Varkala, a new destination in Kerala, is for those who prefer to do absolutely nothing while holidaying. Due to a spillover resulting from the over saturation of Kovalam, foreigners started coming to the town about six years ago. The trend that started as a trickle became a steady flow within two years. Today, there is a constant stream of visitors. However, because of the area’s comparative inaccessibility, a large influx of ‘outsiders’ has not happened here. At the Varkala platform, there is no indication that this town is on many a tourist itinerary.

Varkala is small town in Kerala, South India. Located about 45 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is an important Hindu pilgrimage center. Varkala is known for Papasnanam Beach and 2000 years old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple. Varkala is the right place for the people searching a respite from the daily routine life. Varkala has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century for the Janardhana Temple was built during this period. The main beaches and tourist area are located at the cliff top, which is about 7 minutes walk from the Temple.

Prime Attractions of Varkala

» Papanasam Beach
Varkala beach is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. The sight of the sun sinking into the sea would stimulate your poetic sense.

» Sree Janardhana Swamy temple
Varkala also houses a leading pilgrim centre in Kerala. The 800-year old Janardhana temple, dedicated to Ayyappan and Hanuman, atop the hill has brought a sobriquet for the region, Southern Kasi (Benares). Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum but can hang around the temple.

» Sivagiri Mutt
The Sivagiri Mutt - a religious site was founded by Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) the renowned philosopher and social reformer of modern Kerala. The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangham, a religious organization established by the Guru to propagate his concept of 'One Caste, One Religion, One God'. The 'Sivagiri Pilgrimage' is usually conducted between 30th December and 1st January every year.

How to get there

» Rail
The railway station is 3 kms from the beach.

» Road
Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam. Varkala is 90 minutes away on the bus and a pleasant convenient place to stop for a night or more or an afternoon when travelling between Alappuzha or Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

Accommodation
Varkala has numerous accommodation facilities, ranging from luxury to budget category. The 'cliff-top' at Varkala is where most of the hotels & restaurants are located, over looking the Arabian Sea.