop at a café for a spectacular sea view.
Visit the Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse: Journey south to the well-preserved 17th-century British Anjengo Fort and climb the nearby lighthouse for a sweeping, 360-degree view of the sea and coastline.
Explore the Jatayu Earth’s Center: Take a scenic ropeway ride to the top of a hill to see the world’s largest bird sculpture, the colossal statue of Jatayu, and enjoy the on-site adventure park.
Visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple: Pay respects at this 2,000-year-old Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a key spiritual landmark just a short walk from Papanasam Beach.
Chase Sunsets at Kappil Beach: Head to Kappil, where a narrow strip of road separates the Kappil Lake backwaters from the Arabian Sea, providing a stunning location to watch the sunset.
Go on a Local Food Tour: Sample authentic Keralan cuisine, from fresh seafood cooked in coconut oil to appam and stew or a traditional sadhya served on a banana leaf.
Local Tips & Transport
Getting to Varkala: The nearest major hub is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), approximately 55 km away. From there, you can hire a prepaid taxi/app-based cab (approx. 1.5 hours) or take a train from Trivandrum Central to Varkala.
Trains are Convenient: Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station is only about 2 km from the main beach/cliff area. Frequent local trains connect it to major cities like Trivandrum and Kollam.
Local Commute: For short distances within town, Auto-Rickshaws are abundant—always negotiate the fare or ensure the meter is used, as drivers often quote inflated prices for tourists.
Best Way to Explore: For flexibility in visiting nearby beaches and attractions like Anjengo Fort or Jatayu Center, renting a scooter or motorbike (around ₹300 per day) is the most popular and efficient method.
On Foot: The Varkala Cliff area is very pedestrian-friendly. The main sights, cafes, and shops along the cliff are best explored by walking.
Dress Code & Respect: Varkala is a pilgrimage site. When visiting the Janardhana Swamy Temple or Papanasam Beach for religious ceremonies, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). While the main tourist beaches are generally relaxed, it’s respectful to use a cover-up when walking through non-beach areas.
Dining Scene: The North Cliff is lined with “sea-facing” cafes offering international and local cuisines. Fresh seafood is a highlight—many shacks display the day’s catch for you to choose from. Expect service to be on the slower side; embrace the relaxed pace!
Shopping Tip: The cliffside path is a great place to buy souvenirs, including jewelry, textiles, and products from the Tibetan market. Remember to haggle politely for a good price.
Yoga & Ayurveda: Varkala is a wellness hub. Be sure to research your Ayurveda center or yoga studio carefully before booking extended treatments or retreats to ensure quality and authenticity.
Monsoon Season: The main monsoon season is from June to September. While the area is lush and less crowded, the sea can be rough, and water sports activities may be limited or suspended. October to March offers the best weather.
Hidden Gems:
- Varkala Tunnel: An impressive 19th-century engineering marvel that was once a key part of the waterway network. You can take a boat ride through parts of it.
- Ponnumthuruthu Island (Golden Island): Take a short boat ride to this serene, uninhabited island with a beautiful century-old temple, perfect for escaping the crowds.
- Chilakoor Beach: A secluded, pristine beach lined with casuarina trees, offering a quieter alternative to the main Varkala beaches.
Top Restaurants
Sreepadman [Under $5] – A highly-regarded, pure vegetarian restaurant located opposite the Janardhanaswamy Temple, famous for its authentic, hearty, and very cheap Kerala meals (Thali) and breakfast items.
Oottupura Vegetarian Restaurant [Under $5] – Situated near the cliff area but known for its excellent value and purely traditional South Indian vegetarian food, especially dosa and idli.
Hotel Suprabhatham [Under $5] – An affordable, purely vegetarian restaurant in Varkala town, popular for its wide variety of delicious veg dishes like masala dosa and vada.
Juicy Cafe [Under $10] – A popular spot not on the cliff, frequented by locals for its amazing, authentic, and generously portioned Kerala curries and excellent, inexpensive traditional breakfast.
Malabar Restaurant [Under $10] – Located in the Puthanchanda area of Varkala, this local favorite serves genuine Malabar (North Kerala) cuisine, including excellent Biryani.
Uthradam Restaurant [Under $10] – A simple, well-regarded local restaurant in the Maithanam area, known for good and tasty traditional Kerala food.
Kaveri Fish Land [Under $10] – Known for fish specialties, offering very good fish masala and tawa fry alongside chapati and chicken biryani in a clean and hygienic setting.
Vrindhavanam Restaurant [Under $10] – Located in Varkala town, offering a solid menu of traditional and local dishes at very reasonable prices, popular with residents.
Moy’zz Biriyanis [Under $10] – Specializing in different varieties of biryanis in the Puthenchantha area, a great choice for this iconic South Indian dish.
God’s Own Country Kitchen [$5-$15] – A popular, colorful shack-like restaurant on the cliff, known for traditional Kerala seafood delights and a variety of fusion dishes and fresh juices.
ABBA Restaurant & Everest German Bakery [$5-$15] – An open-air garden restaurant known for its Swedish-style bread baked in a brick oven, alongside a diverse menu of seafood, Italian, and Indian cuisine with mesmerizing sea views.
