Varkala, Kerala – This bow-shaped sea side spot is a serene hamlet

Located in the outskirts of Thiruvanathapuram, Varkala is a serene hamlet. It is another sea-side location in Kerala like Kovalam. Lying on the bank of the Arabian sea, this bow-shaped sea side spot is guarded by brick red mountain named Cliff-top. The coconut trees stand in rows along the beach making a perfect landscape. The roaring sounds of the breaking waves create a thrilling experience.

Places to see at Varkala: Varkala is adorned by a number of tourist destinations which include,

Varkala Beaches

The silvery stretches of sands along the Arabian Sea offer a tranquil retreat of the beach lovers. The backdrop of rocky cliffs provides a perfect contrast to the lapping waves. Papanasam is one of the prominent beaches in Varkala. Absence of touristy crowd is an important feature in the beaches of Varkala. Sleep, swim or laze around – you are sure to have an uninterrupted leisure.

Janardhana Temple

Built sometime in 12th century, the Janardana Temple is another important tourist attraction in Varkala. From the cliff top where most of the hotels and restaurants are located, the temple is a short walk away. The original temple, a Vishnu shrine, was destroyed by the tidal waves. Many years past, when a Pandyan king did penance to Lord Brahma, was instructed to rebuild the temple. Non-hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum sanctorum.

Sivagiri Mautt

The headquarter of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, founded by Sree Narayana Guru is located just 3kms away from the Janardana Temple.

Varkala Tunnel

No description of the tourist attractions in Varkala is complete without the mention of Varkala Tunnel. The 924ft tunnel took nearly 14years to complete in 19th century. The tunnel was used for ferrying several type of goods.

Kappil Lake

At the outskirts of Varkala town, the lake gives way to the scenic world of the Kerala backwaters.

Apart from the above, Anjeno Fort, the Lighthouse also feature among the tourist attractions in Varkala.

Nearby attractions around Varkala:  From Varkala you visit to places like:

Kollam

Located at a distance of 37 km from Varkala, old name of Kollam was Quilon. One of the Kerala’s leading trade hubs, Kollam is the centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. Thirty percent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram

Just 51 km from Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram is famous for the mesmerizing Kovalam beach.Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala, the God’s Own Country, is now known by the name.Thiruvananthapuram, which means the “abode of Lord Anantha”. The city of Thiruvananthapuram is located in the South of the state and bordered by Tiruneveli in the East, Kanyakumari to the South and Kollam district located to its North. The city is a must on the itinerary of any visitor to the South India.

Things to do at Varkala: Take a stroll along the enchanting sea beach and breath in fresh air. Explore the sight seeing destinations. If doing nothing, enjoy amidst the natural beauty.

Best time to visit Varkala: Winter i.e (December to March)  is the best time to visit Varkala.

How to go ?

By Train

Varkala Railway Station is well connected to the rest of the state and arriving by train from Kochi (Jan Shatabdi) and Trivandrum (Kanyakumari Exp) is the best option.

By Air

The nearest airport is located at Trivandrum which is around 66 km from the beach town.

By Bus

Buses are available from both Kochi and Trivandrum. KSRTC buses are frequent and the can be boarded from the respective main bus stands.

Where to stay ?

In Varkala many hotels are available suitable to the budgets.

Hindustan Beach Retreat: +91-0470-2604254,55,56  Website: www.hindustanbeachretreat.com
Hotel Hilltop: +91-0470- 695141
Hotel Deshadan Cliff and Beach Resort: +91- 0470-3204242  Website: www.deshadan.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.

.