Varkala Beach: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

South India has been my go-to place whenever I lacked clarity about “What is Next?” After exploring the beaches in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, I wanted to continue my journey, and my destination was the Western Coast of India. 

The quiet Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach with dramatic cliffs won me over. 

With golden sands, blue waters, and gentle waves, Varkala Beach is therapeutic. No wonder that it is such a popular place for outdoor Yoga practices. 

Furthermore, being a west-facing beach, it offers dramatic sunset views. 

Here is more about the 

  • Location of Varkala Beach
  • How to reach Varkala Beach
  • Best beaches in Varkala
  • Where to stay in Varkala Beach
  • When is the best time to visit Varkala Beach
  • Best things to do in Varkala Beach
  • Places to eat and drink
  • Is Varkala Beach worth it? 

About Varakala Beach

About Varakala Beach

Let me introduce the Varkala Beach to you with some quick answers. 

Where is Varkala Beach? Varka Beach is in Varkala. It is a coastal town on the southwestern coast of India.

In which state is Varkala Beach situated? Varkala Beach is situated in the southern state of Kerala in India. 

Varkala Beach, in which district? The Varkala Beach is in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. 

Varkala Beach distance: It is located at a distance of 40 km from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. 

Varkala Beach is the place where spirituality, wellness, religious fervor, and coastal recreation meet. It is also known as the Papanasam because people believe that taking a dip here washes away all your sins. 

In fact, the mineral-rich water of the Arabian Sea here has healing properties. 

Furthermore, the beach stretch is long, a little over 6 kms and it is the middle ground between the red cliffs and the blue waters. 

However, there are two things I did not like about the Varkala Beach. Firstly, all the eateries and shops lining the red cliffs obstruct the views. 

The more alarming thing is the amount of trash and plastic on the beach. There were food wraps and food wraps everywhere. Now, this shows a lack of maintenance and the absence of civic sense. 

Does The Varkala Beach Have A Shade?

No, the Varaka Beach does not have any designated or constructed shade. Also, naturally, there is rarely any shaded spot with very few trees around. 

Furthermore, there are some lizards in the sand here. They don’t bother anyone, but it was a big issue for me. 

Finally, I rented a shade and a chair from a clifftop cafe. 

However, be ready get heavily tanned as the Sun here is so strong that no amount of sunscreen can protect you. 

How Safe Is Varkala Beach? 

Varkala Beach is a safe place, and it is one of the best destinations for a solo trip in India. It has a laid-back vibe, typical of the coastal areas of South India. 

However, I could not find any lifeguards for the longer stretch of the beach. So, swimming here is something you need to do at your own risk. 

Also, the current here is very strong. So, if you have plans to swim with kids, you have to be very careful. 

How To Get To Varkala?

How To Get To Varkala

The Varkala Beach is closest to the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). The distance is around 45 kilometers. Furthermore, the nearest railway station, Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station, is a little over 4 km away. 

However, the Trivandrum Central (TVC) is at a distance of 1 hour, and the Kollam Junction (QLN) Railway Station is around 40 minutes away. Both these stations have frequent train options from different parts of India. 

1. How To Get To Varkala Beach From Trivandrum Airport

I booked an Uber to reach the Varkala Beach from the Trivandrum Airport, and the charge was INR 1160. This is the safest option if you are new to the place. 

Local cabs and other online car rentals are also available. However, if you cannot negotiate, they will charge you between INR 1500 and INR 1600. 

Furthermore, the cheapest option to travel from Trivandrum to Varkala is to take a bus run by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Buses are available every 15 minutes. 

However, the KSRTC bus stop is around 15 km away from the beach. So, from there, you will again have to take a local bus or taxi. 

2. How To Travel From The Varkala Railway Station To Varkala Beach? 

You can take a local taxi to reach the beach from the Varkala Railway Station. Local buses are also available.

What Are The Best Beaches In Varkala?

The Varkala Beach is the main attraction in the town of Varkala. However, it has many other beaches, such as the Black Sand Beach, Odayam Beach, Kappil Beach and Beach Park, Edava Beach, and Thiruvambadi Beach. 

1. Black Sand Beach

The Black Sand Cliff is close to the north cliff. If the Varkala Beach is overcrowded, you can consider this one as an alternative. 

