Hotels in Varkala

Varkala: Kerala's Cliff Coast and Temple Town

Varkala sits on the Malabar Coast of southern Kerala, 51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. The town is defined by Papanasam Beach, which runs below a laterite cliff face — a geological oddity on Kerala's otherwise flat shoreline. The 2,000-year-old Janardhana Swami Temple crowns the cliff edge, drawing Hindu pilgrims alongside international travellers. Natural freshwater springs seep directly through the cliff face onto the beach, a feature that sets Varkala apart from Kovalam or Alappuzha.

Where to Stay in Varkala

Most hotels and guesthouses line North Cliff and Helipad Road, the two main strips above the beach. Budget rooms sit a short walk back from the cliff edge; mid-range properties on the cliff itself offer direct sea views. The Odayam area, 1 km south, attracts travellers seeking quieter stays away from the café strip.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Varkala Railway Station is 3 km from the cliff; trains run regularly from Thiruvananthapuram Central (40 min).
• Season: October to March offers dry weather; the southwest monsoon closes many cliff-top properties June to August.
• Beach safety: Papanasam Beach has strong lateral currents — swim only in flagged zones.