Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 19 -- Kerala's iconic Varkala cliffs, rising dramatically along the Arabian Sea, have been included in UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, placing the state on the global heritage map for its rare coastal geology.
The Miocene-Pliocene formations of Varkala, with their natural springs and unique erosional landscapes, have long been recognised for their scientific, ecological and tourism value.
Their inclusion in the Tentative List is the first step towards securing full World Heritage status in the coming years.
Varkala is among seven new natural heritage sites from India that have entered the Tentative List, raising the country's total from 62 to 69.
The new additions include the Deccan Traps of Pa...