Varkala

Varkala is a coastal municipality in Thiruvananthapuram district, India, stretching for several kilometers along the Arabian Sea. Red sedimentary cliffs rise roughly 30 meters (98 feet) above a long sandy beach, forming a distinctive backdrop along the shoreline.

The area served as a trade port during the Shunga Dynasty and appears in ancient Greek writings about maritime routes. Over the centuries, the place developed into an important pilgrimage site for Hindu believers from across South India.

The name means „place of healing,

Travelers reach the place through Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located roughly 57 kilometers (35 miles) away, or by train to the local railway station. The main areas along the cliffs and beachfront are easily walkable, while temples and residential neighborhoods farther inland require local transport.

The cliffs carry the scientific name Varkala Formation and hold recognition as a geological monument of national importance. These layers formed millions of years ago and offer researchers insights into the geological evolution of the region.

Location: Thiruvananthapuram district

Inception: 1980

Elevation above the sea: 190 m

Part of: Southern Travancore

GPS coordinates: 8.73423,76.72571

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:39