Varkala

Located about 40 Km north of Trivandrum, Varkala is known for the famous Papanasam Beach and the  Samadhi of Kerala’s famous social reformer and Saint, Sree Narayana Guru.The Sivagiri Mutt here is famous place for pilgrimage.

Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea.  This tertiary sedimentary formation cliff is a unique geological feature and is declared as a geological monument by the Geological survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.

Varkala is famous for its lovely beaches. The water is very clear and shallow. The cliff facing the sea is breathtaking and it makes this place unique from other beaches.

Varkala Janardhana Temple

Varkala Janardhana Temple Varkala is famous for its 2000-year-old Janardana Swami temple, devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Banaras of the south). The main temple bell is donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel, which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties. The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters and as the name suggests, a dip into its waters is believed to wash away all sins. It is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre.

Sivagiri Mutt

Sivagiri Mutt, VarkalaThe Sivagiri Mutt is the final resting place of Kerala’s famous social reformer and Saint, Sree Narayana Guru. The ashram here has been established by Sree Narayana Guru and has now become a famous pilgrim centre. The hilltop mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru is one of the most famous monuments in Kerala. The adjacent hills house the East-West University of Brahmavidya and Sree Narayana Gurukulam.

Varkala Tunnel

The century old Varkala tunnel is another attraction. The tunnel, which was an important waterway during pre-independence times, has now been in a dilapidated condition.

Varkala is a calm and serene place for those seeking spiritual salvation and attracts tourists who revel in its secluded beauty especially during the peak season. It has a relaxed atmosphere and it is an ideal place for those who love the lapping of the waves and the rustle of the trees sound like music. It is an inexpensive holiday retreat for those with a lower budget.

Season

The main season starts from Dec 1st- March 31st, with December & early January experiencing the biggest rush.

Climate:

Varkala has a moderate climate. Summer starts during March- May, and the temperature rises to a maximum of 35°c. Monsoon during June mid to Sept and Winter from Sept and continues till Feb. Average rainfall is 310 cm.

Getting There

By Air

The closest airport from Varkala is Trivandrum, which is nearly 50 km away.

By Rail

Varkala is well connected by Rail Network. The nearest Station is Varkala Railway station. It is 41 km north of Thiruvananthapuram by train and just 24 km south of Kollam

By Road

It is well connected by both state and National highways. There are regular buses to/from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam that stop at Temple Junction.

What to Do in Varkala?

* Swim in the beach
* Watch the sunset
* Take a shower in the mineral water gushing from the hill, which is believed to have medicinal properties.
* Do Shopping
* Relax and enjoy Massage
* Food (French, Israeli, American etc). You find almost every country menu in there.