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| Varkala |
Varkala, an internationally renowned tourist destination, sets stage for a memorable vacation with its long stretch of beautiful beaches, historic monuments and prominent Hindu pilgrimage spots. The Janardhana Swamy temple, believed to be around 2000 years old, and the Anjengo Fort built by the Dutch are some of the well preserved historic landmarks of Varkala. The Sivagiri Mutt, a major centre of Hindu pilgrimage, built by the saint, sage and social reformer of Kerala - Sri Narayana Guru, is located in Varkala.
The ‘Papanasham beach’, tops the list of the popular tourist haunts in Varkala. The beach is unique and one-of-a-kind with its rocky cliffs and mineral water sprouts. These cliffs - a unique geological formations known as ‘Varkala Formations’, add a surreal charm to the beauty of the beach. This beach is clean and secluded – an ideal spot to unwind enjoying the sea. The beach, according to legends and myths, is believed to cleanse the soul of its sins.
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| How to get there ? |
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By Air
The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at a distance of 46 km far from Varkala.
By Road
Varkala is well connected by road to all places in Kerala. The place is well linked to the cities like Thiruvananthapuram (54 km) and Kollam (37 km) by road.
By Rail
Varkala has a railway station located at a short distance of about 3 km from the beach. |
| Roam around |
Auto rickshaws are the best bet to commute in Varkala. If there are more people in your group, it is advisable to rent a cab to travel comfortably. Frequent buses connect all important places of interest in Varkala, the flip side being they tend to be crammed most of the time.
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| Hotspots |
Janardhana Swamy Temple: This ancient temple, believed to be 2000 years old, is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an important shrine of pilgrimage for the Vaishnavites. This temple is the very reason why Varkala is nicknamed ‘Dakshin Kashi’ or ‘Benares of the South’. Exquisite painted carvings adorn the roof-top of the temple. There is a huge banyan tree in the vicinity of the temple with carved idols of the serpent gods scattered around. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner walls of the temple, but can stroll around the premises.
Sivagiri Mutt: The Mutt houses the ‘Samadhi’ or burial vault of the famous scholar, saint and visionary of Kerala – Sri Narayana Guru. The Guru, who fought against the religious intolerance spread across the state, promulgated the ideology of ‘one caste, one religion and one god for men’. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the Mutt for the ‘Jayanthi’ or the guru’s birth celebrations in August, and his ‘Samadhi’ or death anniversary in September each year. On these two days religious intercourses, rallies, seminars, public meetings, community feasts and unique rituals are held. Apart from this, the annual Sivagiri pilgrimage season popularly known as ‘Sivagiri Theerthadanam’ is held during the last week of December drawing hordes of pilgrims.
Varkala Beach: Blessed abundantly by nature, Varkala beach is counted amongst one of the top beach destinations of the country. The beauty of this beach is further accentuated by the surrounding cliffs covered with palm groves. These cliffs, named ‘Varkala Formations’ by Geologists, are unique to the region. The beach is also frequented by Hindu devotees as it is believed that the sea has the power to absolve sins. Special prayers and offerings are done on the beach for the departed souls by devout Hindus, during the Malayalam month of ‘Karkkidakam’. The beach is also famous for its mineral water sprouts that are believed to have healing properties.
Varkala Tunnel: The Varkala Tunnel, a 924 ft long tunnel, was built more than a century ago to aid the seafaring trade between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. The tunnel built in engineering perfection provides ample natural light and air circulation.
Kappil Lake: Kappil Lake is a less-explored, quiet and scenic spot, ideal for a relaxing cruise enjoying the captivating beauty of the landscape. The surrounding area is draped in lush greenery including numerous coconut grooves. As a stepping stone towards tapping into the vast tourism potential of the area, a boat club has been recently built here.
Anjengo Fort: Anjengo Fort was a stronghold bastion of the British in the coastal belt of Kerala. Built in the 17th century, the remnants of the old English fort and its cemetery are now protected national heritage monuments. The earliest sepulcher in the cemetery dates back to 1704 AD.
Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah: Located at a distance from Varkala near Kallambalam, this Dargah houses the tomb of a local Muslim saint. People from all walks of life, irrespective of their faiths, flock to this shrine to receive the saint’s blessings. |
| Must do |
Sun bath: One of the best ways to spend time in the beach and to get a tan.
Water sports: Opportunities galore to indulge in a variety of water sports here. Enjoy a number of thrilling activities including a ride on the speed boat or a water scooter.
Sunset: Watch one of the most memorable sunsets at the Varkala beach. Feast your eyes as the magic unfolds as the water, palm trees and the cliffs gets drenched in a beautiful crimson hue with the sun going down the horizon.
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| Festivals |
Janardhana Swami Temple – Arattu Festival
Colorful processions with gold caparisoned elephants, pulsating temple music and decorated silk umbrellas, render an atmosphere of vibrancy and glitz to the ten day long annual Arattu festival. This festival, a huge crowd puller attracting tens of thousands of people, falls during the period of March-April. |
| Thing you ought to Know |
Location
Varkala is in South Kerala, located at a distance of 41 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
Climate
Warm tropical climate with hot summers.
Best Time To Visit
The peak tourist season extends from September to March. If you are traveling on a shoe-string budget, plan your trip during the off-season – also the time when the beach is less crowded.
Eateries
Being a tourist hot spot, Varkala has all sorts of restaurants and hotels dotting the town. Try some of the lip smacking seafood delights, cooked in the local style with exotic spices and herbs.
Shopping
There is an array of shopping options available here. Try some of the beachside shacks that sell clothes, colorful shells of different sort, beaded chains and accessories, carved wooden stuff, handcrafted items made of coconut etc.
Trivia
• There is an interesting story connecting Varkala beach to the Hindu mythology. A group of mendicants, repenting of their sins, approached ‘Narada’ – a saint of the Hindu mythology, to tell them of a place to cleanse their souls. Narada threw his ‘Valkkalam’ – a sort of cloth made of tree barks, into the air which landed on Varkala beach. The place henceforth was known as Varkala and devotees still flock to the ‘Papanasam’ beach to cleanse their sinful souls.
• The bell of Janardhana Swamy temple was donated by a Dutch captain as a token of gratitude for not suffering any casualty after a devastating ship-wreck near Varkala. |
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