Darjeeling Cafe Varkala [$5-$15] – A vibrant and popular vegetarian/multi-cuisine spot on the cliff, offering good food, great ocean views, and often featuring live music.
Caffe Italiano Varkala [$5-$15] – Known for a nice ambiance and stunning beach view, this cafe offers a blend of Italian-inspired cuisine (pizza, pasta) alongside coffee and a laid-back vibe.
Cafe del Mar [$5-$15] – Popular on the North Cliff for its Italian and multi-cuisine menu, great views, and a lively atmosphere, slightly more expensive than some nearby spots.
InDa Cafe [$5-$15] – Located slightly off the main cliff in Varkala Town, known for its focus on visually appealing food, combining Indian flavors with Western-style cooking, with the Buddha Bowl being a recommended dish.
Trattorias Restaurant [$5-$15] – A popular dining spot on the North End Cliff with stunning ocean views, known for its diverse menu, including good continental and Italian options.
The Bait & Hook Seaside Restaurant [$8-$20] – Located at B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort, this multi-cuisine restaurant offers a beautiful sea view setting and is known for its seafood, with the option for beachside candlelight dinners.
Chilliout Cafe Restaurant [$5-$15] – Known for authentic, delicious, and fresh cuisine, with a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and sometimes wonderful background music.
The White Rabbit Vegetarian Cafe [$5-$15] – A popular vegetarian spot at North Cliff, known for breakfast options, good coffee, and a cozy atmosphere.
Little Tibet [$5-$15] – A popular spot on the cliff for a unique change, specializing in authentic Tibetan cuisine, particularly their delicious momo (dumplings), thukpa, and thenthuk.
Soul Food Cafe [$8-$18] – A breezy, open-air cafe in the clifftop garden of Soul & Surf, offering stunning views, fresh, tropical drinks, and a focus on healthy and delicious food, including seafood starters.
The Juice Shack [$5-$15] – Offering a multi-level seafront deck, this health-food joint is known for its fresh, vibrant juices, smoothies, and a selection of clean, light food options and quick bites.
B’Canti – Coastal Kitchen [$10-$20] – Located within a resort (Gateway Varkala), this all-day eatery offers a harmonious mix of traditional South Indian dishes and global comfort food in a breezy, coastal-inspired setting.
The Bait & Hook (Romantic/Special Occasion) [$15-$30] – While also a casual dining spot, they are known for arranging private, romantic candlelight dinners right on the beach, focusing on fresh seafood.
The Konkan Cafe (Trivandrum) [$15-$35] – Located further afield in the wider coastal area (Trivandrum), this café is an upscale spot that blends the magic of the Konkan coast with modern dining, focusing on fresh seafood and fragrant spices, often recommended in luxury hotel circuits.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Darjeeling Cafe: Located prominently on the North Cliff, this popular spot is famous for its chic, bohemian décor, stunning ocean-view seating, and a lively atmosphere that often includes music and candlelight, making it a favorite for evening drinks and dining.
The Buddha Bar Cafe: Situated along the North Cliff, this cafe offers a great mix of Indian and international cuisine alongside an array of refreshing drinks. It’s known for having one of the best atmospheres for a casual, enjoyable evening.
Gods Own Country Kitchen: Found near the Helipad/North Cliff area, this spot is highly regarded for its fresh seafood and is a go-to for live music scenes, creating a vibrant, communal evening experience with drinks and a meal.
Clafouti Restaurant: A well-known venue on the North Cliff with an excellent ocean view. It attracts a large foreign crowd and is perfect for sunset drinks and soaking up the bohemian beach vibe.
Sandy Bay Cafe: Offering great vibes and music, this cafe along the North Cliff is often cited as a prime spot for a lively evening crowd, especially on weekends, for post-dinner drinks and socializing.
Cafe del Mar Varkala: Located in a central spot on the North Cliff, this cafe is known for its blend of international flavors and an excellent view, providing a stylish setting for evening relaxation with a drink.
The Rooftop Lounge (Various locations, check daily): Several hotels/hostels near the North Cliff feature rooftop bars that offer panoramic views of the Varkala skyline, making them ideal for an elevated (literally) pre-dinner drink.
True Thomas: While known for its North Indian cuisine, this spot along the North Cliff provides a great ambiance for evening dining and drinks, standing out from the usual seafood fare.
Cafe Sarwaa: Perched on the North Cliff, this venue boasts some of the best views, perfect for sitting back with a beer or a casual drink while watching the waves crash below.
ABBA Restaurant & Everest German Bakery: Found on the North Cliff, this spot offers a blend of local and German-inspired fare, with a reliably good atmosphere for a relaxed evening drink.
Jicky’s Bar (Near Varkala Railway Station): One of the few traditional licensed bars near the railway station area, a short auto-rickshaw ride from the cliff, offering local spirits and beers in a more classic bar setting.
Hotel Indraprastha (Karthika Bar) (Varkala Town): A more traditional hotel-based bar in Varkala Town (away from the cliff), offering a reliable option for drinks.
The Bait & Hook: Seaside Restaurant: Located with a stunning view on the North Cliff, this spot specializes in seafood and offers a wonderful setting to enjoy a casual drink with the sound of the ocean.
Trattorias: Near Black Beach, this restaurant offers a mix of cuisines and a relaxed spot to grab a drink away from the central North Cliff crowds.