2. Odayam Beach

Odayam Beach

Odayam Beach is perfect if you want to enjoy a long stroll along the waters early morning or late in the evening. 

It is located at the north of the main cliff. 

3. Kappil Beach And Beach Park

Kappil Beach And Beach Park

The Kappil Beach and Beach Park are further north of the Varkala town. It is the place where you will have a bit of the famous Kerala backwater experience. 

Also, it is the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Kappil River. 

4. Edava Beach

Edava Beach

The Edava Beach is cleaner. Also, this quaint beach offers a delightful cultural experience. Here, you can meet the fishermen. 

Though language was a barrier sometimes, a few of them knew English. Also, I must say, after the rich cultural experience in Jaffna, this was another culturally enriching moment for me. 

5. Thiruvambadi Beach

Thiruvambadi Beach

It is the most secluded beach in Varkala. It has black and dark sand. Also, it has a calm environment, allowing you to just relax and introspect. 

Where To Stay In Varkala?

You can visit the Kerala Tourism website to find out where to stay in Varkala. It has Varkala beach resort options such as the Coconut Cove Beach Resort, the Pulari Gardens Tourist Resorts, and the nearest Karthika Plaza Resort Pvt. Ltd. 

Furthermore, there are hotels near Varkala Beach, such as InDa Hotel, the Lost Hostels, and Maison Sangham. 

I stayed at the Bougainvillea Homestay, which is very close to the Varkala beach cliffs. 

When To Visit Varkala?

October to March, or the winter and spring seasons, are ideal for visiting Varkala.The rainfall is minimal in these months, and the temperature hovers around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. 

Furthermore, less rain and moderate weather conditions are ideal for watersports such as jet skiing and paragliding. 

However, during my visit in February, I found the water current to be quite strong for swimming. So, check with the locals and the fishermen around before getting into the water. 

What Are The Best Things To Do In Varkala Beach?

What Are The Best Things To Do In Varkala Beach

The Varkala Beach is a welcome relief if you are exploring South India. It is not a place if you are planning an action-packed holiday. 

However, try these watersports. 

Surfing At Varkala Beach

You will find places such as Soul and Surf here to camp and learn surfing. Furthermore, the ideal surfing condition for a visitor depends on their expertise level. 

  • For Beginners: November to February
  • For Sufers of Intermediate or Advanced Levels: October to March
  • Advanced Surfers: The Monsoon Season or June to August 

Paragliding Varkala

Paragliding is the most adventurous thing you can try at Varkala Beach. You can have a hawk-eye view of the water and the golden sand by flying from one end of the cliff to another. 

Also, paragliding feels magical during sunset.

Varkala Beach Nightlife 

The bars, restaurants, and rooftop cafes of the North Cliff are the epicenters of a happening nightlife in Varkala. 

These places are ideal for candlelit dinners and enjoying a lively vibe with DJs and live acoustic music performances.

What Are The Places To Visit Near The Varkala Beach?

Varkala is an ideal place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, many religious and spiritual travelers combine a Varkala beach trip with a visit to Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt. 

The Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple is a 2000-year-old Vishnu shrine. It is associated with the legends of Lord Brahma and Narada Muni. 

On the other hand, the Sivagiri Mutt is home to the saints and sanyasins of the order started by Sree Narayana Gurudev. His primary teaching was “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man.” Established in 1904, this Mutt practices inclusiveness. 

What Are The Places For Eating And Drinking In Varkala?

There are many cafes and restaurants in Varkala. I chose a humble, local place for lunch and dinner. 

However, to experience the cafe culture here, I chose a few upscale places. 

1. Lunch At Vinayaka Vegetarian Restaurant

I ordered a veg Keralan thali at the Vinayaka Vegetarian Restaurant. The rice grains were thick, and they were filling.

Furthermore, they served the rice with five types of sides, pickle, and papad. It only cost me INR 90. 

2. Dinner At Chimney Restaurant

At the Chimney Restaurant, it was a continuation of my great seafood experience in Jaffna. The staff here suggested that I try a Kerala fish curry. 

The fish was fresh, and the curry was sharp and spicy (a little less than Jaffna). It was a perfect balance to the acidic element of rice. 

You must also try the village-style chicken curry here. It is a family-friendly restaurant. 

