Red Cliffs, Yoga and the Arabian Sea — Kerala's Bohemian Coast
Varkala is Kerala's most dramatically beautiful beach — dramatic red laterite cliffs plunging 30 metres straight into the Arabian Sea, a natural spring flowing from the cliff face directly onto the beach, yoga studios overlooking the ocean, and cliff-top restaurants serving fresh seafood as the sun sets. Less commercial than Kovalam, more authentic than Goa, Varkala is Kerala's favourite escape for those who know.
The most memorable experiences this destination has to offer
A sacred beach where the natural spring water is believed to wash away sins.
Sunrise yoga on the cliff edge with the sea below — studios like Himalaya Yoga offer drop-in classes.
A 2,000-year-old Vishnu temple at the north cliff edge — one of the 108 Divya Desams.
Fresh spring water emerges from the red laterite cliff face directly onto the beach.
Black Beach dive operators offer snorkelling (₹500) and open-water diving certification (₹8,000).
The best sunset view in Varkala — the helipad north of the cliff offers 270 degree sea views.
2km south — a quieter, locals-only beach with fishing boats and zero tourist infrastructure.
North of the main cliff — rougher waters but very few tourists and a surfer community.
Month-by-month guide for planning your perfect trip
Trivandrum International Airport — 51km, ~1.5 hours by road
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station — direct trains from Trivandrum (1hr), Ernakulam, Kollam
52km, ~1.5 hours. Taxi: ₹1,200
Regular KSRTC buses from Kollam (45min) and Trivandrum (1.5hrs)
Curated hotels and homestays for every budget
Taj Gateway Varkala (₹8,000) · The Upstairs Clifftop Villa (₹15,000)
Hindustan Beach Retreat (₹4,500) · Clafouti Resort (₹3,500)
Bamboo Village (₹1,800) · Sea Pearl Chalets (₹2,200) · Villa Jacaranda (₹2,500)
Clafouti Cliff House (₹700) · Sky Cliff (₹600) · Eden Garden (₹500)
Authentic flavours you must try
Order Kerala-style grilled lobster at any cliff restaurant at sunset — ₹800–1,200/kg.
Varkala has excellent healthy cafes — try Cafe Italiano or Oottupura for organic Kerala food.
Coconut water blended with yogurt and cardamom — unique to Varkala, sold at beach stalls.
A hidden gem 500m from the cliff — authentic Kerala thali for ₹120, no tourists know about it.
What experienced travellers know that guidebooks don't tell you
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