Current Context: Recently, UNESCO has placed the Varkala Cliff in Kerala on its tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

ABOUT VARKALA CLIFF

• Location: Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.
• Geological Significance: Exposes the Warkalli Formation of Mio-Pliocene age (13 lakh–2.5 crore years).
• Local Name: Sivagiri Thuruthu.
• Features: Laterite and sedimentary layers with fossils and traces of ancient climate.
• Environmental Importance:
  • Acts as a natural aquifer and water harvesting system.
  • Supports biodiversity and underwater reefs vital for fishing communities.
• Status: 27th national geological monument in India and 2nd in Kerala (after Angadipuram Laterite).