Varkala
is situated at about 30Km north of Trivandrum on the sea coast. The
Trivandrum Kollam railway line passes through the centre of the
town. It is also accessible by road from Kallambalam on NH-47.
Kerala's newest travel destination that is Varkala. It is a perfect
place for those who like to holiday in a calm and serene atmosphere.
The town is bound by Sivagiri Hills on the East, the Arabian Sea on
the West, Edava Panchayat on the North and Vettoor Panchayat on the
South. Varkala is a seaside tourist resort and spa offering
massages, cuisines and what not in the calm and quiet environment of
Kerala. A small town 55 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is also
one of the most important religious place for the Hindus. The Papanasam Beach at Varkala is a quiet, undiscovered beach known for its white, silvery stretch of sand, mineral springs and rocky cliffs. It is the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru ( One of the great social reformer of Kerala), is near Varkala atop a hill named Sivagiri. High cliffs from mineral springs rising is a scene typical of Varkala. There is a nature cure centre, resturants and hotels right adjacent to the beach.
The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two of the main attractions of Varkala Beach. High cliffs borders the excellent beach its like they are protecting the beach from being discovered.
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 clear the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' (Killer of Sins) has been given to this shore. At the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual that is believed to help the souls of the ancestors rest in peace.