The Beaches of Varkala: Calm Waters & Wild Views

Whether you're here to swim in quiet coves, learn to surf gentle waves, snorkel through rocky shallows, or even float over the coastline with a paragliding session, there’s something for every kind of explorer.

Oh — and don’t skip the backwater cruises nearby. They’re perfect for slowing down, soaking in the scenery, and watching village life unfold along the banks.

Here are the list of beaches in Varkala that I visited

The sea is calm, wild, alive.

Beaches of Varkala

Kappil Beach

Black Beach

Edava Beach

Paapanasam Beach

Odayam Beach

1) Black Sand beach

This little stretch near North Cliff ended up being one of my favorite spots in Varkala. It’s one of the few beaches with a proper sandy shoreline — slightly crowded because it is the most happening place in Varkala.

The sand here is darker than usual, almost black, because of the minerals in the area. It looks striking, especially against the blue water. I loved standing at the edge, letting the waves wash over my feet. The sand’s texture was smooth and firm — perfect for barefoot walks.

The beach isn’t huge, but there are a few rocks to sit on, and the view from there is beautiful, especially in the early morning. I usually walked down from North Cliff, which gave me a great top-down view before I reached the shore. But if you’re not up for the cliff path, it’s also easily reachable by road.

2) Odayam beach

3) Kappil beach

4) Papanasam beach

5) Edava beach

Odayam is one of those beaches that feels like a quiet secret. It’s smaller and more rocky than the others, but that’s exactly what makes it special. I found a perfect little spot on the rocks and just sat there, watching the waves crash as the sky changed colors.

It was raining when I went— but maybe that made it more magical. It’s the kind of place you don’t capture, you just remember.

Kappil is the kind of beach you go to for a long sandy walk. But what it does have is one of the most scenic backdrops I came across in Varkala.

There’s a road that runs right between the beach and a calm, glassy lake — and riding a scooter along that strip felt surreal. On one side, crashing waves. On the other, still water reflecting the sky. It’s the kind of route that makes you slow down, just to take it all in.

It’s more popular than some of the other beaches, so expect a bit more buzz. But with easy parking and that unique beach-meets-lake view, I found it perfect for a slow evening ride and a quiet sit by the shore.

Papanasam isn’t just a beach, it is a sacred site for many people. The name itself comes from Malayalam: paapam means sin, and nasam means to destroy. It’s believed that a dip in these waters can wash away one’s sins.

Right next to the beach is the Janardhana Swamy Temple, and the spiritual pull is strong. I saw families performing rituals, and priests guiding cremation ceremonies where ashes are immersed in the sea — a powerful moment, done with quiet reverence. Many believe this helps the soul find moksha — liberation.

Even if you’re not religious, there’s something grounding about Papanasam. It’s where faith and nature meet, and you can feel that in the air.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up for a surfing lesson in Varkala — but it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.

Most of the surfing happens near Edava or Odayam Beach, where the waves are steady and the crowds are low. The schools here are small and friendly — no pressure, just good vibes. I took a beginner lesson at Soul & Surf, and the instructor was super patient, walking me through basics before we even touched the water.

If you’re not into surfing, it’s still worth heading down to watch others ride the waves — especially during sunset. The whole scene is chilled out and welcoming, whether you’re a beginner or just a curious spectator.

Subscribe to our newsletter