Best Photo Spots in Varkala
Varkala gives you something most Indian beaches cannot: a red cliff wall with the sea right below it. From the North Cliff path you look down on the beach, the fishing boats and the sun setting into the water. From the sand you look up at layers of red and ochre rock with cafés perched on top.
Whether you like sunsets, coastal landscapes, temple scenes or quiet backwaters, these are the best photo spots in Varkala.
Medium crowdEntry Free
Janardanaswamy Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, when the lamps are lit and the temple is calm; late afternoon for warm light on the outer walls.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteCream
Low crowdEntry Free
Kappil Beach & Lake
- Best timeLate afternoon into sunset, when the lake turns gold and the beach is quiet.
- ColorsWhiteTealCoral
Entry Free
Sivagiri Mutt
- Best timeEarly morning, when the light is soft on the white buildings and the hilltop is quiet.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteYellow
High crowdEntry Free
Varkala Beach (Papanasam)
- Best timeLate afternoon to sunset, when the red cliff glows and the sun drops into the sea; early morning for an empty beach and soft light.
- ColorsWhiteCoralAqua
High crowdEntry Free
Varkala Cliff (North Cliff)
- Best timeJust before sunset for warm light on the red rock; early morning for a quiet path and soft light.
- ColorsWhiteRustTurquoise
Why Varkala Is Great for Photography
The cliff faces west, so almost every evening the sun sets over the sea in front of you. The laterite rock turns deep orange in the last hour of light, and the beach below fills with people, which gives you both big landscapes and lively street scenes in one place.
A short drive away the look changes completely. Kappil has a still backwater lake on one side of a thin strip of sand and the open sea on the other, while Sivagiri and the Janardanaswamy Temple add white shrine buildings, traditional Kerala roofs and palm trees.
Photography Tips for Varkala
- Stay back from the edge: Parts of the cliff are eroding and some stretches have no fence. Never step past a barrier or lean out for a photo.
- Shoot the cliff from the sand: The best view of the red rock layers is from the water's edge on Papanasam Beach, looking back.
- Go early for empty frames: The cliff path and beach are quiet at sunrise, before the cafés open.
- Respect the rites: Early mornings on Papanasam Beach are when families perform rites for their ancestors. Do not photograph people at prayer.
- Carry a torch after sunset: Some stretches of the cliff path are poorly lit, and the steps down to the beach are uneven.
- Protect your gear: Salt spray and sand get everywhere, so keep a cloth and a zip bag in your bag.
Best Time for Photography in Varkala
October to March gives clear skies, calm seas and the most reliable sunsets. The monsoon, from June to September, brings dramatic clouds and a deep green coast, but also heavy rain, rough water and slippery paths near the cliff edge.
Photography is usually not allowed inside Kerala temples, including the shrines at Janardanaswamy and Sivagiri, so plan your shots from outside the gates. For more on the season, see the best time to visit Varkala.
Questions
Varkala — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Varkala?
The best photo spots are the North Cliff path, Papanasam Beach, Kappil Beach and lake, Janardanaswamy Temple and Sivagiri Mutt. Between them you get red cliffs, sunsets over the sea, backwaters and Kerala temple architecture.
Where is the best sunset view in Varkala?
The North Cliff path is the classic sunset spot, with the beach and sea below you. For a quieter sunset, go to Kappil, where the light falls over both the lake and the sea.
Is Varkala good for Instagram photos?
Yes. The red cliff with cafés on top, the long view down to the beach and the golden light at sunset are some of the most recognisable backdrops on the Kerala coast.
Is it safe to take photos on the edge of Varkala Cliff?
No. The cliff is eroding and some parts have no fence, so stay on the paved path and never climb past a barrier for a photo. Take extra care after dark, when some stretches are poorly lit.
Can I take photos at the Janardanaswamy Temple?
You can usually photograph the outside of the temple and the view towards the sea, but photography is generally not allowed inside. Ask the staff if you are unsure, and do not photograph people at worship.