Varkala is a coastal town and the only place in southern Kerala where laterite cliffs are found directly adjacent to the Arabian Sea — a unique geological formation declared a national geo-heritage site. The cliffs, known as the Varkala Formation, are classified as Cenozoic sedimentary formations. Varkala simultaneously is a pilgrimage destination and a known backpacker beach town, a combination found at few places on the Indian coast.
Places
Varkala Cliff
A 15-metre high laterite cliff running along the northern coastline of Varkala, declared a national geological monument and geo-heritage site by the Geological Survey of India. The cliffs are the only formation of this type on the otherwise flat Kerala coastline.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Papanasam Beach
The beach at the base of the Varkala Cliff, known as Papanasam — meaning redemption from sins in Malayalam. The beach is a Hindu pilgrimage site where devotees perform Vavu Beli — a ritual offering for ancestors performed in the sea on the new moon day of the Malayalam month of Karkadakam (July).
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Janardana Swami Temple
A 2,000-year-old Vaishnavaite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on a rocky hill at the entrance to the beach road, known as Dakshin Kashi — the Benares of the South. Built in traditional Kerala temple architecture with a copper-plated roof and intricately carved wooden interior.
Timing: Open daily, 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee. Traditional dress required
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Sivagiri Mutt
An ashram and pilgrimage centre established by Sree Narayana Guru — the philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer who challenged the caste system in Kerala in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The samadhi (final resting place) of Sree Narayana Guru is located here, drawing thousands of devotees annually.
Timing: Open daily, 5 AM – 12 PM and 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Odayam Beach
A quieter beach north of Papanasam, separated from the main Varkala beach area by the cliff headland. Lined with coconut palms and less crowded than Papanasam.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Kappil Beach
A beach, where the Edava-Nadayara Lake — a coastal lagoon connected to the backwater system — meets the Arabian Sea. One of the few places in Kerala where the backwaters and the sea are separated only by a narrow strip of sand.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Anchuthengu Fort
A 17th century fort built by the English East India Company at Anchuthengu — their first trade settlement in Kerala, established with permission from the Queen of Attingal. The name Anchuthengu means five coconut trees in Malayalam, describing the original appearance of the site.
Timing: Open daily, Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Ponnumthuruthu Island
A small island in the Kallada river backwaters, accessible only by boat. The island contains a Shiva temple and a Krishna temple set within dense coconut groves. The boat ride through the backwaters to reach the island is the primary draw.
Timing: Open daily, accessible by boat
Entry Fee: Boat charges varies by operator
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Getting There
Varkala is well connected by rail and is approximately 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.
Varkala — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Station: Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK)
Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
Bus Terminal: Varkala Bus Stand
By Train
Search “Varkala” as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK) is the main station. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air. Fly into Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) — approximately 50 km from Varkala. From the airport, hire a taxi or take a bus to Varkala.
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus or AbhiBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (KSRTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
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