Varkala North Cliff Varkala India - Hills of Konkan Region.
1 / 10

Varkala North Cliff Varkala India

4.6
·491k reviews·Varkala, India

Varkala North Cliff: A vibrant cliffside paradise in Kerala, India, offering stunning Arabian Sea views, lively cafes, and breathtaking sunsets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoons

Golden hour for stunning views

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Varkala North Cliff Varkala India - Hills of Konkan Region.

Varkala North Cliff Varkala India

Best Time

Late afternoons

Golden hour for stunning views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Varkala North Cliff: A vibrant cliffside paradise in Kerala, India, offering stunning Arabian Sea views, lively cafes, and breathtaking sunsets.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience the magic of Varkala's North Cliff, where stunning ocean vistas meet a bohemian vibe and unforgettable sunsets."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Catch the Sunset

Find a good spot on the North Cliff for breathtaking sunset views. Many cafes offer prime seating .

🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs

Explore the numerous shops on the North Cliff for clothing, jewelry, and local handicrafts .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Varkala North Cliff Promenade

Varkala North Cliff Promenade

North Cliff

A lively strip of cafes, shops, and guesthouses offering breathtaking Arabian Sea views and vibrant sunsets.

Papanasam Beach

Papanasam Beach

Below North Cliff

A sacred beach known for its purifying waters and dramatic cliff backdrop, perfect for a refreshing dip.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Various viewpoints along the cliff

Witness spectacular sunsets painting the sky in fiery hues over the Arabian Sea – a daily spectacle.

Cafes and Shops

Cafes and Shops

North Cliff

Indulge in diverse cuisines and browse unique souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts at the cliffside eateries and boutiques.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Cliffside Vibe

Varkala North Cliff is a vibrant stretch of cafes, shops, and guesthouses perched above the Arabian Sea. Expect lively evenings and stunning sunset views. Consider booking accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred spot on the cliff.

Navigating Varkala's Charm

While the North Cliff is the main hub, don't miss exploring the quieter South Cliff for a more local feel and serene beaches.Instagram Getting around is easy with auto-rickshaws and scooters for rent. Be prepared for some walking as the cliff is pedestrian-friendly.

Best Times

When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for stunning views
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, dining
Crowd
High
When
Mornings
Why
Peaceful beach walks
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is our 3 week intinerary for India🇮🇳✈️🚂🚗 #india #itinerary #indiatravel #travelroute #traveltips #traveltok #newdelhi #agra #tajmahal #mumbai #goa #kochi #cochin #munnar #alleppey #backwater #kreala #varkala #varkalacliff #viral #trivandrum #thiruvananthapuram #traveltips #backpacking #foryou #fyp
@tildestravel
5.6K likes • 85.2K views

🌅 Catch the Sunset

Find a good spot on the North Cliff for breathtaking sunset views. Many cafes offer prime seating.Instagram+1

🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs

Explore the numerous shops on the North Cliff for clothing, jewelry, and local handicrafts.Instagram

Varkala north cliff shopping #varkala #kerala #varkalacliff #varkalabeach #keralatourism #varkaladiaries #trivandrum #india #beach #kollam #travel #keralagram #varkalabeachcliff #love #beachvibes #beachlife #photography #keralagodsowncountry #kochi #nature #kappil #godsowncountry #trivandrumdiaries #instagood #thiruvananthapuram #kappilbeach #kovalam #keralaattraction #instagram #travelphotography
explore_with_amir_06
53 likes • 1.3K views
Varkala south cliff feels like Bali👌🏻 . . 1- North Cliff is lively and packed, great stay at Shiva Garden. South Cliff is calmer, more local, with quiet beaches and chill vibes. Akshay Beach Resort (possibly the name) was super friendly, clean, with yoga and a great cafe. 2- Jatayu Earth Center 1 hour from Varkala (by bus or personal vehicle)Epic location tied to the legend of Jatayu Maharaj from...
sunilfreaks__
179 likes • 14.7K views

☕ Cafe Hopping

Enjoy diverse cuisines and ocean views at the many cafes lining the cliff.Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore South Cliff

For a calmer vibe and local feel, head to South Cliff for peaceful beaches and cafes.Instagram

Witnessing a beautiful sunset and having an awesome evening at North Cliff Varkala 💫 📍Antiliya Chalets, Varkala @antiliyachalets . 🎥:-@wanderlust__doctor . #trivandrumdiaries #varkala #varkalacliff #sunset #beach #trivandrum #thiruvananthapuram #kl01 #kerala #keralatourism #india #incredibleindia
_trivandrum_diaries_
1.3K likes • 19.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Catch the Sunset

Find a good spot on the North Cliff for breathtaking sunset views. Many cafes offer prime seating.Instagram+1

🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs

Explore the numerous shops on the North Cliff for clothing, jewelry, and local handicrafts.Instagram

☕ Cafe Hopping

Enjoy diverse cuisines and ocean views at the many cafes lining the cliff.Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore South Cliff

For a calmer vibe and local feel, head to South Cliff for peaceful beaches and cafes.Instagram

🌊 Dip in Papanasam Beach

Take a refreshing swim at Papanasam Beach, believed to have purifying waters.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Varkala North Cliff is celebrated for its stunning cliffside views, vibrant atmosphere, and delicious food options. Visitors rave about the breathtaking sunsets and the lively promenade filled with shops and cafes. While the energy is a major draw, some find the crowds, especially in the evenings, a bit overwhelming.

