Varkala Beach

Introduction :

The sight of the sun melting into the sea would blossom your poetic sense.The mineral water gushing from the hill is believed to have medicinal properties. The Varkala sands has become an ideal spot for confluence of cultures exotic and alien. Varkala also houses a leading pilgrim centre in Kerala. The 800-year old Janardhana temple, dedicated to Ayyappan and Hanuman, atop the hill has brought a sobriquet for the region, Southern Kasi (Benares). Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum but can hang around the temple. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.

A center of Hindu pilgrimage :
Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage.
The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions of Varkala Beach. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Varkala is a beautiful beach that has a more than 2000 years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. This beach of Kerala is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal value.

A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to purge the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' for this shore. At the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace

Beach attractions:
Beach, mineral watersprings, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000 year old Vishnu temple.

How to get there :

Rail : The railway station is 3 kms from the beach.

Bus : Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam. Varkala is 90 minutes away on the bus and a pleasant convenient place to stop for a night or more or an afternoon when travelling between Alappuzha or Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.