Best Things To Do In Varkala Beach, Kerala, India

 
Varkala isn’t a polished resort strip; it feels wild in the best way. Red laterite cliffs drop straight to the Arabian Sea, the air is thick with heat and salt, and pilgrims and holidaymakers share the same shore, giving the town a lived‑in, quietly spiritual energy.
 

The Cliff: Lively and Chaotic


North Cliff is a narrow walkway along the edge. No cars—just a steady flow of people. One side drops to the sea. The other has cafés, yoga studios, and small shops.

The Rhythm:
  • 6 AM: Cool air, runners, yoga, and fishermen calling below.
  • 5 PM: Golden cliffs and sunset crowds.

 

Papanasham: Redemption on the Sand

The main beach is Papanasham—“destruction of sins". People come here to cleanse bad karma.

It’s a strange contrast. A tourist sunbathes while a family performs rituals nearby. In Varkala, the sacred and everyday exist side by side.

Waterfall Trick: Natural springs flow from the rocks midway down the stairs. Locals believe the water is special. People bathe under the cliffs before jumping into the sea. It’s the town’s simplest—and free—shower.

 

What to Do (Beyond Tanning)


1. Surfing at Black Beach. Walk ten minutes north of the main cliff, and the sand turns pitch black. This is Thiruvambady Beach. It’s not dirty; it’s just high in minerals like ilmenite. This is the heart of the local surf scene. The waves here are "mellow" beach breaks—perfect if you’ve never touched a board before. Local schools like Soul & Surf or the smaller local shacks will get you standing up in an hour for about ₹1,500.

2. Mangroves: Go to Nedungolam. Kayak the quiet backwaters.

3. Temple: Ancient Vishnu temple and pilgrimage site.

Vibe: Oil lamps and temple bells.
Dress Code: Cover up; men bare-chested.

The banyan tree is worth the visit.
 


The Food: Don't Eat "Global"


Every café on the cliff has a "Continental" menu. Ignore it. You didn’t come to Kerala to eat mediocre pasta.
  • The Real Deal: Head into the main Varkala town (away from the beach). Find a tiny "hotel" (the Indian word for a diner) and order a Beef Fry and Parotta. Costs about ₹120 and feels unforgettable.\
  • Seafood: Choose a busy cliff spot for fresh fish. Try it Pollichathu—marinated, wrapped in banana leaf, and grilled to stay juicy.

 

Finding Your Base: Why Fragrant Nature Hotels & Resorts?


Cliffside hostels are fun but loud. You’ll hear alarms, music, and dogs at night. If you want real rest, stay away from the cliff. This is where Fragrant Nature comes in. Located a short drive away on the banks of Paravur Lake, it’s a complete 15km from the cliff chaos. It’s set in six acres of greenery where the only sound is the water and the occasional bird. Why it’s the strategic move:
  • Legit Ayurveda: Most "Ayurveda" on the cliff is just a fancy oil massage in a room that smells like damp towels. At Fragrant Nature, they have actual Vaidyas (doctors). If you want a real Panchakarma detox or help with stress/sleep issues, you do it here.
  • The View: Kerala-style villas overlooking the backwaters. Private terraces open to calm water and greenery. Mornings begin with birds and soft light on the lake. Evenings feel still and unhurried.
  • The Escape: Surf at Black Beach by day, relax by the lake at night. It’s the best way to see Kerala without burning out.

Facade view of Fragrant Nature Kollam with its reflection on the lake
Long view of the beach with people enjoying their time on the shore and hills nearby

Useful Advice


1. The Train is King. Skip taxis. Train to Varkala Sivagiri. Cliff is 10 minutes by rickshaw.
2. The Sun Is Intense. The Varkala sun in 2026 isn't a "gentle tan" sun. It’s a "burn you in 15 minutes" sun. Invest in high-SPF sunscreen and carry a litre of water everywhere. The local tender coconuts (Karippu) are better than any Gatorade you’ll find.
3. Respect the holy: Varkala is a temple town. Beachwear is fine on the sand—cover up when you leave. It shows respect to locals.
4. The Booze Scene Alcohol laws in Kerala are tricky. Most cliff cafés don't have a licence, so they’ll serve your beer in a teapot or a "special" mug. If you want to buy your own, the state-run "Beverages" shop is in town. Expect a long, chaotic line—it’s an experience in itself.

The 72-Hour Varkala Plan

  • Day 1: Check in at Fragrant Nature, Kollam: Start your trip with a relaxed stay at Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa. Slow down from day one. Unpack, switch off your phone, and settle into the calm of the backwaters.Book a proper Ayurvedic oil treatment at the in house spa and let your body reset. In the evening, enjoy sunset over the lake, quiet, wide, and peaceful. This is a different mood from the cliff, more private and grounded.
  • Day 2: Explore Varkala Cliff: After breakfast, drive to Varkala Cliff. It is just about 30 minutes from Fragrant Nature Kollam, making it an easy half day or full day trip. Spend your afternoon walking along the cliff promenade. Stop at a café, try a popular Kerala seafood dish, and take in the Arabian Sea views. In the evening, head to North Cliff for sunset. The golden light over the red cliffs is what Varkala is known for.
  • Day 3: Beach, Temple, and Backwaters: Start early with a visit to Black Beach for a relaxed morning by the sea. If you are into surfing, this is the best spot to try. Later, explore Kappil Lake for a scenic backwater experience where the lake meets the sea. Before returning, visit Janardhana Swamy Temple, one of the oldest temples in the region. Drive back to Fragrant Nature in Kollam for one last peaceful evening by the backwaters before you wrap up your trip.

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What Not to Do

 

Don’t ignore red flags or lifeguards, aim cameras at close‑up rituals, skip sun protection, walk alone late in empty areas, or overstuff your itinerary.

 
  • Avoid rough seas.
  • Dress respectfully near temples.
  • Keep valuables discreet and fix fares first.
  • Slow down—Varkala is best unhurried.
     

After Dark


Expect sunsets, relaxed cafés and music, not big clubs; backwater and small stays are even quieter at night.
  • Sunset by the lake. Quieter. Slower. More peaceful.
  • Evenings wind down early.
  • It’s a place for conversations, not crowds.

Why Varkala Stays With You


Varkala isn't a "perfect" destination. Your shoes will get stained by the red dust. You’ll get sweat in your eyes. You’ll probably have a confusing conversation with a rickshaw driver who just shakes his head at you. But it’s authentic. Temple bells mix with the sound of the surf and coffee. Varkala doesn’t try to impress—and that’s why people return. 

Plan your Varkala escape and unwind at Fragrant Nature by the backwaters.

 

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