Varkala is located in a cliff-top setting with excellent beaches and a peaceful resort setting. Varkala's main beach, Papanasam is a long, golden beach with red laterite cliffs as a backdrop from which mineral water springs forth. Papanasam is a holy beach, which means 'destroyer of the sins' and the mineral water that flows is known for their
medicinal qualities.
The forest of coconut trees house many kinds of wildlife, birdlife and butterflies.
The town of Varkala is also famous for Janardhana Temple, which was rebuilt in the 13th C. There are several smaller shrines that date from an earlier period located around the temple.