Varkala Beach - Kerala - വരകള ബീച്ച്
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Varkala beach, also known as "Papanasam beach" is located just 55 km north of Trivandrum city, the capital of the "god's own country", Kerala. Being located in an isolated area far away from the busy modern life, the Varkala offers a different experience to the visitor who will be turned into the worshippers soon after just a casual visit. Having a pristine and relatively clean beach spanning over almost three kilometers, Varkala beach has some late rite cliffs and naturally formed brooks of mineral water. The formations of the kind of cliffs one can see near the beach.
It is an popular pleasant beach with mineral water springs and with a beach resort The sea shore is called `Papanasm' and hundreds of Hindu devotees perform 'Vavu Bali' on new moon days of th Malayalam month of Karkidakam. Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Mineral water springs gushing out from these cliffs are well known for their medicinal property.There is a nature cure centre adjacent to the beach. Ancient Janardhana Swamy (Vishnu) temple is near.
Beach, mineral watersprings, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000 year old Vishnu temple. Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the ashramam- 'Sivagiri Mutt' a little distance from the beach.At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs.A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Sri Janardhana Swami and is a popular pilgrimage of the Hindus. It is said that the beach is very sacred and if one takes a holy dip in the beach, the soul is cleansed of sins. The beach is also called "Paapanashini" due to this reason.
stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach,a short distance away. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by.The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology:"one caste, one religion and one god",in a society torn by the taboos of caste system.Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for the tourist and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres.
Varkala spa, 42 km away from Thiruvanathapuram, is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. 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.
The Varkala Beach of Trivandrum is considered to be one of the most secluded beaches of Kerala. It is located at the north of Trivandrum city at a distance of around 54 kilometers. To enjoy the serene and tranquil surroundings, away from the bustling city, Varkala beach of Thiruvananthapuram is the ideal choice in Kerala. For a truly refreshing experience in Kerala head on to the Varkala beach in Kerala. The swaying coconut trees and the soft water lapping at your feet as you watch the sun go down will mesmerize you completely.
Every year, the dawn after the appearance of the new moon in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, numerous people offer "Vayu Bali". This offering is supposed to help the souls of deceased ancestors rest in peace. The beach ahs many resorts where one can stay for a few days and enjoy the calm and composed nature, thus refreshing themselves. The beach is also famous for its Nature Cure Center, which is a famous tourist attraction of this beach.
Nature. Varkala is definitely one among the very few beaches of its kind in the world. A dip into the stream itself is an attraction and a mode of free rejuvenation method as the water has medicinal power. Varkala is also noted for its historical and cultural significance. The Jagannadha Swamy Temple and Varkala Sivagiri Matam possess much to tell about their heritage.
Yet another major point to be noted is the presence of the naturally born mineral water brooks. The tourists find excitement to have a bath in these small rivulets. It is widely believed that the water has a medicinal power. The local fishermen can arrange Kattmaran cruises, a country raft using for sea fishing, for angling. One can also find Sunrise and Sunset cruises here organized by the fisher folk.
The Sivagiri Madam is a Hindu pilgrim center near to Varkala Beach. The people belong to all castes and religions are allowed to visit here. Sivagiri Madam is located on the banks of Trivandrum - Shornur canal about 2.5 km from the Varkala town.
The Varkala Tunnels, the underground tunnels built at the British period across the Canal is yet another attracting point for its marvelous construction, which stands still as a witness of the forgotten busy trade route of Kerala's commercial past.
The city of Quilon, the gateway of the scenic backwaters, is just 25 km north of Varkala. Houseboat stay and day cruises in the Backwaters are available at Quilon.
Beach, mineral watersprings, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000 year old Vishnu temple. Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the ashramam- 'Sivagiri Mutt' a little distance from the beach.At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs.A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Sri Janardhana Swami and is a popular pilgrimage of the Hindus. It is said that the beach is very sacred and if one takes a holy dip in the beach, the soul is cleansed of sins. The beach is also called "Paapanashini" due to this reason.
stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach,a short distance away. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by.The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology:"one caste, one religion and one god",in a society torn by the taboos of caste system.Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for the tourist and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres.
Varkala spa, 42 km away from Thiruvanathapuram, is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. 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.
The Varkala Beach of Trivandrum is considered to be one of the most secluded beaches of Kerala. It is located at the north of Trivandrum city at a distance of around 54 kilometers. To enjoy the serene and tranquil surroundings, away from the bustling city, Varkala beach of Thiruvananthapuram is the ideal choice in Kerala. For a truly refreshing experience in Kerala head on to the Varkala beach in Kerala. The swaying coconut trees and the soft water lapping at your feet as you watch the sun go down will mesmerize you completely.
Every year, the dawn after the appearance of the new moon in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, numerous people offer "Vayu Bali". This offering is supposed to help the souls of deceased ancestors rest in peace. The beach ahs many resorts where one can stay for a few days and enjoy the calm and composed nature, thus refreshing themselves. The beach is also famous for its Nature Cure Center, which is a famous tourist attraction of this beach.
