• Varkala Cliff, a unique natural formation located in the coastal town of Varkala in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district, has been placed on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
• The cliff, locally known as Sivagiri Thuruthu, is part of the Warkalli Formation, dating back to the Mio-Pliocene age (13 lakh to 2.5 crore years ago). It showcases striking erosional landforms, natural springs, and laterite-sedimentary layers that preserve fossils and traces of ancient climates.
• At the base of the cliff lies the sacred Papanasam Beach, renowned for its natural springs and believed to have therapeutic properties. Varkala Cliff also serves as a vital aquifer, supports diverse biodiversity, and sustains underwater reefs essential to local fishing communities.
• Recognized as the 27th National Geological Monument of India and the second in Kerala after the Angadipuram Laterite, this latest UNESCO listing highlights both the scientific and cultural value of Varkala Cliff while boosting its potential as a global tourist destination.