Before visiting Varkala, my idea of a beach holiday was fairly simple. I pictured long stretches of sand, beach shacks, water sports, and afternoons spent by the sea. That’s what most coastal destinations had offered me before, so I expected Varkala to be much the same.
I was pleasantly surprised.
The moment I reached the famous cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, I realised Varkala offered something completely different. Instead of endless beachfront lined with hotels, there were dramatic red cliffs, winding pathways, cafés perched above the ocean, and breathtaking views at almost every turn. It felt less like a typical beach destination and more like a place where nature and slow travel came together beautifully.
The cliffs in Varkala offered views I wasn’t expecting
I remember what fascinated me most was the view from the cliffs. From up here, high above the seafront, I saw waves coming towards the beach while the ocean extended endlessly towards the horizon. Every few steps brought me a new beautiful view or a new café, or gave me a quiet place where I could stop for a few moments and just enjoy the surroundings.
On the contrary to many seaside locations where the beach is the only place worth seeing, Varkala made me appreciate the place from a higher perspective. Simply walking along the cliff became one of my favourite parts of the trip.
Walking along the cliff in Varkala felt better than following an itinerary
Normally, I like planning my sightseeing, making sure I don’t miss any major attractions. In Varkala, however, I quickly stopped checking my itinerary.
The walk along the cliff was a destination in itself. I took leisurely walks from café to souvenir shop, yoga centre, and local shop, getting a chance now and then to see the sea waves splintering. There was no pressure to rush from one place to another. The relaxed environment made every walk feel rewarding, even without a fixed plan.
Every sunset in Varkala became an experience of its own
I’ve watched sunsets in many places, but Varkala’s cliffs made them feel different.
As evening approached, people naturally gathered along the cliff to watch the sky change colours. The golden sunlight reflected across the Arabian Sea while the sound of waves echoed below. Some visitors quietly enjoyed the view, while others sat at cliffside cafés with a cup of coffee, making the moment last a little longer.
I found myself returning every evening, knowing the sunset would never look the same twice.
The cafés in Varkala perfectly matched the relaxed environment
One of my favourite parts of the trip was discovering the cafés overlooking the sea. Breakfasts felt unhurried, afternoon coffee breaks stretched longer than usual, and dinners came with panoramic views instead of busy streets.
Fresh food, Kerala specialities, tropical juices, and homemade desserts made every meal enjoyable, but it was the setting that truly stood out. Sitting on a balcony overlooking the cliffs while listening to the waves made even a simple meal memorable.
Choosing one of the hotels in Varkala close to the cliff turned out to be one of the best decisions of my trip. I could walk to the cafés, beaches, and viewpoints whenever I wanted without depending on transport.
The beach in Varkala felt calmer because of the cliffs
Of course, I spent time on the beach itself, but the cliffs changed how I experienced it.
Instead of spending the entire day on the sand, I alternated between relaxing by the water and returning to the cliff for a completely different perspective. Swimming in the sea, watching surfers ride the waves, and then climbing back up to enjoy the panoramic views created a balance I hadn’t experienced at other beach destinations.
It felt less crowded and more peaceful, even during popular hours.
Varkala encouraged me to slow down
Perhaps the biggest surprise was how naturally Varkala encouraged a slower travel pace.
Instead of trying to visit as many attractions as possible, I found myself spending more time simply enjoying the surroundings. Morning walks along the cliffs, long conversations over coffee, peaceful evenings watching the sea, and quiet moments listening to the waves became the highlights of my trip.
For the first time in a while, I didn’t feel the need to constantly check my schedule. Varkala reminded me that sometimes the best journeys aren’t about seeing more. They’re about experiencing a place at its own pace.
Final thoughts
Before visiting Varkala, I thought every beach holiday followed a familiar pattern of sand, sunshine, and sightseeing. The cliffs completely changed that perspective. They added a sense of height, tranquillity, and beauty that made every part of the journey feel more memorable.
The beaches were beautiful, but it was the cliffside walks, stunning sunsets, peaceful cafés, and relaxed rhythm of everyday life that stayed with me long after I returned home.
If you’re planning a trip, don’t visit Varkala only for its beaches. Spend time exploring the cliffs, explore the cafés overlooking the sea, and choose one of the hotels in Varkala that keeps you close to the cliffside paths. You may discover, just as I did, that Varkala offers a beach holiday unlike any you’ve experienced before.