3. Cafés

I was at Cafe Trip is Life during sunset. The view was amazing, and I loved the grilled prawns and mojitos there. A bit pricey, but worth it!

Another café I loved here was Café Sarwaa. I was impressed with the Bohemian decor the moment I entered the place. I tried some samosas and banana pancakes there. 

However, you can eat here the whole day. Their paratha and Kerala beef curry are the most famous. 

Is Varkala Worth It? Should I Just Go To Goa?

The only similarity between Varkala and Goa beaches is the bohemian vibe. However, both beaches offer different experiences. 

Varkala is more nature-focused with the landscape of the Varkala Beach and a view of the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, it is more about relaxation and wellness thanks to the Yoga centers frequently found here. 

However, despite watersports and adventure facilities such as paragliding and surfing, Varkala is not as happening as Goa. Goa offers a wider range of watersports. 

Moreover, the nightlife of Goa is more vibrant. 

So, if you want a spiritual and wellness retreat and some quiet beach time, Varkala is the best. The 2000-year-old Vishnu temple is an added attraction here. 

For a vibe and a high-energy experience, choose Goa. 

Varkala Beach: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Varkala Beach. 

1. Varkala Beach Or Kovalam Beach, Which Is Best?

I cannot pick a favorite between the Varkala Beach and the Kovalam Beach. The Varkala Beach, with a bohemian vibe, is more laid-back and nature-focused. 
On the other hand, the Kovalam Beach has the iconic crescent beaches, and it offers a diverse range of watersports and a vibrant nightlife.

2. Which Beach In Varkala Has Bioluminescence?

The Varkala Beach has bioluminescence. You can especially notice the bioluminescence near the cliff and along the northern stretch of the beach. 
Here, tiny marine organisms emit blue and green light due to a chemical reaction. When the wave is disturbed, these organisms get scattered, and it looks like the water is glowing. 
Furthermore, from September to November is the best time to see the bioluminescence of the beach. 

3. What Is The Varkala Beach From Bangalore Distance?

The distance between Varkala Beach and Bangalore is around 670 km. You can travel by road, which takes around 14 hours. 
So, the easiest way to travel is to take a train from Bangalore Cantonment to Varkala. The travel time is around 13-15 hours. 
Furthermore, if you want to take the fastest way to travel, you must take a flight from the Bangalore Airport to the Trivandrum Airport and then take a bus or taxi to Kovalam.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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READ MORE Tokyo to Hokkaido

Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance: Know About Various Modes Of Transportation

BY  Sibashree May 17, 2025

Japan will have already exceeded the 10 million visitor mark by April 2025. The number is 10.54 million, specifically, as the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) data states.  JNTO had also stated earlier that 2024 was the year of the highest tourist footfall, with the number shooting up to 36.8 million.  Now, Tokyo, as the cultural, economic, and commercial epicentre of Japan, is, of course, experiencing the most tourism boom.  However, around 1300 km apart, Hokkaido also contributes to the country's tourism growth.  So, this time, we decided to make a Tokyo to Hokkaido journey, and our Tour and Travel blog has all the details as always! What Is The Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance? The distance between Tokyo and Hokkaido is 1,281.5 km. Traveling this distance by car takes around 20 hours.  However, taking a flight or a bullet train is the best option for traveling between these two destinations.  What Is A Good Month To Visit Hokkaido? Hokkaido is a year-round travel destination. 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Daisetsu and the Hidaka Mountains• Hokkaido is home to 22% of the entire forest land in Japan. • Beaches in Hokkaido, such as Otsu Beach, Shimamui Beach and Aso Beach Ishikari• Volcanic areas such as the Akan Volcanic Complex, Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and Daisetsuzan Volcanic GroupWinter Sports• Skiing• SnowboardingSummer Outdoor Activities• Biking• Hiking• Cycling ** Hokkaido is world-famous for its milk and dairy products. Hokkaido milk is creamy, rich, and full-bodied. It has been a favorite among chefs and connoisseurs since the 19th century after the western farming technique became popular in Japan.** Why Is Hokkaido A Murakami Lover’s Dream Destination? Have you heard of the Matsuyama Farm, located in the remote north of Hokkaido? It is an annual meeting ground for Murakami lovers from all corners of the world.  Further, Hokkaido is THE LOCATION of the Oscar-winning film Drive My Car. 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BY  Sibashree Oct 10, 2025

