Varkala Travel & Tourism Overview
Total Area: 15.42 sq.km
Elevation: 190 m
Population: 40,048
Language: Malayalam, English
Located in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in the south India, Varkala enjoys untouched and clean beaches in the God’s Own Country. It’s a striking destination and an enchanting waterside city, which is very popular amongst tourists due to its bewitching places and monuments oozing out rich cultural and religious heritage. It’s the only place in Kerala where rocks are encountered close to the Arabian Sea, setting the vista for various water spouts and wellness spa.
Exploring the natural beauty and pleasant coastal town of Varkala will thaw your worries and stress away. The water overlapping at Papanasam beach are believed to have sacred and sin-cleansing properties while the nearby Ayurveda Treatment Centre in Varkala draws a number of visitors to experience the Ayurvedic treatment. The soaring cliffs lined up with the sky-blue sea make Varkala look very exceptional. It has plenty of tourist attractions including beautiful Varkala beach, a 2000 year old Janardana Swami Temple, and the Ashram-Sivagiri Mutt, which make this destination a popular pilgrim place. Another major attraction is the hill-top mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru, the most popular monuments of Kerala. In short, a famous pilgrimage, rejuvenating seaside, pleasant scenery of the rocky cliffs and savory sea food make this place an ideal holiday destinations for globetrotters.
Legend
As per the legend, it is believed that during the Sangham era, Varkala had been a famous port called as ‘Balitha’. A national heritage monument ‘Anjengo Fort’ tells the story of trade settlement by the Dutch, the Portuguese and the English East India Company of the past era. During the Independence Day of India, Varkala was a part of the Travancore state, but later in the year 1956 this place became a part of Kerala.
Interesting Facts
Varkala is famous for Vavu beli- a well-known hindu custom performed at Varkala Beach
There are several Ayurvedic Massages and Spa centre in Varkala which offer refreshing full body massage and spa.
Kathakali Performances are held every evening during the peak season in the Varkala Cultural Centre, so one who wants to see the cultural dance performances must visit here once
Things to Do in Varkala:
Enjoying sunbathing and swimming at Varkala Beach is a very great idea to rejuvenate you in this serene ambience.
Relaxing and spending evening hours on the cliffs, looking up to the magnificent sunset is the best thing every tourist wish to do.
Varkala is the main religious centres of Kerala so one who is seeking sacred place in this city may head towards an ancient Vishnu Temple and Sivagiri Mutt.
For shopping, head to the North Cliff of Varkala where you get raw silk fabrics and other items like sarongs, trinkets, mixed western music CDs, spices, tea masala, and different types of coffee. There are Tibetan shops, Khadi Stores and Beach Bazaars where you can buy plenty of things at reasonable prices.
Foodies and hungers can enjoy authentic Kerala food on a banana leaf at Kerala Mama’ Kumari’s home, which is equipped with chairs and wooden table and encircled by her cows, hens and others pets in the backyard. All local delicacies are served at reasonable prices. The popular dishes served here are curry paste, Kerala dal, poppadum, banana curry, an okra vegetable dish, and many more. Apart from these, there are other restaurants and eateries that serve delicious sea food and other cuisine like Continental, Mexican, Italian and Tibetan.
Surfboarders must try surfing at Varkala Beach as this place is the surfing hub and one can have fun at the beach surfing. For beginners, there are many surfing schools where one can learn to paddle.
Waken your mind and body in the early morning and go for Yoga Sessions as there experienced yoga teachers who can give you a wonderful yoga classes.
Sightseers can explore Varkala as it has plenty of attractions like Varkala lighthouse, English Fort, Varkala Tunnel and Ponnumthurut Island, which can bewitch you with uniqueness and grandeur.
If you are done with sightseeing activities and surfing, then you can pamper or refresh yourself at Ayurvedic Massage Centre, where you are cosseted with full body massage and spa.
Accommodation in Varkala:
Varkala has a number of luxury resorts, budget and homestays to suit the choice of every traveler. There are few homestays in Varkala which are located nearby beach, offering en-suite bathrooms, internet facility, Ayurvedic massages and easy access to the Varkala beach.
Here’s the list of few hotels and resorts which are perfect to stay while holidaying with your friends or dear ones:
The Taj Gateway Hotel
The Sanctum Spring Beach Resort
Hindustan Beach Retreat
Deshadan Cliff & Beach Resort
Thanal Beach Resort
Samsara Harmony Beach Resort
Privasea Villa
Akhil Beach Resort
Climate:
Varkala has downpour in the months of June, July and August due to monsoon in the southwest. The winter season in Varkala starts from December and ends till February. The temperature increases to 32 °C (90 °F) in summers and 31 °C (88 °F) in winters. Annual average rainfall is estimated around 3,100 mm (120 in).
How to Reach
Varkala is well connected by road, rail and air:
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram Airport is just at the distance of 45 km from the Varkala. There are many national flights that connect Thiruvananthapuram to major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai.
By Train: Varkala Sivagiri railhead is the nearest railway station that is well connected to Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram.
By Road: There are State government buses that ply from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala. One who is coming from Kochi can board a bus to Thiruvananthapuram and get down at Attingal to board a connecting bus to Varkala.
Best Time to Visit: October to February is the best time to visit Varkala as the weather is moderate and pleasant.