This small town 50km north of Thirvananthapuram is an important religious destination, and has also grown into a popular seaside resort over the years. It has a beautiful beach facing the Arabian Sea, but what is more unique are the steep cliffs rising from the beach with unique geological formations and natural springs, known as the Varkala Formation. The mineral rich waters are used for spa treatments and this small unexplored destination has been attracting many tourists, including foreigners, for a mix of beach relaxation and natural therapies. Varkala is also a good stop-over while travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam. The most important religious landmark of Varkala is the 2000-year-old Janardanaswami temple. Varkala is also an important centre for Ayurveda, and the district hospital is famous for its treatments. There are several spas and private clinics dotting the town as well.
Sightseeing Highlights:
The quiet and secluded Varkala Beach is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. The evening views of the sunset are worth lingering over. There are several small restaurants and snack shops near and around Papasnanam beach, which attracts the maximum visitors both for leisure as well as for religious reasons. Vettekkada beach is another secluded and picturesque beach a short distance away near Kappil.
Anjengo Fort is a 17th century fortress built by the Dutch for guarding the coastline of this once-important trading centre.
Varkala Tunnel is a popular tourist highlight. It was a 924 ft long tunnel built in 1867 by T. Mahadeva Rao the dewan of Travancore, and took 14 years to complete. Varkala Lighthouse is another tourist highlight in the vicinity.
Ponnumthurut Island is a beautiful spot you can reach by cruise boat. It also has a Shiva-Parvati temple that you could visit.
Religious centres:
Janardanaswami temple, a very important Vaishnaviite shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims. Facing the temple is the Papasnanam beach where devotees take a bath in the belief that the sacred waters will wash away their sins. A large bell washed up from the wreck of a Dutch merchant vessel is kept on display at the temple.
Sivagiri Mutt is a famous ashram in Varkala, founded by the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, whose mausoleum is also located on the hill-top.
Other spiritual centres in the adjacent hills are the East-West University of Brahmavidya and Sree Narayana Gurukulam, both founded by Nataraja Guru, a disciple of Sree Narayana Guru.
Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah is another place of pilgrimage that houses the shrine of a famous local Muslim saint. It is on National Highway 47 and attracts people from all religions, who seek the saint's blessings.
Other Activities:
Ayurveda is an important activity in Varkala there are several clinics offering massages and treatments many of them opening only during the peak season. You could also enroll for meditation classes at the Sivagiri Mutt.
Backwater cruises is an activity that is picking up in the stretch between Edava and Kappil (6km north of Varkala). The scenery of this beautiful estuarine area is captivating.
Sightseeing Highlights:
The quiet and secluded Varkala Beach is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. The evening views of the sunset are worth lingering over. There are several small restaurants and snack shops near and around Papasnanam beach, which attracts the maximum visitors both for leisure as well as for religious reasons. Vettekkada beach is another secluded and picturesque beach a short distance away near Kappil.
Anjengo Fort is a 17th century fortress built by the Dutch for guarding the coastline of this once-important trading centre.
Varkala Tunnel is a popular tourist highlight. It was a 924 ft long tunnel built in 1867 by T. Mahadeva Rao the dewan of Travancore, and took 14 years to complete. Varkala Lighthouse is another tourist highlight in the vicinity.
Ponnumthurut Island is a beautiful spot you can reach by cruise boat. It also has a Shiva-Parvati temple that you could visit.
Religious centres:
Janardanaswami temple, a very important Vaishnaviite shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims. Facing the temple is the Papasnanam beach where devotees take a bath in the belief that the sacred waters will wash away their sins. A large bell washed up from the wreck of a Dutch merchant vessel is kept on display at the temple.
Sivagiri Mutt is a famous ashram in Varkala, founded by the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, whose mausoleum is also located on the hill-top.
Other spiritual centres in the adjacent hills are the East-West University of Brahmavidya and Sree Narayana Gurukulam, both founded by Nataraja Guru, a disciple of Sree Narayana Guru.
Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah is another place of pilgrimage that houses the shrine of a famous local Muslim saint. It is on National Highway 47 and attracts people from all religions, who seek the saint's blessings.
Other Activities:
Ayurveda is an important activity in Varkala there are several clinics offering massages and treatments many of them opening only during the peak season. You could also enroll for meditation classes at the Sivagiri Mutt.
Backwater cruises is an activity that is picking up in the stretch between Edava and Kappil (6km north of Varkala). The scenery of this beautiful estuarine area is captivating.
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