Kappil Beach

Kappil Beach (celebrated for the Kappil Pozhi estuary and Edava Nadayara backwaters), located in the tranquil coastal village of Kappil just 7 km north of Varkala in Kerala, is one of South Kerala's most scenic, romantic, and visually dramatic coastal destinations.

Famous across the globe for its scenic coastal road where the crashing azure waves of the Arabian Sea run parallel to the calm freshwater expanse of the Edava Nadayara Lake separated only by a narrow strip of golden sand and a sleek bridge, this pristine shoreline offers a secluded haven away from busy tourist crowds.

It's the home of panoramic cliff viewpoints from the nearby Kodi Hills (Kodikunnu), traditional country boat and pedal boat rides gliding across lotus filled backwater channels, golden sun kissed beaches fringed by dense coconut palm groves, fresh tender coconut water and spicy coastal seafood shacks, and striking crimson sunsets melting into the sea.

It represents a rich coastal sanctuary where soothing ocean breezes, freshwater backwater ecology, rustic fishing village life, and stunning tropical nature unite in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Located in Kappil along the scenic Varkala Paravur coastal road, it sits 7 km north of Varkala Cliff, 8 km from Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK), and 45 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), easily accessible by rented scooter, auto rickshaw, or private taxi.

Where the Arabian Sea Meets the Edava Backwaters

The defining feature of Kappil is its natural estuary (Pozhi), where the freshwater lake gently spills into the roaring Arabian Sea across a shifting sand spit.

Driving or cycling along the coastal bridge provides an extraordinary visual feast, with rolling blue ocean breakers on your left and mirrored backwater lagoons lined with swaying coconut palms on your right.

Truth is, unlike the commercialized tourist cliffs of main Varkala, Kappil retains a pristine, peaceful atmosphere where you can stroll along miles of empty golden sand listening only to the waves.

Kodi Hills Trek & Backwater Boating

Kodi Hills (Kodikunnu Viewpoint): A short and scenic trek up the nearby Kodi Hills rewards hikers with sweeping 360 degree panoramic views of the entire coastline, backwater lagoons, and lush coconut plantations stretching into the horizon.

Backwater Boat Safaris: Travelers can rent pedal boats or hire local country boats at the Kappil boat club to explore quiet mangrove islets, spot kingfishers, and watch traditional fishermen cast hand nets.

Sunset Photography & Fresh Seafood Shacks

Spectacular Coastal Sunsets: Late afternoons bring cool sea breezes and golden evening light, making Kappil bridge and the sandspit a dream location for landscape photographers and sunset lovers.

Local Delicacies: Roadside stalls along the beach offer fresh green coconuts, spicy fried banana chips, hot tea, and freshly caught fish fry prepared in authentic Kerala homestyle spices.

After soaking in the beauty of Kappil Beach, explore the red laterite cliffs and cafes of Varkala Cliff, visit the 2,000 year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple, or tour the spiritual Sivagiri Mutt.