Set amid a beautiful setting, about 10 km away from the calm and quiet hamlet of Varkala, Varkala Beach is a beautiful beach renowned for its solitude. Also known as the Papanasam Beach meaning 'Destroyer of Sins', many beachside resorts can be found here. The waters of Varkala Beach is regarded for its medicinal and curative properties.
Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Surfing, swimming, beach games like volleyball, yoga
Eating Options: Stalls and shacks near the beach serve all kinds of veg and non-veg food.
Location: One can easily drive to the beach or hire a local taxi.
Lying 1 km off Thiruvamdabi road, Thiruvambadi Beach is a black sand beach adjacent to the North cliff and is an ideal picnic spot. Adorned by lush coconut groves it is one of the perfect beaches to visit during sunrise or sunset. One of the best beaches in Varkala, Thiruvambadi Beach is an ideal place to spend with friends.
Type of Beach: Public Beach
Eating Options: Stalls can be found serving coconuts and other fruits.
Location: One can easily drive to the beach or hire a local taxi.
Edava beach in Varkala is famous for its stretches circling a blue lagoon where the sea and backwaters run parallel divided by a more-than-one km of straight road. There is also an estuary that connects the sea with the backwaters here. Locals and tourists alike gather when the rains raise the water levels and both water levels meet.
Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Swimming, beach games, picnics
Location: 6 Km from the city centre. One can easily drive to the beach or hire a local taxi.
Papasnanam Beach or Papanasam Beach is a scenic seashore famous amongst beach lovers. Swimming at the beach is not for beginners as the water levels are mostly high and the waves can be rough. People believe that taking a dip in the sea washes one's sins away and such rituals can be seen daily. The water also washes the plants nearby, most of which have medicinal properties, thus giving healing properties to the sea water.
Type of Beach: Public Beach
Eating Options: Stalls and shacks near the beach serve both food and drinks.
Location: One can easily drive to the beach or hire a local taxi.
Kappil Beach is a strip of land by the Kappil Lake. The beautiful beach in Varkala is lined with coconut trees and offers a beautiful view of the backwaters. A bridge used to cross the lake also is a good location to get a stunning view of the backwater including the point where the backwater enters the splendid Arabian sea.
Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing can be done at the lake.
Eating Options: Cafes and shacks can be near the beach.
Location: 7 Km from the city centre. One can easily drive to the beach or hire a local taxi.
Chilakoor Beach is located about a 30 minutes drive from the town of Varkala. Lined with gorgeous casuarina groves, the drive to the beach takes you through traditional coastal villages which lets you have a glimpse of the rural Kerala life. The beach is also popular for its serene environment and beautiful sunset views.
Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: The beachside has many resorts making it great for a seaside staycation.
Location: 15 Km One can easily drive to the beach or hire a local taxi.
Which of these beaches in Varkala have you visited? Let us know in the comments below!