description Varkala Cliff Overview
Varkala Cliff is a coastal escarpment at Varkala in Kerala, India, overlooking the Arabian Sea near Papanasham Beach. It exposes sedimentary rocks of the Warkalli Formation, including sandstone and lateritic layers associated with the Mio-Pliocene period. The Geological Survey of India recognizes the cliff as a National Geological Monument, giving the site importance for geology as well as coastal tourism.
help Varkala Cliff FAQ
Where is Varkala Cliff?
Varkala Cliff is on Kerala's southwestern coast above the Arabian Sea, beside the popular Papanasam Beach. It is unusual because cliffs meet the sea directly along this otherwise relatively flat stretch of coast.
What kind of rock forms Varkala Cliff?
The cliffs expose laterite and sedimentary layers known as the Varkala or Warkalli Formation. The exposed sequence dates to the Mio-Pliocene period, making the site important to geologists.
Why is Varkala Cliff a geological monument?
The Geological Survey of India recognized the cliff section for its unusual exposed sediments and laterite landscape. Varkala was described as India's 27th national geological monument when the designation was being established.
What can visitors do at Varkala Cliff?
Visitors can walk along the cliff-top promenade, look over the Arabian Sea, and descend toward Papanasam Beach. The area also attracts pilgrims visiting the nearby Janardhana Swamy Temple, which has a history of about 2,000 years.
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