Varkala: Kerala’s Cliff Top Beach Town for Long Walks

Varkala is a rare combination in India. A working pilgrimage town and a cliff top beach strip share the same stretch of coast, and for now the balance between local life and visitor cafés still mostly holds.

💡 QUICK INTEL

• Best for: Beach walkers, yoga and café fans, budget travelers
• Ideal trip length: 3 to 5 days
• Budget: Guesthouses, hostels and a few boutique stays
• Vibe: Relaxed, sea facing, mix of devotional and backpacker energy

Cliff paths and temple steps

The main tourist strip runs along a red laterite cliff above the Arabian Sea, with a path connecting clusters of cafés, shops and guesthouses. Steps at different points lead down to the beach. At one end lies Janardanaswamy Temple and Papanasam Beach, where pilgrims come for ritual bathing. Sharing the space respectfully means covering up when moving between cliff and town and being aware that not everyone at the water’s edge is on holiday.

Sea conditions and safety

Wave strength and currents vary by season. Local lifeguards and flag systems give practical information on where and when it is safe to swim. It is wise to avoid the water after heavy meals, late at night or when consuming alcohol. Strong sun on the cliff can be as big a hazard as the sea, so hats, long sleeves and regular shade breaks help.

Living lightly on a changing coast

Like many beach towns, Varkala is adjusting to coastal erosion and the pressures of development. Choosing stays and cafés that manage waste responsibly, avoiding single use plastic where possible and staying on marked paths instead of cutting down cliff faces are small ways to reduce strain. The cliffs are what make this place feel different. Keeping them intact is a shared project.