Varkala

About Varkala

Varkala is the only place on the Kerala coast where cliffs meet the sea, and the strip of cafes along the North Cliff looks straight down onto Papanasam beach. Mineral springs come out of the rock face, the Janardanaswamy temple is 2,000 years old, and the sunsets are the reason nobody leaves on time. It suits slow trips: yoga in the morning, a swim, an afternoon at Kappil lake where the backwaters meet the sea, and dinner watching the light go. **Getting there.** Overnight train from Bengaluru to Varkala Sivagiri (12–14 hours) — the easiest way in. Often clubbed with Alleppey or Kovalam. **Where to stay.** Cliff-top guesthouses and hostels on North Cliff, quieter resorts towards Odayam.

Things to do

• • North Cliff walk and cafes
• • Papanasam beach and mineral springs
• • Janardanaswamy temple
• • Kappil lake and Varkala tunnel
• • Sunset from the helipad ground
• • Surf lesson or yoga class

Best time to visit

November to March for calm sea and blue skies; the cliff cafes largely shut during the monsoon.

How to reach

Overnight train from Bengaluru to Varkala Sivagiri (12–14 hours) — the easiest way in. Often clubbed with Alleppey or Kovalam.

Where to stay

Cliff-top guesthouses and hostels on North Cliff, quieter resorts towards Odayam.

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