Nature. Varkala is definitely one among the very few beaches of its kind in the world. A dip into the stream itself is an attraction and a mode of free rejuvenation method as the water has medicinal power. Varkala is also noted for its historical and cultural significance. The Jagannadha Swamy Temple and Varkala Sivagiri Matam possess much to tell about their heritage.
History Of Popularity
With the ever-increasing popularity of Kovalam beaches, the area became overcrowded. It was the debut of the popularity of Varkala beach. The beach begun to win the attention of visitors from early nineties. It is widely said that Varkala as an ideal beach was found by the adventurous backpacker tourists who wanted to be away from the usual tourist traffic. Now Varkala got its relevance as a mascot to the tourists.Activities
Varkala beach is an ideal spot for enjoying the sun and surf of the Arabian Sea. Apart from the beautiful beach Varkala is also noted for its steeping cliffs and hence one can even be a "cliff hanger" through its red cliff faces. Definitely, a view from the top of these magnificent cliffs into the beautiful landscape is breathtaking.Yet another major point to be noted is the presence of the naturally born mineral water brooks. The tourists find excitement to have a bath in these small rivulets. It is widely believed that the water has a medicinal power. The local fishermen can arrange Kattmaran cruises, a country raft using for sea fishing, for angling. One can also find Sunrise and Sunset cruises here organized by the fisher folk.
Vicinity
In the vicinity of Varkala beach there is a 2000-year-old temple named Janardhanaswamy Temple, an architectural wonder built in traditional Kerala style. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the seven most important Vaishnavite temples in India. The Temple is also known as the Dakshina Kasi or the Varanasi of South. Non-Hindus are not allowed to visit the inner parts of Jaganardhanaswamy Temple.The Sivagiri Madam is a Hindu pilgrim center near to Varkala Beach. The people belong to all castes and religions are allowed to visit here. Sivagiri Madam is located on the banks of Trivandrum - Shornur canal about 2.5 km from the Varkala town.
The Varkala Tunnels, the underground tunnels built at the British period across the Canal is yet another attracting point for its marvelous construction, which stands still as a witness of the forgotten busy trade route of Kerala's commercial past.
The city of Quilon, the gateway of the scenic backwaters, is just 25 km north of Varkala. Houseboat stay and day cruises in the Backwaters are available at Quilon.
Fairs And Festivals
The main festivals are conducted at Janardhanaswamy temple and at Sivagiri Madam.Tradition And Dress Code
As in any other parts of Kerala, decent dress code is a must in the public places. One can wear the swimming suit. Nudity is completely prohibited as well as the topless parade of the women.Shopping
The small shops in and around the Varkala beach offers the handicraft items varying from arts to dress items. Many tourists can be found in the local attire of Dhoti on their waist and thorth a nice towel on their shoulders.Other Facilities
Travel, ticketing, money exchanging facilities are available at the beach side.Security Precautions
Though there are trained lifeguards deep sea swimming and going to prohibited areas to be avoided.Do's And Don'ts
Consumption and possession of illegal drugs are prohibited and highly punishable.Best Time to Visit and Weather
Season
The tourist season starts in September that continues till the end of March. Average temperature is varying from 30 to 35 degree Celsius. The climate is sometimes humid especially in the end of October and in November.
Travel Direction
Location
Varkala is located just 55 km north of Trivandrum city, the Capital of Kerala, a South Indian state. A deviation of sixteen kilometers at Kallambalam towards west from the National Highway-47, will get a visitor into the serene beach.
Depth & Length
The beach is specially noted for its relatively small area of just 3 kilometers. The average depth of the beach is 5 feet and one can walk into the sea till a distance of 500 meters. Moving furthermore should be avoided, as there may be undercurrents.How to Reach
By Air
Trivandrum International is the nearest airports located at a distance of 45 kilometers from this beach.to Varkala. Many International Airlines are operating flights to and from here. From Colombo, Gulf sectors, Singapore and Maldives there are direct flights available to Trivandrum. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways are operating domestic flights. There are direct flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.By Rail
Varkala Railway station is the nearest railway stationis at a distance of 3 kilometers from here. Trains to various parts of India can be accessible here.By Road
Varkala beach is just sixteen kilometers from the National Highway-47. Government transport buses are plenty from all other parts of Kerala. To reach at Varkala one has to get down at Kallambalam then get auto-rickshaws or local buses. 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.Accommodation
Though Varkala is a small tourist destination good accommodation facilities are available. There is a four star hotel own by Taj Group of Hotels and a Government's tourist bungalow. Some small lodging centers and tiny resorts are also there in Varkala those are completely full in the Season time. Home stay facilities are also available.Nearby Places and other Beaches
Trivandrum, Vazhuthacaud
 Photo by : ttalbum in webshots |
 Photo by : ttalbum in webshots |
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 Photo by : ttalbum in webshots |
 Photo by : bleud_japan in webshots |
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 Photo by : duke1177 in webshots |
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