Varkala Beach--Cliff Beach of India!! ~ Travel...as many places as you can!!!

Located in the south Kerala at north end border of the district Trivandrum, Varkala beach is an ideal holiday destination in Kerala for the tourists who want a peaceful vacation. Counted as one of the top ten seasonal beaches in the world by discovery channel, this beach has a stunning beauty of landscapes, brown sand, and sea. It's a perfect spot to relax with a laidback atmosphere. Popular for beach activities like swimming and sunbathing, this beach offers a striking sunset views. It can simply take your breath away with its long winding stretch of cliff that expands over the Arabian Sea.

Video: Introduction to Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is also called Papanasam beach as it is believed that taking bath here wash away all sins. This beach is very famous for spa, mineral springs and ayurvedic centers, offering the best treatments and therapies. Cliff clad beaches and pretty vibrant environs give a joyous feel that attract beach lovers or honeymooners to spend holidays at this place. The edge of the cliff offers fascinating views of sand and sea. Holidaying in Varkala gives a pleasant experience as there are many attractions that flock large numbers of tourist from all over the world. Summing up, it's a wonderful destination to chill out and revitalize your senses at famous Ayurvedic massage centers available in many resorts of Varkala.

Tourist Attractions of Varkala

There some major attractions that you shouldn't miss during your visit. Those are:
Janardhana Swami Temple- This is a famous temple in the vicinity, which is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. It is 2000 years old temple and the festivals are celebrated here with great zest. It's one of the major centers for doing homages to the ancestors.
The Sivagiri Mutt- Located at the distance of 2.5 kms from Varkala, this ashram is dedicated to Sree Narayana Guru, who urged against inequity and was always in the favor of one religion, caste and one god for humanity.
Papanasham Beach & Cliff- With white sandy beach, golden sunset, pristine waters and towering cliffs, the breathtaking Papanasham Beach is a popular haunt with tourist. It's also a major heritage center that has so many historical values. From the cliff, you can view the fresh water spring at the beach. Taking bath over here is very important as it is believed that it will clean away all your sins.

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Photo: Varkala Beach

Anchengo Fort & Light House - At the distance of 15 km to the south of Varkala, this place has its own history with British ruling.
Sivagiri Tunnel - Built by the regional rulers of Attingal Palce, this tunnel unwraps to a canal which keeps going the side of Sivagiri mutt.

Activities to Do in Varkala Beach

Varkala beach offers many beach activities like sightseeing, sunbathing, wind surfing, parasailing, and soaking in the beauty of this calm beach resort. It's a beautiful place for someone who wants a peaceful atmosphere all around. The warm pristine have short and quick waves that expand from 2 to 5 ft. Adventure freaks can hire surf gears on rent from the Surf and Soul school. The best time for surfing is from September to March. One who is interested in snorkeling may head to the Thiruvambadi beach or the Papanasham beach.

Undoubtedly, enjoying the Ayurvedic and yoga treatments from the famous Yoga and Ayurveda centers give a lovely experience. So, you can indulge in activities like Ayurvedic treatments, meditation and Yoga while holidaying at this beach. Apart from these, art/creative workshops are also offered over here. Shop 'til you drop at the eternal rows of huts running along the cliff, having everything from jewelry and to handicrafts.

Eating Out in Varkala

There are some popular restaurants in Varkala that offer delicious cuisines ranging from South Indian to Continental, Italian, and Chinese. Vegetarians need not have to worry as you can get vegetarian food at Jicky's Rooms, Oottupura Vegetarian Restaurant, and Hotel Suprabhatham. The restaurant in the Taj Garden Retreat also offers tasty food. Café del Mar on the other side offer lip-smacking Indian, Italian and Mexican food. If you are nearby railway station, you may head to The Varkala Park Hotel. There are some beach shacks like Dolphin Bay and Funky Art Café, where you can spend some time with your friends.

Where to Stay

Varkala has all ranges of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to reasonable homestays.

Here's the list of some popular hotels and Homestay:

Homestays-

Villa Jacaranda
La Exotica Homestay
Siva Gardens
Karthika Plaza
Casa Eva Luna

How to Reach

By Air- Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport, which is at the distance 51 Km from the destination.

By Rail- Varkala Railway Station is the nearest railhead that is 3 km away from Varkala.

By Road- Varkala Bus Station is well connected to all major cities of Kerala. Varkala is just 47 km away from the NH 47. Though, this place is connected with all cities and towns, but if you wish you can avail bus from Kochi and Trivandrum to reach the destination.

Best Time to Visit- September to March