Varkala Tourism

Varkala is a seaside tourist resort and spa. A small town 55km north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is also an important religious place for the Hindus. The Papanasam Beach at Varkala is a quiet, secluded beach known for its white, silvery stretch of sand, mineral springs and rocky cliffs. Varkala is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, the great social reformer of Kerala, is near Varkala atop a hill named Sivagiri. High cliffs from mineral springs majestically rise is a scene typical of Varkala. According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (the bark of tree which the mythical sages used to wear) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption came to be known as the Papanasham Beach ('Papanasham' means redemption from sins). Varkala beach also known as the Papanasham beach is a long serene crystal clear sandy beach with a magical attraction. It is very quiet, clean and secluded too.

The background of this natural beauty is surrounded by the green cliffs and of course you are offered with some sacred calming mineral springs too. This seaside destination on the shores of the Arabian Sea, relentlessly attracting tourists all over the world and becoming a favorite one which offers a magnificent view of the sun rise and sun set among the few destinations in Kerala boast of. The area is covered with coconut palms and small restaurants that mushroom during the season. This beach is bordered by high cliffs. Right below this cliff is the 500 -metre stretch beach. So, it is a perfect place for one to watch the sunset or relax gazing at the horizon. Compared to other prominent beaches, Varkala is fortunate in that it is less crowded, has fewer number of shops and beach sellers and still lesser amount of commercialization. Here one could swim, play cricket, volley ball and even manage to practice yoga. And if you are that lucky, you get a rare chance to sight a naughty dolphin. This secluded beach known as the Papanasham beach is a beautiful picnic center. The High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline giving the visitors a spectacular view. The best time to visit the beach is when the beach extends up to the very cliff face giving an additional 500 meters of serene beach space. This happens during the months of December/ January/February. The other places of tourism atrraction include The Janardhana Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, Anjengo Fort, Yoga, Ayurveda, & Massage centres. Accommodation is very cost effective when you compared with the hi-fi hotels of Kovalam and other tourist places and you can reside in home stays too. It is very cheap and comfortable too unlike the hotels. Home stays are providing homely food too according to your wish and tastes. The main festivals, Onam and Vishu are celebrated in a grandeur manner. The Kathakali, Ottanthullal and music concerts are performed in the surroundings of the old Devaswom building during December and January.

Ironically enough, much before Varkala became known, internationally, for its sandy stretch, the beach, named Papanasam, was already well known to pilgrims in Kerala. Considered an auspicious site, during the season of Karkkidakavavu, special pujas for invoking departed souls are conducted here. Varkala and its 3 km stretch of beach beckons the jaded and the travel weary.

Tourists planning their holidays in Varkala can reach it from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Varkala is about an hour's drive from Thiruvananthapuram. The Varkala railway station links the tourist destination of Varkala with places like Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. There are several hotels, beach resorts, motels and inns catering to tourists coming for vacation in Varkala. As per your budget you may take your pick from luxury to budget hotels in Varkala.

Getting There

AIR Nearest Airport : Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvanthapuram (50 km / 1 hr) Taxi to Varkala is Rs 1500 approx
RAIL Varkala Station : well-connected to Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alleppey, Kollam and Trivandrum by the Malabar, Netravati, Trivandrum and Parashuram expresses. Mumbai is linked daily with Varkala by Kanyakumari and Netravati expresses. Another Kanyakumari Express is on overnight connection from Bangalore. Trivandrum mail is a good option from Chennai. Kerala Express linls Delhi direct and daily to Varkala.
ROAD :Varkala is just 11 km off NH47, which runs from Salem to kanyakumari via Palakkad (332 km), Thrissur (265 km), Eanakulam (186 km), Kollam (39 km)and Trivandrum (46 km). BUS You can get buses to kallamballam Junction (9 km) from Varkala, and long distance buses from there.

Places to See

Thiruvambady Beach
The North Cliff descends into the Thiruvambady or Black Sand Beach - a short stretch for those seeking silence and serenity by the sea. It is possible to climb down from the North Cliff or drive a kilometer down the Thiruvambady Road. This solitary stretch offers easy access to all the amenities of the North Cliff minus the bustle of shops and restaurants.

Sivagiri

is 200 acres of sanctified land. This the final resting place of SreeNarayana Guru, the most eminent spiritual leader and social reformer of Kerala. SNDP (Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam), the organization he founded for the uplift of backward

Kappil Beach
This is the meeting point of the beach and the backwaters. Secluded and scenic, kappil is a closely guarded secret. There are no tourists, vendors or shops, and no traffic either. The only sound to be heard is of the lapping waters of the lake. In accompaniment, the sea rolls across the sandbank. If you want to go for a boat ride in the backwaters that hug the sea, you can avail of the facilities offered by Priyadarshini Boat Club. +Boating Rs 50-800 per hr.

Janardhana Swamy Temple
The temple is believed to be two millennia old. The current structure is dated to the 12th century, through there aren't many remnants testifying to this date. The shrine is accessed from the temple junction or from the beach, via the western entrance. A perennial spring called Padmatheetham feeds the temple tank, which is to be seen across the road.