Varkala

Varkala is a famous beach destination situated in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Varkala is a small town located about 53 km to the north – west of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and about 40 km to the south – west of Quilon. Besides being a popular getaway for backpackers, Varkala is a well known religious destination also.

Varkala has a glorious past. During the Sangham era, Varkala had been a major port known by the name ‘Balitha’, the references of which can be found in Ptolemy’s Periplus as well.

Anjengo Fort, a national heritage monument near Varkala, tells about the bygone era of trade settlement by the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally the English East India Company. Anjengo Fort was built by the Dutch during the17th century to guard the coastline. Anjengo Fort had been the target of foreign powers for several centuries so that they could have a strong foothold in Kerala.

During the pre – independence days of India, Varkala was a part of the state of Travancore. In 1956, Varkala became a part of the state of Kerala.

Among the several picturesque beaches of Varkala, the prominent one is the main Varkala Beach which is also known by the name Papanasanam Beach. The beaches of Varkala have steep cliffs, natural springs, etc. These cliffs, termed as Varkala Formation, that are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea are declared as geological monuments by the Geological Survey of India.

Varkala has witnessed great developments in its infrastructure since the advent of the tourism industry. There has been a boom in the hospitality sector in Varkala in the recent years owing to the popularity of its beaches and various religious spots in the area.

The most significant religious spot in Varkala is Sree Janardana Swami Temple. Sree Janardana Swami Temple or Dakshin Kashi is more than 2000 years old. Other prominent places of attraction in Varkala are Varkala Tunnel, Ponnumthurut Island, Sivagiri Mutt, Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah, etc.

With the rise in tourism, the healthcare industry in Varkala has flourished well. Varkala is a famous centre for Ayurvedic treatments. Natural therapies and spa treatments have become very popular here. Backwater cruising at the estuarine stretch between Edava and Kappil is another popular activity in Varkala. The best time to visit Varkala Beach is from November to March.

Tourist places in Varkala
Varkala, a coastal town, is located in the Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala. Dotted with backwaters and coconut groves, it is the only region of southern Kerala to have cliffs located adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Known for housing numerous spas and ayurvedic centres, the destination plays a vital role in disseminating information about the traditional Indian medicinal system, Ayurveda.

Besides its surroundings, Varkala is known for the historic buildings, temples, beaches and forts. Varkala Beach, locally known as Papanasam Beach, is one of the prime attractions. Tourists can also visit Sarkara Devi Temple, Sree Saraswathy Temple and Kaduvayil Juma Masjid.

Anjengo Fort, presently in ruins, is one of the prime historic attractions of Varkala. The fort was believed to have been constructed by officials of the East India Company for shooting in Kerala. Varkala Lighthouse and Varkala Tunnel were also constructed during colonial rule and are known for their architecture.

Sivagiri Mutt, which served as an abode to Sree Narayana Guru, the famous philosopher and social reformer, is another sightseeing option. His tomb and ‘samadhi’ is situated at the site. Janardana Swami Temple is an ancient shrine, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is believed to have been constructed around 2,000 years ago.

Sanjeevani Ayurveda Yoga Centre, Kappil Lake, Vettekkada Beach, Ayurtheeram Ayurvedic Centre and Kappil Beach are some of the other attractions located in Varkala.