Varkala breaks Kerala’s usual beach mold entirely — dramatic red cliffs drop straight into the Arabian Sea, with natural springs trickling down the rock face in spots. Spend the day along the cliff promenade, browsing cafes and shops perched right at the edge, or head down to the beach itself for a swim in water that’s calmer than most of India’s coastline. Sunset here, watched from the cliff top, ranks among Kerala’s best.