Varkala is a beautiful coastal town 51 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram, on its northern side. Well known for the Varkala Beach and naturally abundant, Varkala Tourism has the charm and potential to attract tourists from all over the world and Varkala with its high cliffs with mineral springs is ranked by Discovery Channel as one of the best beaches in Kerala and top 10 beaches in the world. The beach is quite popular among foreigners as its tourism offers many exciting pursuits such as sun bath, boat riding and Ayurvedic rejuvenation.
Varkala also has a shade of culture to it and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre with the memorial of Sree Narayana Guru, at Sivagiri which is frequented by Hindu pilgrims from South India. Varkala also offers the picturesque papanasham beach surrounded by cliff and sea, together with destinations- Sivagiri, Anchengo Fort & Light House, Janardhana Swami Temple.
Here is a list of best things to do in Varkala and major attractions in and around Varkala
Varkala beach is famous for its rock cliffs, pristine sands, blue waters and mineral springs. The cliff accommodating stretches of shops, restaurants, resorts and beach houses provide everything a tourist is looking for. The view of sunrise and sunset from the Varkala beach is an exotic treat to watch. The beach is popularly known as Papanasam beach since it was used by Hindus to scatter cremated ashes of their relatives has now emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala .
Varkala is a quiet and isolated sandy expanse where you can have a relaxing beach holiday without the crowds and bustle of some of the busier beaches in Kerala like Kovalam. The mineral springs near Varkala Beach are considered to have medicinal properties, and many people come here to drink, and bath in the spring. The landscape in Varkala is unique, with a high rocky cliff ending abruptly and a stretch of clear sand extending down to the sea. The contrast between the cliffs, sand and sea makes Varkala Beach a striking and memorable sight.
