Top 10 Instagrammable Nature Spots in Varkala

Some places invite you to see them, and then there are places like Varkala, where you don’t just see, you feel, you frame, and you fall in love. Draped along Kerala’s Arabian Sea, this coastal beauty is part postcard, part poetry.

Imagine fiery cliffs leaning into sapphire waters, beaches that glow golden beneath a pastel sky, and backwaters so calm they look like mirrors crafted by nature herself.

But Varkala isn’t just about dreamy horizons, it’s a whole vibe. Palm trees line up like they know their best angles, fishermen dot the shore in picture-perfect rhythm, and cliff-top cafés serve smoothie bowls with the kind of sea views that deserve their own highlight reel. Honestly, this is one of those rare places where your camera roll fills up faster than your coffee cup.

So whether you’re here to chase light for your feed, to sip chai against a sea breeze, or to simply wander where cliffs kiss the waves, Varkala delivers.

Here are the Top 10 Instagrammable Nature Spots in Varkala, places where every click feels like a verse, and every moment doubles as magic.

Snap Varkala: Top 10 Instagrammable Spots

1. Varkala Cliff

A natural wonder rising sharply above the Arabian Sea, the Varkala Cliff is the town’s signature landmark. The rugged red cliffs contrasting with endless blue waters create a frame that needs no filter. Whether it’s sunrise hues painting the sky or twilight reflections on the sea, every shot here is pure magic.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: A dramatic stretch of rust-red cliffs rising over turquoise waters, dotted with cozy cafés and shops.

• Best time to shoot: Sunset for dramatic hues.

• Nearby café/experience: Grab a seat at Darjeeling Café or Coffee Temple, think smoothie bowls, masala chai, and breezy sea views. Sunset cocktails here with the cliffs behind? That’s your next Reel.

2. Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach)

Golden sands, palm trees swaying in rhythm, and waves gently kissing the shore, Varkala Beach, also called Papanasam, is where time slows down. The beach is particularly striking during golden hour, when the sunlight dances across the ocean, offering the perfect setting for wide-angle Instagram shots.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: Palm-fringed shoreline and gentle waves, the classic Varkala postcard.

• Best time to shoot: Sunrise when fishermen set out, or golden hour.

• Nearby café/experience: After a beach stroll, head to Clafouti Restaurant for Kerala fish curry or fresh seafood sizzlers. Bonus: local stalls nearby sell coconut water straight from the shell great prop for photos!

Also read: Kerala's Varkala beach is now one of the top 100 beaches in the world!

3. Kappil Beach and Backwaters

Just a short drive from the town, Kappil feels like two worlds merging, a pristine beach on one side and serene backwaters on the other. Capture the unique landscape where tranquil waters meet untamed sea waves, a composition that speaks volumes without words.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: A rare spot where tranquil backwaters and wild sea meet, divided only by a narrow strip of land.

• Best time to shoot: Late afternoon for glowing waters.

• Nearby café/experience: Try God’s Own Country Kitchen, a no-frills eatery serving Kerala thali. Or take a short boat ride into the backwaters, pictures of you gliding on still waters are Instagram gold.

4. Odayam Beach

Quieter and less crowded, Odayam Beach is a hidden gem for those who love rustic natural backdrops. Think untouched sands, fishing boats resting peacefully, and the charm of solitude. A great place for moody, candid captures that reflect serenity.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: Untouched sands, fishing boats, and the peace of a crowd-free escape.

• Best time to shoot: Sunrise.

• Nearby café/experience: Walk over to Bluewater Beach Resort’s café for a slow breakfast overlooking the sea. Or chat with local fishermen, capturing their daily rhythm makes for storytelling posts.

5. Edava Backwaters

For lovers of reflections and symmetry, Edava Backwaters is a dream. The calm waters lined with coconut palms mirror the skies, creating frames that are effortlessly soothing. A kayak ride here offers endless opportunities to photograph nature from unique angles.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: Mirror-like reflections of sky and palms, nature’s symmetry at its best.

• Best time to shoot: Morning when skies are clear.

