Varkala is a seaside tourist resort and spa. A small town 55km north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is also an important religious place for the Hindus.

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).

Varkala is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. The sight of the sun melting into the sea would blossom your poetic sense.During monsoon, bellowing waves engulf the beach lying beneath towering cliff and mineral water spring. The mineral water gushing from the hill is believed to have medicinal properties.The Varkala sands has become an ideal spot for confluence of cultures exotic and alien. 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).Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), saint, social reformer, philosopher and leader of Ezhava community, made Varkala his headquarters. Sivagiri mutt, instituted by Sree Narayana Guru, is another major pilgrim centre here.

Best time to visit

The months of March to June are considered summer and is humid with the temperature ranging between a low of 25 °C to a high of 35 °C. July to September is a monsoon season with cloudy weather and rains, with temperatures between 20 °C Min. to 28°C Max. September to February is pleasant with temperatures between 22°C

Distance from various places

New Delhi - 2760 KM
Mumbai- 1486 KM
Kolkatta- 2338 KM
Chennai- 670 KM
Kochi- 175 KM
Thiruvananthapuram-50 KM

Getting here

By Air

Varkala though does not have an airport of its own, the most convenient airport is Trivandrum is nearly an hour’s drive from here. Trivandrum, being the capital city of Kerala, has a very good air network and is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Kochin and Kolkata.

By Rail

Varkala has a railway station of its own. Regular trains ply between Trivandrum and Varkala. Trivandrum again has train connection to the major places throughout the country.

By Road

Varkala is 51 km away from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km away from Kollam. A good network of roads connects the city to Trivandrum. Trivandrum in turn is the linked by road to all the prominent cities in South India. So one can easily reach Varkala from any part of the country.

Hotels

www.keralashotels.com/list_Varkala_Kerala_Hotel_0.html

www.travelmasti.com/varkala.htm