British vlogger shocked by trash at Varkala cliffs, urges better waste management

Kerala’s scenic Varkala coastline – known for its dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea – is once again in the spotlight, but not for the usual reasons.

A British travel vlogger named Alex, known as Alex Wanders, has posted a new video highlighting the growing garbage problem in the area, calling what he witnessed both heartbreaking and “absolutely disgusting”.

In the clip, Alex is initially seen enjoying the cliff walk, taking in the sea breeze and the postcard-perfect views. But the tone shifts quickly. As he turns his camera downward, piles of plastic waste come into view – bottles, food wrappers, beer cans, broken footwear, and trash-filled bags scattered across the rocks and sand, with some of the debris clearly rolling toward the ocean.

“Kerala, I am disappointed… human beings of planet Earth. Why?” Alex says in frustration. “This place is gorgeous, but it is being destroyed by garbage.”

He points out specific items as he moves closer to the edge – bottle caps, chocolate wrappers, plastic bags, and more – before bluntly describing the scene as an “environmental disaster”. He adds that the garbage issue has affected his experience of a location that is otherwise famous internationally for its coastal viewpoints and beaches.

Alex said he hopes that posting the video will nudge people to be more conscious, and not leave waste in public spaces – especially in fragile coastal zones.

After the video began circulating widely on Instagram, many users – including Malayalis – expressed disappointment and embarrassment.

One user commented: “As a Keralite, we are sorry about this. We need to do better — for tourists and for ourselves.”

Others appreciated that an outsider was calling out something locals themselves often complain about.

Another comment read: “Glad you highlighted it. Waste management needs serious upgrades if we are going to be a tourism state.”

Some also spoke about enforcement, saying there is low accountability for littering, and urged authorities to step up supervision – especially because Varkala attracts tourists year-round.

“There are so many areas in Kerala where people still throw waste casually,” another user wrote. “It’s shameful. Civic sense must improve. We cannot keep complacently thinking we are cleaner than everyone else.”

Varkala’s waste management problem has been raised multiple times, especially during peak tourist seasons when footfall is high. While Kerala is often praised for its natural beauty and human development indicators, coastal trash – particularly plastic – remains an issue in several beach zones.