India /Kerala /Tiruvanantapuram /Varkala

Varkala town lies in the coastal regions of Kerala in the Thiruvananthapuram district. It is a place where hills are located close to the sea. The town has many natural fishers and springs which makes it one of the favored tourist destinations. The beaches are relatively untouched and clean as well. One of the main beaches located in Varkala is the Papanasam Beach, close to the beach stands the Janardhana Swamy Temple. This temple is more than 2000 years old and is one of the attractions of the place. The temple is home to an old bell that was taken from an ancient shipwreck of a Dutch Freighter.Varkala Beach is a popular beach where one can enjoy various activities such as paragliding and parasailing. Few restaurants are also located nearby. Kapil Lake, which is located close to the beach, is a popular site while Anjengo Fort, a historical place is also a popular destination for many tourists. Besides, Varkala Tunnel and the Lighthouse are also interesting places that one should never miss to visit.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Beaches

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 695141

STD Code: 470

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  Oct – Mar

HistoryEdit

Varkala is situated about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 35 km from Kollam. A small town located in Trivandrum, Varkala is famous for its Papanasam Beach and SivaGiri Mutt, which is believed to be the final resting place of saint and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The Janardhanaswamy temple here, was built during the 12th century AD and since then, Varkala has been a Hindu Pilgrimage Centre. However, the highlight of Varkala remains the Papanasam Beach with its rocky cliffs and the wide plateau atop the precipice which offers a wonderful view of the sea. It attracts many a foreign and local tourists during the months from December to March, which is the ideal time for a visit.

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How to ReachEdit

By Air : The nearest airport is located at Trivandrum which is around 66 km from the beach town. Taxis from the airport are the best option and they charge between Rs 500 and Rs 700. The airport has frequent flights to many important cities.

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. Most of the trains in this route pass through the Varkala station. Trains are comfortable and tickets are reasonable. Tickets costs differ according to the place. Non A/C compartments from Cochin cost around Rs 200. Auto Rickshaws are available from the station to the city.

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. Buses may be crowded and are generally not very comfortable.

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Top HotelsAdd

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Signature Residence Ayurvedic Resort ; North Cliff, Varkala, Varkala Beach Thiruvambadi Rd, Varkala, Kerala ; Ph – 0470 260 3982 ; Facilities – 24hours room service, parking facility, Doctor-on-call, laundry , telephone, TV, travel desk, 24hours H/C running water.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

Palm Tree Heritage ; Odayam Beach Rd Varkala, Kerala. ; Ph – 099 46 055036 ; Facilities – 24hours room service, parking facility, Doctor-on-call, laundry , telephone, TV, travel desk, 24hours H/C running water.

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Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

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Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Arattu festival ; Venue:  Varkala ; Period :  March and April ; Details:  The Arattu festival at Janardhana Swamy Temple is commemorated each year, around the months of March and April, for 10 days. Kathakali dance is performed and do watch-out for the face movements of the dancers as they dance with their eye-brows, lips and nose as well. Processions of elephants form a delightful sight.
Karkidaka Festival. ; Venue:  Varkala ; Period :  July and August ; Details:  A more spiritually inclined festival is the Karkidaka Festival. A lot of people gather together on this day to pay homage and perform rituals for the salvation and peace of departed souls and ancestors. This festival falls on a full moon and is commenced around the months of July and August. People observe fasts on this day.
Onam ; Venue:  Varkala ; Period :  August and September ; Details:  Onam is another festival celebrated during the months of August and September. It is also refered to as the rice harvest festival. People in Kerela decorate their house with flower carpets that are made by the women at home. Sports such as the snake-boat race are also performed during the 10-day festival.

Safety / WarningEdit

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HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

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