Cliff Story-Varkala

The best part is to experience the beauty of the sea from the top of the cliff. Varkala is the most beautiful place in Kerala to feel the warmth of the sea and tides. Sitting on the top of the cliff and watching the waves in the sea is a sight to behold.

Then a steep walk down to the beach from the North cliff. One of the best experiences was sitting on the cliff and watching the waves come and go.

The image of Varkala will not change much as you go down the winding road towards the beach. The road runs for almost five kms, till it hits the cliff. And the moment you fill your eyes with the scene below you from the top of the hill, you see a different world altogether. That scene is still unforgettable to me. By the time I reached there, the Sun had started its final descent in the Occident, and the white sandy beach below me was shining in the evening light.

Unique along Kerala’s coastline for its red sandstone cliffs backing onto the beach,it is mentally refreshing to spend some time and get into a playful mood in the Arabian Sea, it is equally relaxing to have an overnight stay in one of the numerous stays there. Though there are five-star resort hotels in Varkala, one can easily find budget accommodation, thus making it an ideal destination for backpackers.

If Varkala is one of the best destinations for those who love comfort and sophistication at an affordable price, it is no less important from religious point of view. Here you can visit Janardhana Temple that is 2000 years old. It is not very far from Papanasham beach which literally means ‘destroyer of all sins’.

In late August, when we were in Varkala, there weren’t too many people around and we had sunny days for the most part, lazing on the beach with the cliffs behind and the sparkling blue Arabian Sea in front made for a peaceful existence.

Varkala is also home to some of the best cafés, being a coffee addict I can say, I had the best coffee here in Varkala. Special mention to Café Del Mar. Their menu is finely crafted and they some real good food. Blue Moon Reggae Café should be on your list for some tasty dinner.

Varkala is a place for yogis, with all levels of yoga class’s available. You cannot escape the hippie vibe here, you can find each in a corner in a mission to find themselves.Apart from all of this, and massages here are plentiful and cheap, ranging from 500 and above.

At the south end of North Cliff by the helipad you’ll also find the launching area for some pretty amazing paragliding.

Our Varkala literary also included Kappil beach, which has river on one side and the beach on the other separated by a road. This can be a beautiful drive or a ride.

Our stay at Varkala was settled on a hillock on the Sourthen part of the Varkala cliff, which is calmer and lazier than the North Cliff. We enjoyed the whole of both the cliffs in Varkala. Which added a point for a perfect Varkala holiday. Also, bikes can be easily hired here for 350INR for a day.This was arranged by the hotel we stay in.

Life is just great by the sea. Toes in the sand, waves rolling in and feeling the breeze. Smell the sea and be at ease. You just don’t know who time passes by when you are having a good time.