Varkala

Varkala is a seaside tourist resort and spa. A small town 55 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is also an important religious place for the Hindus. Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs just adjacent to the Arabian sea. These sedimentary and laterite cliffs are a unique geological feature in the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala formation. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of the cliffs.

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).

Places to Visit

Janardhana Temple

The Janardhana Temple is said to be 2000 years old and has a Vishnu shrine. It is said that the original temple was engulfed and destroyed by tidal waves. Years later, a Pandyan king came to the site to do penance to Brahma for a sin he committed. The Lord pardoned the king and in return, asked the king to build another temple at the same site. The story goes that in a dream he was informed of the location of the original idol that was lying deep in the sea. With help of fishermen, the king reclaimed the idol and reinstalled it in the temple.

The legend also says that Brahma appeared and completed the rituals. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple, but are allowed to walk around the sanctum and stroll around the huge banyan tree. The festivals of the temple are colorful with noisy parades. Another Hindu ritual to be watched is the 'vavu bali' performed on the beach on the new moon day of the month of Karkkidakam’ (Malayalam Era).

Sivagiri Mutt

Sivagiri is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust. The ashram is devoted to Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), whose followers, the Ezhavas form a large group of Kerala population. Guru preached the doctrine, 'one caste, one religion, one god for humanity' and attracted a large following among the lower castes. Thousands of followers visit the Mutt each year. Every afternoon, ‘sadhya’ is served at the mutt for Rs 10.

Anjengo Fort

Near to Varkala is the site of the Dutch East India Company’s main garrison, Anjengo Fort. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fort protected their powerful position in the state.

Yoga, Ayurveda, & Massage

There are numerous centres for yoga and massage. Most of these places are seasonal and the quality varies. You should be careful in picking the right place. If possible, find out the background of the instructors. One week to one month programs are available. You can also attend meditation classes taken by the swamis of the Sivagiri Mutt. There is also a nature cure centre near the beach.

Papanasham beach

The Papanasham beach at Varkala is quiet, clean and secluded unlike the Kovalam international beach. The beach at Varkala grew into prominence and caught the attention of tourists only recently. A long sandy beach, towering red latterite cliffs and soothing mineral springs put Varkala in the not-to-miss category.

Kappil Lake

Kappil boat club is a recent venture in the back water tourism in the area. Kappil is 6 km north of Varkala. The people travelling in trains and buses through the area can enjoy the scenic beauty of the estuary in between Edava and Kappil. It is fascinating. Vettekkada, near Kappil and Varkala is a spectacular beach.

Varkala Tunnel

The tale of varkala is incomplete without the great tunnel popularly known as ‘Varkala Turuthu’. The construction of the 924 ft long tunnel began in 1867 under the supervision of Divan Sir. T. Mahadeva Rao of Travancore. It was completed in 1880, at the time of Divan Sheshaya Sasthri. The tunnel was extensively used for ferrying of several kind of goods.

Ponnumthuruth (Golden Island)

This beautiful Island can be reached by boat. The cruise to the the island is a memorable one. There is a popular temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvathy.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Trivandrum which is 50 km from Varkala. Kollam is the nearest major railhead. Varkala also has rail connection but not all trains stop here. Varakala is easily connected by road.