Geography

Varkala is located at 8.73°N 76.71°E

Varkala is an important place as far as Kerala Geology is concerned as it exposes sedimentary rocks belonging to the Tertiary age, popularly known in the Geological literature as the Warkalli formation. Varkalli formation along with Quilon formation represents sediments laid down in the Kerala basin that existed during the Mio-pliocene times. Quilon formation of Miocene age is made up of limestones and the type area is Padappakara near Kollam (Same as Quilon) and the Warkalli formation of Mio-pliocene age (type are is Varkala) is made up of alternating beds of sands and shales exposed along the Varkala cliffs. Thin seams of lignite in the shales of the Warkalli formation suggests good vegetation at the time of deposition of the clayey sediments.