Varkala

Situated along the red laterite cliffs, Varkala is a naturally set place that has become the most popular beach hang-out place in Kerala. Varkala is not just its beach, it is also a temple town where the Janardanaswamy temple is located.

Varkala - City Guide

Some wonderful bird - watching opportunities exist here, and there is top class accommodation in restored traditional homes nearby. Great opportunities also exist here for walks through village environs and it is a wonderful place to observe traditional life and agricultural practices in a relaxing atmosphere..

Tourist Attractions of Varkala

Water sports : Varkala is the only area in Kerala where the sea is closer to the hills. Due to this geographical formation Varkala makes a good place for water games like banana rafting. Many operators are found near the beach who offer a safe sport.

Varkala Beach : The Varkala beach also called as the Papanasam beach, which means ‘Destroyer of Sins’ is renowned for its calm and blue stretch of sandy beach. The beach is also famous for its natural mineral water springs.

Edava Beach : The Edava beach which is unspoilt and untouched by tourist activities is a serene place to relax yourself. This is a place where the waters are of a deep-crystal blue and is a place where the backwaters meets the sea.

Anjengo Fort : The Anjengo Fort once served as the target for foreign powers that tried to take over Kerala. The fort still houses the remnants of its inhibitors and is one of the oldest cemetery in Kerala dating back to the early 18th century.

Ponnumthuruthu : Known as the Golden Island, Ponnumthuruthu is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from Varkala and is famed for its Shiva and Parvathi temple which is located amidst thick coconut orchards in sandy beach.

Must visit

Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple : A 2000 year old, the janardhana Swamy temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and faces the Varkala beach. The alluring sea wind adds to the spirituality of the temple.

Varkala Lighthouse : Built by the British in the 17th century to aid the ships on sea, the Varkala Lighthouse is a 130 feet tall building that gives a mesmerizing bird’s eye view of the Beach and backwaters making it a perfect place for photographers.

Varkala Tunnel: The Varkala Tunnel was built in the 19th century by a Diwan of Travancore. The tunnel took 14 years for construction and is an excellent example for colonial time architecture.