Varkala

Varkala is a town in the Indian state of Kerala, about 40km north of Trivandrum and is home of the popular Papanasam Beach. Also, the Samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru is situated in this town and hence has become a place of pilgrimage.

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

Varkala has a lovely beach. The water is very clear and you can go a bit into the sea (get guidance from the lifeguards). What makes Varkala special is the cliff facing the sea. The sight of the sea from the cliff is breath taking. The Blue sea, the sky, the cliffs make Varkala feel like heaven.

Varkala is also famous for its 900 year old Janardana Swami temple which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Banaras of the south). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.

Another major landmark in Varkala is the Sivagiri Mutt, established by the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The hill-top 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.

Another important feature of Varkala is the now dilapidated Varkala Tunnel, part of the TS Canal, which was an important waterway during pre-independence times.

The peace and the serenity of the city is Varkala’s main attraction. Tourists flock towards the more popular beaches especially during the tourist season (the winter months). But often the heart seeks out some solitude and solace in the lap of Nature. Varkala is the place for you if the lapping of the waves and the rustle of the trees sound to you like music and if the majestic silent cliffs seem like a companion as you star gaze head or if your heart desires to visit some of the less crowded pilgrim shrines. And if you desire an inexpensive holiday, Varkala is the right choice.

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

 

Climate:
Average temperature in Varkala (in Celsius)

• Summer(Humid): Mar - May: 25°c-33°c / Summer Max: 35°c.
• Monsoon(Cloudy): Jun-mid - Sep: 21°c-27°c / Winter Min: 15°c.
• Winter(Pleasant): Sep - Feb: 22°c-28°c.
• Rainfall: 310 cm.

Getting There

By Air
The closest airport from Varkala lies at Trivandrum which is around 50 km away.

By Rail
Varkala is 41 km north of Thiruvananthapuram by train and just 24 km south of Kollam

By Road
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 sunsett
• 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.