Varkala

01 - Getting here

Getting to Varkala.

Two ways in, both landing you a short ride from the cliff.

By air

TRV

Trivandrum International Airport, the nearest one in.

Airport→Cowees

Approx. 45 min - car or prepaid taxi

By train

Varkala Sivagiri

The local railway halt, a few minutes from the cliff.

Station→Cowees

Approx. 5 min - auto or tuk-tuk

01 - The Cliff

Cafes stacked above the sea, steps down to the sand, sunset every evening whether you plan for it or not. The cliff gives Varkala its rhythm.

02 - Papanasam

The beach below the cliff. The walk down is half the reason to go, and the sunset finishes it.

03 - Kappil

Where the backwaters meet the sea, a little further north. Fewer people, more palms.

04 - Janardhana Swamy Temple

One of Kerala's oldest. Mornings here are quietest, with the gopuram catching the first light.

05 - Sivagiri

A hilltop pilgrimage site a little inland, worth the detour on a slow afternoon.

Sunset

Cowees is a five-minute walk from here.