Overview

  • Features: Beach with red cliffs in the background
  • Opening Times: Dawn to dusk, daily
  • Best Time to Visit: Late October to early March
  • Duration: Half a day
  • Travelled By: Foot
  • Cost: Free
  • Address: Varkala, Kerala, India
  • Type: Beach

Author Reviews[display_rating_item_results rating_form_id=”2″ rating_entry_ids=”1″ show_category_filter=”false” show_options=”true” result_type=”star_rating” preserve_max_rating=”true” show_title=”false” show_count=”false” ]

Total Rating: [display_rating_result rating_form_id=”2″ show_count=”false” show_rich_snippets=true] [accordions load=”1″] [accordion title=”User Reviews” last] [display_rating_item_results rating_form_id=”5″ show_options=”true” result_type=”star_rating” preserve_max_rating=”true” show_title=”false” show_count=”true” show_rich_snippets=true] [/accordion] [accordion title=”Add Review”][display_rating_form show_email_input=”true” show_comment_textarea=”true” show_name_input=”true” rating_form_id=”5″] [/accordion] [/accordions]

What We Liked

Magnificent beach view from the clifftops.

What We Disliked

Gawking groups of Indian men.

Summary

With its backdrop of red laterite cliffs, Varkala Beach has a very different landscape to most other beaches in India. Perched on top of these ruby-red cliffs, overlooking the beach, are several shops, restaurants and resorts that stand out amongst the coconut palms. The beach is a haven for sunbathing and swimming.

Varkala Beach

 

[singlepic id=970 w=720 h=560 float=center]

 

With its backdrop of red laterite cliffs, Varkala Beach has a very different landscape to most other beaches in India. These tertiary sedimentary formations are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs. Perched on top of these ruby-red cliffs, overlooking the beach, are several shops, restaurants and resorts that stand out amongst the coconut palms.

 

[singlepic id=974 w=720 h=560 float=center]

 

Varkala Beach also has religious connotations for the Hindus as it was created by the sage Narada when he flung a cloth made from the bark of a tree into the air and it landed in the spot where the beach lies. Narada then directed his disciples to pray for salvation at the newly created beach, which came to be known as Papanasam Beach or the “Beach of Redemption”. The word Papanasam means to wash away sins. It is believed that a dip in the waters of Varkala Beach washes away all the sins in one’s life. This beach is also associated with ancestor worship, as Hindus immerse the ashes of their dead here.

Being a holy beach, the sand at the base of the cliffs stays relatively free of human pollution. Instead, devotees of Vishnu attend to earnest puja sessions, offering banana leaves piled with boiled rice and brightly coloured marigolds to be carried away by the ocean.

 

[singlepic id=975 w=720 h=560 float=center]

 

Varkala Beach stretches for 10 kms between the main Papanasam Beach in the south to Kappil Beach in the north. It is possible to walk over the cliffs from beach to beach while enjoying the stupendous views of the azure waters of the Arabian Sea and the gold sands of the beaches. There are some beaches along the way that are quite rocky so care must be taken at all times.

 

 

[singlepic id=980 w=720 h=560 float=center]

 

A popular attraction on Varkala Beach are the fishermen that bring their colourful boats and fishing nets onto land by late afternoon. You can see groups of them on the sand fixing their nets or selling their fish to the locals.

 

[singlepic id=979 w=720 h=560 float=center]

 

[singlepic id=976 w=720 h=560 float=center]

 

Another popular activity at Varkala Beach is paragliding. The red cliffs are the perfect spot to take off over the blue waters, while the strong winds from the Arabian Sea allow the gliders to sail over the beach. Lessons can be taken from the paragliding school located along the cliffs.

 

[singlepic id=978 w=720 h=560 float=center]

 

At the northern end is Kappil Beach which opens up to Kappil Lake, a scenic spot with colourful boats moored nearby.

 

[singlepic id=973 w=720 h=560 float=center]

 

The beach is a haven for sunbathing and swimming. Usually, the sand is soft and lovely, and you can find a quiet cove for sunbathing without the crowds that are inescapable in Kovalam. In fact, you can find relative peace and calm if you restrict your beach activities to the morning; by lunchtime the gawkers, hawkers and dreadlocked European start to file in, and it’s time to venture back to the hotel or guesthouse.

It’s worth visiting Varkala Beach for the evening views of the sunset.

 

[singlepic id=972 w=720 h=560 float=center]

 

Tips for Varkala Beach

If women wear bikinis or even swimsuits on the beach at Varkala, they are likely to feel uncomfortably exposed to stares – note that local people don’t strip down on the beach. Wearing a sarong when out of the water will help avoid off ending local sensibilities or attracting unwelcome attention, though it’s worth noting that police patrol the beaches to keep male starers a-walkin’ and the hawkers at bay. It pays to dress sensitively, especially if you’re going into Varkala town.

Varkala Beach is well known for its strong currents; even experienced swimmers have been swept away. This is one of the most dangerous beaches in Kerala, so be careful and swim between the flags or ask the lifeguards where’s the safest place to swim.

 

[wpgmza id=”79″]