Drama and Golden hour glow! And of course, the Jenga rock formations!  All these make the Edge of the World Arizona perfect for camping, stargazing, and scenic drives. The Edge of the World calls the Coconino National Forest its home, and the national forest is further located between Sedona and Flagstaff.  The 55 km round trip is fun, provided you are ready to take the bounce coming from the washboards on the road. Furthermore, every bit of toil on the road is worth it once you enjoy the views from the Mogollon Rim top or inhale the whiff of the Ponderosa Pine.  What’s more? Let’s discuss the Edge of the World Arizona, in detail. We will also talk about the practical tips for a safe outdoor experience. Quick Facts About Edge Of The World Arizona  Distance from Sedona: 28 Miles Distance from Flagstaff: 27-28 Miles Road Type: A combination of gravel, dirt, and washboards Ride Types: High-Clearance 4x4, Dirt Bike, ATV (50"), SxS (60"), and SUV Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Road Condition: Not Maintained After Snow or Rain Best Time of the Day for Visit: Sunrise or Sunset Tools Needed: GPS Coordinates for Viewpoints Route Length: 55 Miles Dog-Friendly: Yes Elevation Change: 3,400’ Drones Allowed: No Edge of the World Arizona Map  1. East Pocket Arizona View this post on Instagram A post shared by ThreeSixZero Photo (@threesixzero_photo) The Edge of the World and the larger area are often referred to as the East Pocket. There is an old watchtower nearby for keeping an eye on the wildfire. This watch tower is called the East Pocket Tower.  2. The Knob The Jenga Rock formations, offset the cliffs, look like knobs, and they seem to be formed with puzzle blocks, which are not in order.  How To Reach The Edge Of The World Arizona  Here are the step-by-step guides for how to reach the Edge of the World Arizona from Flagstaff and Sedona. Flagstaff to Edge of the World Arizona RouteSedona to Edge of the World Arizona Route Journey Time: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes • Take the 89A Highway from the south of Flagstaff.• Drive for around 25 minutes to find the US Forest Service Road 535.• Continue for 19 Miles on Service Road 535. • Then, find the Forest Service Road 9012R and turn right to reach the Knob. Journey Time: Around 1 Hour and 30 Minutes• From the North of Sedona, Take Highway 89A.• Drive till Forest Road 535. You will find the turnoff after driving for around 17 miles north of Sedona.• Drive for 19 miles on Forest Road 535. Then, take the # 9012R.• Drive till the end of the road and turn right to find the Knob. • You will find various switchbacks, and navigating through the rocks and ruts here is really difficult. Also, following the numbered rock signs can be a little difficult.  During December to February, these roads can get blocked with extreme snowfall and ice accumulation. The icy patches remain till the spring months of March and May.  However, the summer months from June to August and the Fall months from September to November are ideal for the drive from Sedona or Flagstaff.  Before you plan a drive to the Edge of the World, Arizona, you can download and use the AZ 511 app and know about the current weather conditions.  What To Expect At The Viewpoint Of The Edge Of The World Arizona?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mary Forbes (@sunkissed_mary) With rocky cliffs in the surrounding area, you will also enjoy views of multiple peaks and ridges when driving to the Edge of the World in Arizona.  There are no hiking trails. However, you can climb some rocks and walk in some spots to get wonderful vistas of the canyon and the surrounding area.  Furthermore, to up your adventure level a few notches higher, you can go for a hike to the Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock Mountains in Sedona.  Nevertheless, the Lego or Knob Rock formation here is the main attraction. However, taking a photo of the formation is a bit tricky as the formation sits almost at the edge of the cliff.  So, you can climb up the left rock of the twin boulders you will come across before reaching the viewpoint.  Moreover, if you want to just stand below the rock formation, you can jump over a chasm and reach the lower rock in front of it. There is a gap of around 15 feet. So, jump only if you can manage.  Warnings And Things To Keep In Mind At The Edge Of The World Arizona  Keep the map open and follow the blue GPS dot, as network connectivity will be lost once you are on the Service Road 535. Do not follow Google Maps blindly, as in most cases, the road numbers on Google Maps may not match the signs of the Forest Service Roads.  