Black Beach

Varkala


A sandy little blonde-and-black beach just north of Varkala's North Cliff.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Varkala attractions

1. Varkala Aquarium

0.06 MILES

Between Black Beach and Odayam Beach, Varkala's aquarium displays large tanks of exotic species – scorpionfish, angelfish, koi, the local karimeen – along…

2. Durga Temple

0.47 MILES

A colourful Hindu temple just inland from Varkala's North Cliff.

3. Odayam Beach

0.56 MILES

This gold-hued stretch of sand, around 1km north of the North Cliff, makes a peaceful alternative to Varkala's main beach.

4. Papanasham Beach

0.66 MILES

Ringed by rust-red cliffs, Varkala's main beach is a holy spot for Hindus, who for centuries have made offerings for passed loves ones and washed away…

5. Helipad

0.78 MILES

Towards the southern end of North Cliff.

6. Janardhana Temple

1.21 MILES

Varkala is a temple town and the Janardhana Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is the main event – with its roots dating back to the 13th century, this…

7. Kappil Beach

2.29 MILES

About 8km north of Varkala, this long, beautiful and (so far) undeveloped stretch of golden sand is also the beginning of a mini network of backwaters. A…

8. Sivagiri Mutt

2.38 MILES

Just east of central Varkala, Sivagiri Mutt is the headquarters of the Shri Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust, devoted to Shri Narayana Guru (1855–1928),…