When I arrived in Varkala, I already had a plan for the evening. I would walk along the famous cliff, review a few shops, and try a seaside café, maybe even enjoy some live music before heading back to my hotel. It sounded like a useful itinerary until I saw the sunset.

However, rather than travelling, I ended up sitting on the cliffs with a view of the Arabian Sea and watching the sky gradually change into pink, orange, and gold tones.

Sometimes, the best travel decision is not to do anything at all.

The cliffs in Varkala offered a front-row seat

The landscape is one of the first things that sets Varkala apart. Unlike many other Indian beach destinations, Varkala has striking red laterite cliffs rising above the sea. I could see waves crashing below as I strolled along the clifftop path, which was lined with cafés, coconut trees, and viewpoints. Finding a place to observe the sunset wasn’t difficult. The difficult part was deciding which view I preferred.

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However, unlike the state’s more well-known backwaters and level beaches, Varkala is one of the few locations in Kerala where cliffs rise directly beside the Arabian Sea, creating a striking coastline.

I kept saying, “just five more minutes”

The sunset unfolded slowly. As the sun approached the horizon, the breeze grew colder, fishing boats turned into shadowy silhouettes, and the sea reflected shifting hues. The sky changed every time I considered getting up. Five more minutes became ten and then twenty. Before I knew it, the present quiet and beauty erased the evening I’d planned, which I didn’t mind in the slightest. Choosing hotels in Varkala close to natural spots where you can sit up till late without worrying about going back is a good idea. My hotel was near, and that let me enjoy the evening carefree.

The surroundings in Varkala changed along with the sky

It was not just the view that mesmerised me. It was the atmosphere. As nightfall approached, conversations became fewer. People looked at the horizon rather than flipping through their phones. Families, lone tourists, and backpackers all seemed to pause for the same reason. No one seemed to be in a rush for a little while. Everyone was staring at the sunset.

Walking the cliff in Varkala after sunset was just as memorable

I eventually resumed my trek as the darkness started to descend. Warm lights illuminated small shops, musicians played gentle music outside cafés, and eateries gradually filled with travellers talking about their day’s experiences. There was no hurry. Without a specific destination, people were happy and willing to explore. One of the many things that makes Varkala so alluring was its laid-back surroundings.

I barely reached the Varkala Beach

Ironically, I didn’t spend as much time sitting on the sand as I did gazing up at the water. I then walked to Varkala Beach, where the waves continued to crash into the rocks. Now that the beach was quieter, people were strolling in the evening or just enjoying the sound of the ocean. Instead of being a distinct experience, it appeared to be a continuation of the sunset.

The evening in Varkala taught me to stop planning everything

Generally, I prefer to have a detailed itinerary. I was gently persuaded against it by the Varkala sunset. Rather than rushing to cram in another attraction, I decided to let the evening flow naturally. I spent more time in cafés, travelled more slowly, stayed at views longer, and looked up at the sky rather than checking the time. It served as a reminder that not all special travel experiences had to be planned. 

What I took from Varkala? 

When I got to Varkala, I thought I would enjoy a great evening exploring the town. But one sunset changed the whole plan. My choice of hotels in Varkala also drastically changed my whole experience of the place, allowing me the comfort and ease to enjoy the sunsets peacefully. 

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The breathtaking cliffs, the endless Arabian Sea, the calm environment, the relaxed cafés, and the leisurely walk that followed turned what could have been an ordinary evening into one of the highlights of my vacation.

Sometimes doing more doesn’t result in the most memorable vacation experiences. They are the result of sitting still and understanding you don’t want to be anywhere else while you watch the sun set into the sea.