Kerala's Varkala beach: Why visit it this Christmas-New Year season?

Did you recently come across a beautiful video of local people and tourists teaming up to help a whale shark in Kerala? The incident occurred at Varkala beach in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The rescue of the whale, which was a three-hour effort, won widespread acclaim on social media for bringing a couple of strangers from across the world together to save the majestic mammal. A scroll through the video's comments also shows many exclaiming how beautiful the location is. Here's everything you need to know about Varkala beach and why a visit to the spot is worth it this holiday season.

What makes it special?
Unlike other flat beaches of Kerala, Varkala beach has tall laterite cliffs that drop into the Arabian Sea. Known as the North and South Cliffs, they make sunset viewing, beach strolling, and relaxation experiences even more special. Varkala beach is also known as 'Papanasam beach' as the traditional Kerala ritual of 'balitharpanam' for ancestors is held here regularly. The beach also offers many adventure sports, including parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, banana boat rides, and occasional paragliding. It also has many Ayurvedic and yoga retreats and resorts for tourists, and the facilities fall into different price categories. 

Popular spots near Varkala Beach
If you don't want to restrict your visit just to Varkala Beach, the region also has many other interesting tourist spots that have long been popular. Here are a few among them:
1) Kappil Beach and Lake: Sea meets backwaters in this clean, less-crowded area near the Varkala beach. It also has gentler waves. Many love to visit here for quiet walks, kayaking, photography and sunsets. 

2) Sivagiri Mutt: A serene space dedicated to Kerala's revolutionary spiritual leader Sree Narayana Guru, people of any faith are welcome here. They get to spend some quiet time, meditate, learn more about the Guru and engage in photography as well. Just ensure that you maintain the decorum the place demands and dress modestly. Entry is free. 
3)Anchuthengu Fort: The fort, built by the British East India Company in the 17th century, still has colonial-era tombstones, laterite fort walls and a lighthouse. 

Lesser-known sports to consider
1) Ponnumthuruthu Island
This small, scenic island near Varkala has canoeing and kayaking facilities, boat rides through picturesque canals and a relaxed vibe to help you unwind. Photographers also love this spot.
2) Odayam Beach
It's less crowded than the more popular Varkala, but it still has a long shoreline, soft sands, and beautiful views. It's popular with long-stay tourists.
3) Edava beach
Yet another long, calm shore lined with coconut trees. You also get to check out some fishermen's activity up close, especially in the early mornings. The best part is that it's not crowded or too commercial. 

Varkala during the Christmas-New Year season
Social media is already abuzz with various open-air beach parties, wellness-cum-cultural events, DJ nights and more at Varkala for this Christmas-New Year season. All you have to do is search 'Varkala Beach Party 2025' on Google and pick what suits your requirements. At the same time, verify the credibility of the event organisers in a personal capacity to ensure safety. This is because, on and off, the beach and the premises have been in the news for issues related to tourist safety, though they are mostly considered safe. 

If your idea of the holiday season is calm, serene vibes, Varkala is still the place for you. There are many cliff bars, beachside lounges, cages, hostels and sunset spots where tourists meet to socialise, enjoy the sunset and relax. Moreover, December to February is the best season to visit the beach. 

What to eat in Varkala
From local seafood specials to international dishes, you get many options in Varkala. If you are interested in trying seafood, go for avoli, karimeen, neymeen, calamari, prawn, and seer fish preparations from restaurants that suit your budget. Varkala Cliff is lined with restaurants catering to both high-end and budget travellers. There are other restaurant options beyond the beach, too. You can pair them with Kerala special appam, idiyappam, porotta, dosa and more. There are also cliff-side cafes and eateries that serve burgers, pizzas, pancakes, wraps, and similar dishes. 

How to reach Varkala beach
1. The beach is about 10 minutes away from the Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station in the Thiruvananthapuram district. 
2. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 45 km from the beach. 
3. You can also take buses and taxis from various parts of Kerala to Varkala.