Positioned on Varkala's iconic cliff, facing the Arabian Sea, Deshadan Cliff & Beach Resort combines beachfront location with direct access to Papanasam and Varkala beaches. The property serves as a comfortable base for exploring southern Kerala, between rituals at Janardhana Swamy temple, red cliffs and the warm waters of the Malabar coast.

Why choose this address

• Located approximately 200 metres from Papanasam beach, in a quiet area of Varkala.
• Immediate proximity to Varkala beach and the clifftop promenade (North Cliff), lively in the late afternoon.
• On-site pool for hot afternoons, frequent year-round on Kerala's coast.
• Integrated excursions desk to arrange backwaters, Ayurveda or a day in Trivandrum without external logistics.
• 24-hour check-in and check-out service, useful for late arrivals from Trivandrum airport.

Atmosphere and setting

Varkala is one of the rare places in Kerala where the cliff drops directly into the sea. The resort makes the most of this dual-access card: the cliff for sunset, the beach for swimming. The atmosphere remains that of a relaxed Indian seaside destination, halfway between a family beach resort and a haven for long-term travellers. The surroundings welcome typical Kerala tropical vegetation — coconut palms, mango trees, hibiscus — that filters light and softens the midday heat.

Accommodation

Deluxe rooms poolside

Facing the pool, these rooms feature a separate seating area with two sofas and a central table, complementing the main sleeping area. A desk and mirror complete the layout. The format suits multi-night stays, where you can settle in comfortably without encroaching on sleeping space.

Family cottages

The resort has two family cottages equipped with a king-size bed, designed for families or couples wanting extra space. Their limited number warrants advance booking during high season, particularly from December to February.

On-site services

• Outdoor pool
• Excursions desk and advice on regional activities
• 24-hour reception
• On-site dining (Indian cuisine and international options depending on season)

The resort can also direct you to Varkala's Ayurvedic centres, a historic Kerala specialty, and arrange transfers to Alleppey's backwaters or Kovalam resort.

Location

Deshadan Cliff & Beach Resort is located in Varkala's clifftop area, within easy walking distance of Papanasam beach (renowned for its purifying properties in Hindu tradition) and Varkala's main beach. Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram) is the most convenient entry point: allow approximately one hour's drive. Varkala Sivagiri railway station, served from Kochi, Trivandrum and Bangalore, is a few kilometres from the resort.

What to see and do nearby

• North Cliff: paved promenade overlooking the sea, lined with cafés and shops.
• Janardhana Swamy Temple: Vaishnavite sanctuary over 2,000 years old, near Papanasam beach.
• Kappil Backwaters: about thirty minutes north, for a more peaceful boat excursion than Alleppey.
• Anjengo Fort: former British colonial trading post, testament to the Malabar coast's commercial history.
• Ayurvedic treatments: Varkala hosts several clinics approved by Kerala's tourism department.

To place this address within a broader itinerary, consult our Varkala guide.

Integrate this resort into your trip

Varkala fits naturally into a Kerala circuit combining backwaters, Munnar tea plantations and Kochi's heritage. To build a tailor-made itinerary including Deshadan Cliff & Beach Resort, explore our Inde trips or discuss with our sub-continent specialists.