Follow the Leave No Trace policy and follow all the local regulations of the Coconino National Forest. Keep the contact number of the national forest (+1 928-527-3600) handy so that you can contact them in an emergency. You can also contact the forest service at 1-800-832-1355.  Nature And Wildlife At Coconino National Forest Home to the Mormon Lake and Rogers Lake, the national forest is also home to many wildlife animals and birds.  Types of AnimalsExamplesMammals• White-Tailed Deer• Mule Deer• Black Bears• ElkPronghorn• Porcupines• Mountain Lions (Rarely Visible)Birds• Mexican Spotted Owls• Wild Eages• Bald Eagles• OspreysReptiles• Desert Spiny Lizard• Short Hord Lizard Plants At Coconino National Forest I have already mentioned that the Edge of the World in Arizona is filled with the aroma of Ponderosa Pines. I love these pine needles for their vanilla scent. These plants stand as the eternal witness, with an imposing height of up to 8000 feet.  These plants are also crucial for the fire-prone nature of the forest. They can withstand fire attacks thanks to their thick bark and pruning branches.  Other plants and trees found here are Quaking Aspen and Rocky Mountain Junipers.  Overall, the Coconino National Forest houses a combination of diverse ecosystems such as the high-elevation tundra, desert, and ponderosa pine forests. So, you will notice a great variety in the animals and plants living here.  Camping And Overnight Stay At The Edge Of The World Arizona View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Imhoff (@imhoff.imagery) The red rock formations and wonderful vistas make the Edge of the World in Arizona an ideal place for camping. However, the camping conditions here are primitive. Also, you have to be very careful about the fire usage as the forest is prone to catching fire.  Follow these simple tips to avoid fire hazards during the Edge of the World camping in Arizona.  Use dead firewood for lighting up a fire. Do not cut the branches of the standing trees. Use a small stove for cooking according to the rules and regulations of the United States Forest Service (USFS). Listen to the rangers and use lanterns at night. Use fire rings if you are building a fire. Keep a shovel and 6 gallons of water handy. Ensure that the woods you are burning are turned to ash and there are no sparks.  Camping is free of cost at the Coconino National Forest. Also, you do not need a permit for camping here.  What Is The Best Time To Visit The Edge Of The World Arizona?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica Kesti | 📍Arizona | Hiking + Adventures (@jess.kesti96) The fall season from September to November is the best time to visit the Edge of the World. However, here is a detailed breakdown of the weather conditions and road conditions in Edge of the World, Arizona. Season and MonthWeather ConditionRoad ConditionBest ForSpring/ March to MayCool and ComfortableMostly smooth. However, sometimes snowy patches are visibleClear ViewsSummer/June to AugustHotDustySunset CampingFall/September to NovemberMild ColdSmoothBeautiful Fall ColorsWinter/December to FebruaryColdMud and SnowOften, roads remain closed Visiting The Edge Of The World Arizona: Itinerary & Nearby Places 1-Day Itinerary • Driving Early Morning• Picnic in the Afternoon• Take Sunset Photos• Plan a Return2-Day Itinerary• Day Drive and Picnic• Overnight Camping• Sedona Hikes on the Next MorningNearby Places for Food and Fuel • Desert View Market and Deli• Desert View Gas StationNearby Attractions• Kaibab National Forest• Grand Canyon National Park Edge Of The World Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Edge of the World, Arizona.  1. What 7th Wonder Of The World Does Arizona Have? The Grand Canyon is the 7th wonder of the world in Arizona. It is a chasm formed by the erosion of the Colorado River and the rampage of wind and rain. The chasm is 277 miles in length, and it has a length of 18 miles.  2. Where Is The Top Of The World In Arizona? Humphreys Peak, the tallest mountain in Arizona and the highest point in the San Francisco Peaks, is the top of the world in Arizona. With an elevation of 3,852 meters, Humphreys Peak is a popular hiking destination. In the summer season, especially many hikers flock to this place.  3. Are You Allowed To Camp Anywhere In Arizona? No, you cannot camp anywhere in Arizona. The Bureau of Land Management in Arizona says that dispersed camping is allowed in national forest lands, the Bureau of Land Management lands, and for a limited time on State Trust Lands.  Read Also: The Best Places To See Northern Lights In The USA: When And Where To Watch Aurora Borealis Here are Some Warm Places to Travel in February in the USA! Check the Best Warm Winter Destinations in USA!