Varkala Beach, situated 51 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is a very secluded beach, where you can have a relaxing beach holiday without the crowds and bustle of some of the busier beaches in Kerala.
This Beach is also called as Papanasam Beach, and it is an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. The devotees come here to perform “Vavubali”, a ritual performed for the ancestors souls to rest in peace, on the new moon day of the Malayalam month Karkidakam.
It is also believed that a dip in the holy beach will wash out one’s sins and purify the mind. There is another belief about this holy beach. The mineral springs near this beach are considered to have medicinal properties.
The beach is surrounded by high rocky cliffs and coconut groves. There are two main cliffs, the North and the South. The cliffs are steep and rugged and are made of red brown stone.
Viewing the Sunset from this Beach, over the Arabian Sea, is stunning with the sun dipping slowly down the horizon and the sky filled with red and orange colors.
Ayurvedic massage is also provided here.
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, water sports, water sports such as Parasailing, Scuba diving, wind surfing etc.
Attractions: There are several smaller beaches further north with black volcanic sand, near the main beach. These beaches are serene and provide more privacy.
The famous Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and Hanuman, is located atop a hill here. It is a very old temple.
Sivagiri Mutt and the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru are also great attractions here.
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