Varkala; A Mesmerizing Beach

In Varkala, nature is in its pristine glory. Shining white sands and cloudless skies touching the blue waters make a composite picture of the beauty and awesomeness of nature. The red cliffs, extending about two Km, stand towering on the beach like silent sentinels. Moreover a view from the hilltop is simply astounding.

Tranquil and isolated, you can have a relaxing holiday day at Varkala. Far away from the madding crowd, the beach is so fantastic. The sunset at Varkala is astounding with the sun slowly going down the horizon and the sky filled with red and orange hues.

Swimming is a real fun here. But you have to be careful with the waves as they splash close to the beach so strongly. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, one can also indulge in various beach activities like scuba diving, para-sailing and wind surfing. Apart from the main beach, one can enjoy at the several smaller beaches like he Thiruvambady and Kappila beach, which is lined with volcanic black sand. When at Varkala, go for yoga and ayurvedic treatment and do not forget to attend the Kathakali dance performance.

Varkala is also famous for its magical spas. Take a bath in the bubbling waters of the hot springs, which is believed to bring relief to a multitude of ailments. The hot springs bring back the energy and rejuvenate the senses. The hot baths in Varkala cannot be missed.

More than a tourist spot, Varkala beach is quite religious also. Here stands the 2200-year-old Janardana Swamy temple. Pilgrims come here from across the state on the auspicious new moon day in the month of 'Karkidakam' (mid July to mid August) according to the Malayalam calendar, and offer "vavu bali" so that the souls of their relatives who have departed from this world, may rest in peace.

The Shivagiri Mutt is another place of attraction. This is the samadhi (memorial) of Shri Narayana Guru, spiritual leader and social reformer of Kerala. A man much ahead of his times, he propagated the idea of one caste, one religion and one God.

Reaching Varkala is easy. The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 46 km from here. Varkala has its own railhead, connecting it to all the major cities of Kerala.