Varkala’s red laterite cliffs, dramatically overlooking the Arabian Sea, have been added to Unesco’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites under the Natural Heritage category. It is the only site from Kerala among the seven new Indian entries announced by the Permanent Delegation of India to Unesco in Paris, a significant milestone that could place the coastal town on the global tourism map.
If approved, Varkala will officially join the ranks of Unesco World Heritage Sites. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) initiated the groundwork in 2012 and declared the site a geo-heritage location in 2014. “The site’s inclusion underscores its geographic and geological importance,” said V Ambili, deputy director general of GSI Kerala unit. “Preservation and conservation are critical, as unchecked development could endanger its future.”
Although the GSI had recommended Varkala for the mixed category of Natural and Cultural Heritage, it was placed under Natural Heritage. Officials noted that while this is a remarkable achievement, chances for final approval may have been stronger under the mixed category. The evaluation process will now involve a detailed site inspection by a Unesco team.
Meanwhile, the GSI is preparing to conduct another study on the Varkala cliff next month to develop methods for protecting the fast-eroding landscape. “We will suggest conservation strategies, but their implementation will rest with the state government and Varkala municipality,” Ambili added.
India currently has 69 properties on Unesco’s tentative list — 49 under cultural, three under mixed, and 17 under natural heritage. Alongside Varkala, other natural sites included this year are the Deccan Traps in Maharashtra, St Mary’s Island in Karnataka, the Meghalayan Age Caves in Meghalaya, the Naga Hill Ophiolite in Nagaland, the Erra Matti Dibbalu in Visakhapatnam, and the Tirumala Hills in Tirupati.
