Tourism News

Varkala Cliffs Enter UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List

Published in Newsletter Issue No. 386 - October 2025

Varkala, Kerala’s coastal jewel famed for its striking red cliffs and panoramic sea views, has been officially included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. Announced by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO in Paris, the recognition marks an important step towards securing global heritage status for the site. Varkala is the only entry from Kerala among seven new Indian nominations in the Natural Heritage category.

The cliffs, unique in their geological formation, rise dramatically above the Arabian Sea and have long fascinated geologists, travellers, and pilgrims alike. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) initiated groundwork for this recognition as early as 2012, declaring Varkala a geo-heritage site in 2014. According to Ms. V. Ambili, Deputy Director General of GSI, Kerala, the inclusion highlights the area’s significant geographic and geological value.

Other Indian sites added to the Tentative List include the Deccan Traps in Maharashtra, St. Mary’s Island in Karnataka, and the Meghalayan Age Caves. For Varkala, the UNESCO listing has the potential to boost global visibility and tourism while also underscoring the urgent need for conservation. Experts have warned that unchecked development and erosion could threaten the cliffs’ fragile ecosystem.

While the GSI had initially proposed Varkala under the mixed Natural and Cultural Heritage category, combining geological importance with its cultural and spiritual associations, the current listing under Natural Heritage is still regarded as a significant achievement. The evaluation process will now involve visits from UNESCO teams before any final decision is made.

The state government and Varkala municipality are expected to play a key role in preserving the site and ensuring it meets UNESCO’s standards. Meanwhile, GSI is preparing to launch a new study of the cliffs to devise strategies for their long-term protection. For Kerala, this milestone positions Varkala not only as a popular tourist destination but also as a natural heritage site of international importance, deserving of careful preservation for generations to come.