A quiet and secluded black sand beach at the end of Varkala's North Cliff, ideal for peaceful walks and watching the sunset away from the crowds.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Thiruvambady Beach, often called the Black Sand Beach, is a quiet stretch of coastline located at the northern end of Varkala's famous cliff. Unlike the bustling main Papanasam Beach, Thiruvambady offers a more solitary experience. Access is via a footpath that winds down from the cliff top, which adds to its secluded feel. The sand here has a noticeable blackish tint, a result of the mineral content in the soil, which contrasts with the surrounding golden sands and the laterite cliffs.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
December to January, especially during Christmas and New Year, and on weekends throughout the tourist season.
October-November and February-March, particularly on weekday afternoons.
April to September, which covers the hot summer and the monsoon season.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
Free
No entry fee
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 7:00 PM
The beach is technically accessible 24 hours a day, but it is strongly recommended to visit only between sunrise and sunset for safety. There is no artificial lighting on the beach or the access path.
Free entry for all visitors as it is a public beach.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Thiruvambadi Road, Varkala
Coordinates
8.7452, 76.6972
Nearest City
Varkala
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport, located about 45 km away. A taxi from the airport to Varkala takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK) is just 3 km from the beach area and is well-connected to major cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, Delhi and Bangalore. Auto-...
Varkala has good road connectivity with major cities in Kerala. It is located off the highway connecting Trivandrum and Kollam. Regular KSRTC and private buses ...
Auto-rickshaws are the main form of local transport. Renting a scooter or motorbike is a popular option for tourists to explore the area independently. The beac...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Not applicable. Thiruvambady Beach is a natural geological formation. It has long been used by the local fishing community. Its popularity with tourists is a more recent development, growing as Varkala became a well-known travel destination. Visitors exploring the full length of the North Cliff disc...
Thiruvambady Beach is significant for its unique black sand, a natural feature not commonly found on other beaches in the immediate area. Its primary importance to visitors is its role as a tranquil alternative to the main, often crowded, Varkala Beach. For those seeking quiet contemplation, natural...
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