Location : In the
south Indian State of Kerala, on the high ranges of the western ghats.
Tourist Attractions : Papanasam beach, mineral
watersprings, Nature care centre, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000 year old Sree
Janardhana Swamy temple
Best Hangouts : The Beach
Best Activity : Strolling by the beach side.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Trivandrum, Kovalam,
Cochin.
When to Visit : September to May
About Varkala
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.
Major
Tourist Attractions in 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.
Getting 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.
