South India · Kerala
Varkala
Clifftop cafés above a crescent of beach
- Ideal duration
- 2 days
- Best season
- October to March
- From Bengaluru
- Approx. 1.5 hours by flight to Thiruvananthapuram, then about 1.5 hours by road
- Best for
- Couples and slow travellers
About Varkala
Varkala’s red laterite cliffs drop to a long beach on the Arabian Sea. The clifftop path is lined with cafés and small stays, while Papanasam beach and the Janardhana Swamy temple give the town a spiritual side. It is an easy extension from Thiruvananthapuram or Alleppey.
Highlights
- North Cliff walk
- Papanasam beach
- Janardhana Swamy temple
- Relaxed beach cafés
Top attractions
North Cliff
The clifftop path with sea views and cafés.
Papanasam beach
A beach where pilgrims perform rituals.
Janardhana Swamy Temple
An old Vishnu temple above the beach.
Kappil beach
A quiet stretch where backwater meets sea.
Sample itinerary
A suggested outline—we tailor the pace, stays and stops to your group.
Day 1Cliff and beach
Arrive via Thiruvananthapuram, sunset on North Cliff.
Day 2Temple and Kappil
Janardhana Swamy temple, Kappil beach, onward travel.
Experiences here
Varkala works well for couples and slow travellers. Tap a style to see matching tours from Bengaluru.
Where to stay
We shortlist stays that suit your budget and group. Typical options here:
- Clifftop boutique stays
- Beach resorts
- Ayurveda retreats
Who it suits
- Families— suitable
- Couples— suitable
- Groups & friends— suitable
- Senior travellers— not ideal
For senior travellers: The cliff-to-beach steps are steep; choose a stay with vehicle access.
Travel guidance
How to reach
- By air: Thiruvananthapuram airport is about 50 km away.
- By train: Varkala Sivagiri station is on the main Kerala line.
Weather & season
Warm and humid; rough seas in the monsoon.
Best time: October to March
Tips from our planners
- Stay near the north cliff for walkable cafés.
- Beach access from the cliff involves steep steps.
Safety notes
- Currents are strong—swim only between lifeguard flags.
- Some cliff edges are unfenced.
Food to try
Fresh seafood grills · Kerala fish curry · Tender coconut
Distances, travel times and seasons are approximate and can vary with traffic, weather and local rules.
Tours
No ready-made tour yet—we plan Varkala trips around you.
Share your dates and group size and we’ll send a day-by-day plan.
Plan this tripPlan your Varkala trip
Tell us your dates. We’ll suggest the best way to do it.
Include who’s travelling—elders, children, a group of friends—and we’ll plan the pace around them.
