The Cliffs of Varkala
Published: Nov 15, 2019
Photo Courtesy: Anvita Shukla
The Varkala cliff composed of a hard lateritic top and sandstone overlooks a beach and the Arabian sea beyond. It is considered a sacred site by the Hindus. The Varkala formation was declared a geoheritage monument by the Geological Survey of India in 2015.
Abstract: The only cliff geoheritage site recognised as a National Geological Monument—the Varkala lies about 55 km northwest of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The linear wave-cut cliffs and beaches have a vibrant cultural heritage and serve as a major tourist attraction. However, unmanaged anthropogenic activity and intense erosion are pushing the cliffs landwards.
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