• Nearby café/experience: Pack a picnic from Coffee Temple before heading here, or hop on a kayak with locals for fun photo ops on the water.

6. Anjengo Fort and Backwaters

Steeped in history yet framed by natural beauty, Anjengo Fort overlooks lush backwaters and coconut groves. While the fort ruins whisper tales of the past, the surrounding greenery and waterways make for rich, textured shots that blend heritage with nature.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: A slice of history set against lush greenery and still waters.

• Best time to shoot: Morning.

• Nearby café/experience: Stop at a toddy shop nearby for a rustic experience, taste Kerala’s traditional palm drink with spicy fish curry (locals’ favorite combo).

7. Ponnumthuruthu Island (Golden Island)

Accessible by boat, Ponnumthuruthu Island feels like stepping into another world. With thick coconut groves, migratory birds, and backwater reflections, it’s a paradise for wide-angle landscape photography. Early mornings here glow with soft light, perfect for dreamy Instagram posts.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: Accessible only by boat, this quiet island is all about greenery, birds, and hidden backwater corners.

• Best time to shoot: Sunrise or sunset.

• Nearby café/experience: Carry snacks or a fruit basket since the island is untouched by commercialization. For food later, stop by Trattorias near Varkala town for wood-fired pizzas.

Also read: All You Need to Know About Visiting Varkala in 2024-25: Where to Stay, What to Do & Where to Eat

8. Varkala Tunnel

Though man-made, the Varkala Tunnel blends seamlessly with its lush surroundings. The moss-covered stone walls, overhanging foliage, and play of light and shadow create artistic frames that feel cinematic, perfect for moody edits.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: Dark, mossy, historic, a moody spot that makes for black-and-white gems.

• Best time to shoot: Afternoon for light play.

• Nearby café/experience: After exploring, visit God’s Own Country Kitchen again for local-style meals, or grab a chai from roadside stalls for that authentic Kerala vibe.

9. Mangrove Forests near Varkala

Just outside the town, patches of mangrove forests thrive near estuaries and river mouths. The intricate root patterns and canopy reflections in still water create abstract, Instagram-worthy frames that celebrate the hidden side of Varkala.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: Twisting roots, reflected water, and plenty of green, a secret photographer’s haven.

• Best time to shoot: Morning mist.

• Nearby café/experience: Post-photo adventure, try Café Del Mar at the cliff for pancakes and coastal views. For an experience, ask locals about canoe rides through the mangroves, it’s serene and cinematic.

10. Sivagiri Hill

If you want to capture Varkala from a bird’s-eye view, head to Sivagiri Hill. From the hilltop, panoramic vistas stretch over the town, the cliffs, and the sea. Sunrise and sunset shots here carry an ethereal glow, wrapping your feed in shades of orange and gold.

• Why it’s Insta-famous: Panoramic views of Varkala’s cliffs, beaches, and horizon, one of the best vantage points.

• Best time to shoot: Sunrise for golden-pink hues.

• Nearby café/experience: After the climb, reward yourself with an authentic Kerala breakfast, appam and stew at Aryas Vegetarian Restaurant in town. Or explore the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center that adds a cultural touch to your trip.

Varkala often steals the spotlight for its iconic cliffs and golden beaches and deservedly so. But as “The Hidden Sides of VARKALA” reveals, there’s a quieter, more intimate side to this coastal gem, one that rewards the curious wanderer.

Think tucked-away forest groves, serene backwater hideaways, vibrant local artistry, and hidden cultural corners that most tourists breeze past.

Adding these hidden treasures to your itinerary transforms your visit from postcard-perfect snapshots into a richer, story-filled adventure.

You’re no longer just capturing views, you’re discovering whispered secrets, local rhythms, and authentic moments that only insiders usually see.

So go beyond the obvious: explore a dusty lane, wander off the cliff’s edge into a quiet grove, chat with fishermen, or trail through mangroves at dawn.

There, under the radar of typical trips, Varkala opens its heart. And it’s in those hidden corners where memories linger and stories come alive.