Amongst the breathtaking beaches of Kerala, Varkala Beach is undoubtedly one of the most captivating and tranquil seaside resorts, which can be found in the town of Varkala, situated in the district of Thiruvananthapuram on the southwestern coast of India. Notably, the beach is different from other crowded tourist places in that it offers a calm and refreshing environment, which is perfect for taking a stroll on the sandy beach, collecting seashells, or merely witnessing the mesmerizing sunset sitting on the red laterite cliffs. A number of yoga, meditation, and massage centers have also sprung up in the vicinity of the beach, making it a great place for relaxation and wellness.
Papanasam – Sacred Waters and Janardhana Swamy Temple
The beach at Varkala is also referred to as Papanasam Beach because of its association with religion. The ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple is located next to the beach, a sandstone temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Janardhana Swamy and one of the oldest temples of Kerala. It is believed by devotees that taking a bath in the Papanasam river after performing the temple prayers purifies the body and cleanses the soul. Additionally, the temple is identified as a place where pitrkarma, a ritual for departed ancestors, is performed, and it is believed that their souls are granted moksha (eternal salvation) as a result of it.
Unique Cliffs – The Varkala Formation
Among the many admirable beauties of Varkala Beach, there is the red laterite cliff, which is a geological wonder of the world and can only be found in the southern part of Kerala. These cliffs called the Varkala Formation and have been marked by the Geological Survey of India as a national geological monument, rise steeply from the water's edge, providing stunning vistas and a rare natural phenomena along a coast that is otherwise flat.
Adventure and Water Sports
Varkala Beach is a place where those who are adventurous can find a number of ways to have fun and thrills. They can engage in activities such as surfing, parasailing, paragliding, and stand-up paddleboarding. Escorted by expert guides, both novices and experienced adventurers can safely have a joyful and thrilling ride at sea and in the air over the coast, thus making the place an ideal one for lovers of the outdoors.
Varkala Beach is an integration of nature, spirituality, and thrill, making it a place where visitors can have a one-of-a-kind shore experience with the calmness and the excitement existing side by side harmoniously.
How to Reach
Approximately 3.9 km from Varkala Bus Stand.
Roughly 44 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Varkala Railway Station is around 3.6 km away and about 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station.
Contact Information
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC),
Opposite Raj Bhavan, Vellayambalam,
Thiruvananthapuram-695003
+91 471 231 5397
info@dtpcthiruvananthapuram.com