Varkala Beach Travel Guide

Very high cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from Varkala is a seaside resort and spa as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage the coastline Varkala’s beach scene is what Kovalam used to be like though one look and it’s apparent the same mistakes are being repeated. Inappropriate developments already mar the area and many new hotels are springing up. Still an Arabian Sea sunset viewed from the cliff-top is unlikely to be forgotten and Papansham Beach is relatively free of hawkers and gawkers.There are mineral water springs on the reddish cliffs and the Papanasham beach is wonderful for sunbathing and unwinding.

In the small town a short distance inland is the attractive south Kerala style Janardhanaswamy temple a centre for Pilgrimage. The 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here. Of uncertain age but certainly largely re-built in the 13th century the minor shrines date from much earlier. The temple is primarily dedicated to Vishnu although there are subsidiary Saivite Shrines outside the main precinct. The Arattu festival in Mar-Apr. draws thousands of pilgrims. On the cliff top to the north of the temple is the Government Guest House formerly a palace of the Maharajah of Travancore.

NB: Idyllic as the sea appears there are very strong currents and no lifeguards.