Varkala Cliff and Papanasam Beach,Varkala is distinctive for its red laterite cliffs that drop dramatically down to a sandy beach, with cafes and guesthouses perched on top and a walking path along the edge. Papanasam Beach is considered holy; people take ritual dips and also enjoy the sea and sunsets. The combination of cliff-top views, yoga retreats, laid-back shacks and a temple nearby makes Varkala popular with both pilgrims and international travellers.
About this place
History & highlights
Traditionally, Varkala was a pilgrimage and brahmin settlement, centred around the Janardana Swamy Temple and Papanasam Beach, where rituals for ancestors are performed. It was not a major tourist destination until the late 20th century, when travellers discovered the scenic cliffs and relatively quiet beach. Tourism infrastructure—cafes, homestays, yoga centres—grew along the cliff, while the temple continued as a functioning tirtha. Today, Varkala’s history is a story of temple town turned global beach–yoga hub, without losing its ritual significance.
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