Varkala Beach Trivandrum, Varkala Temple, Papanasham Beach, Sivagiri

Varkala is one of the beautiful beach which lies in the western coast of India. The beach is regarded as second only to Kovalam in the Trivandrum beaches.Varkala is one of the Keralas most quite and pictureque beaches with less chaos, crowds and hawkers. Varkala is also fringed by backwaters.

Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. It is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (cloth made of the bark of a tree) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption, came to be known as the Papanasham Beach (Papanasham means redemption from sins). The 2000year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here.

Distance
45 Kilometres North of Trivandrum

Journey time
1 hour from Trivandrum centre

Route
By Road:Trivandrum >NH> Attingal> NH>Kallambalam>SH left 9 kms> Varkala
Rs. 1500/- approx for taxi
Buses from Thampanoor Bus stations> Get a Kollam Bus > get out at Kallambalam and fetch buses to Varkala.
Rail>> Almost all express trains have a stop at Varkala Railway Station. 30-45 minutes from Trivandrum Central and Kollam Junction Railway Stations.

Tourist Season
November to March

What to see at Varkala

Papanasham beach
The beach with a 2 km long laterite cliff atop is one of the quitest and picteresque beach in Kerala. A naturalspring whichis said to have curative proerties is said to originate from the cliff. The view of sunset atop the cliff is memorable. The 'Papanasham' (Destroyer of Sins) beach is regarded as holy and is crowded with pilgrims during new moon days.

Janardhana Swamy temple
A Vishnu temple beleived to be constructed in 12 th century is another attraction of Varkala. A perennial spring called Padmatheertha originates near the temple.Temple timings: 4 am - noon, 5 pm to 8 pm. Festival season Starts March 15-25. Temple contact telephone number: 0470-2607575

Sivagiri Madam
Sivagiri is the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, the most eminent spiritual leader and social reformer of Kerala. Timings 5:30 am to noon, 4:30 -7 pm, Website www.sivagiri.org

Other tourist spots around Varkala
Achuthengu, Kappil, Thiruvambady beach

Where to Stay
Taj Green Retreat 0470-2603000; Tariff 400-5500 (Recommended) Hotel Sea Pearl Chalets - Tel: 0470-2660105 Tarif: 500-1200 INR
Golden Beach Resort - Tel: 0470 2609555; Tariff: 250-700 INR

Related Links
KTDC One Day trip to Varkala from Trivandrum