What People Like

Spectacular sunset views
Lively cliffside promenade
Diverse food choices

What People Dislike

Evening crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Varkala North Cliff from Trivandrum by taking a train to Varkala Sivagiri station, followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride. Alternatively, buses and taxis are readily available for a direct journey.TikTok

Yes, auto-rickshaws and taxis are usually waiting outside Varkala Sivagiri station and can take you directly to the North Cliff for a reasonable fare.

Scooter and bike rentals are common along the North Cliff and in the surrounding areas, offering a convenient way to explore Varkala and its surroundings.TikTok

Walking is ideal for exploring the North Cliff itself. For longer distances or to reach South Cliff, auto-rickshaws and rented scooters are popular choices.

While buses go to Varkala town, you'll likely need to take a short auto-rickshaw ride from the bus stand to reach the North Cliff area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific entry fee to access the Varkala North Cliff promenade or Papanasam Beach. You only pay for what you consume at cafes or purchase from shops.

Most shops and cafes on the North Cliff are open from morning until late evening, typically from around 9 AM to 10 PM, with some staying open later.

It's highly recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and get the best rates.TikTok

Papanasam Beach is accessible throughout the day, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the scenery.

Yes, the Jatayu Earth Center is about an hour away and can be visited by bus or private vehicle from Varkala.Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Must-do activities include strolling along the cliff, enjoying sunset views, dining at the numerous cafes, shopping for souvenirs, and visiting Papanasam Beach.Instagram+2

Papanasam Beach, located below the North Cliff, is suitable for swimming, but always be mindful of the currents and local advice.

You'll find a variety of shops selling clothing, beachwear, handicrafts, jewelry, books, and local souvenirs.Instagram

Yes, many guesthouses and some standalone centers offer yoga classes and wellness treatments, catering to a relaxed vibe.Instagram

North Cliff is livelier with more shops and cafes, while South Cliff offers a calmer, more local atmosphere with quieter beaches.Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Popular spots include Cafe Italiano for Italian food,Instagram+1 and many others offering Indian, seafood, and continental dishes with ocean views.Instagram

Expect a mix of fresh seafood, traditional Kerala cuisine, Indian favorites, and international dishes like Italian and continental options.Instagram+1

Most cafes and restaurants on the North Cliff offer a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes to cater to diverse dietary needs.

Dining prices can vary, but generally, you can expect mid-range prices for meals, with some cafes being more budget-friendly than others.

Yes, South Cliff is recommended for peaceful breakfast and brunch spots with a more local ambiance.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire North Cliff offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. Papanasam Beach and the cliff edges provide dramatic backdrops.Instagram+1

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.Instagram

Various points along the cliff promenade offer panoramic views. Look for spots with unobstructed sea views for the best shots.

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.

Popular shots include sunset views, beach scenes, cliffside cafes, and vibrant market scenes.Instagram+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Varkala North Cliff offers a vibrant yet manageable experience for families. The promenade is largely pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate with strollers. Papanasam Beach provides a safe area for children to play in the sand and paddle in the shallow waters, though always supervise closely. Many cafes offer kid-friendly meal options, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to take breaks. Consider staying in accommodations that offer family rooms or amenities for a more comfortable stay.

💰 Budget Travelers

Varkala can be very budget-friendly. Look for guesthouses and homestays slightly off the main cliff path for more affordable rates. Eating at local eateries and street food stalls can significantly reduce dining costs. While the North Cliff has many trendy cafes, exploring South Cliff or the town area can yield cheaper food options.Reddit Renting a scooter offers an economical way to explore the surroundings independently.

🧘‍♀️ Wellness Seekers

Varkala is a haven for those seeking relaxation and wellness. The cliffside is dotted with yoga studios and wellness centers offering daily classes and retreats.Instagram The serene atmosphere, coupled with the sound of the waves, creates an ideal environment for meditation and self-care. Many accommodations also offer Ayurvedic treatments and massages, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in a rejuvenating experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing Varkala's Vibe

Varkala North Cliff is renowned for its unique atmosphere, a blend of spiritual serenity and bohemian charm. The cliffside promenade buzzes with activity, lined with colorful shops selling everything from clothing and jewelry to handicrafts and books.Instagram Cafes and restaurants offer a diverse culinary journey, from fresh seafood and traditional Kerala dishes to international flavors.Instagram+1 As the day winds down, the cliff transforms into a prime spot for witnessing spectacular sunsets over the Arabian Sea, a daily ritual that draws visitors to its edge.Instagram+1

Beyond the bustling North Cliff, the quieter South Cliff offers a more laid-back experience, with serene beaches and a local feel.Instagram This contrast allows visitors to tailor their Varkala experience, whether they seek lively evenings or tranquil mornings. The proximity to Papanasam Beach, considered sacred, adds another layer to Varkala's appeal, inviting moments of reflection and rejuvenation.Reddit

Adventures Beyond the Cliff

While the North Cliff is the heart of Varkala, the surrounding areas offer unique adventures. A short drive from the cliff leads to the mangrove forests of Paravoor Lake, where kayaking through the serene waterways provides a refreshing escape.Instagram For those interested in unique landmarks, the Jatayu Earth Center, home to the world's largest bird sculpture, is a must-visit, offering stunning views and a sense of awe.Instagram+1

For a taste of the region's natural beauty, exploring the backwaters near Varkala is highly recommended. Boat rides and kayaking offer a peaceful way to experience the lush landscapes and local life along the waterways.Reddit These excursions provide a broader perspective of Kerala's diverse offerings, complementing the cliffside experience with natural exploration and cultural immersion.

You may also like