KERALA TOURISM

A place where your dreams set sail

          Kerala is a tropical state in southwest India known for its natural beauty, culture, and cuisine. Kerala has a rich history, including the Cheras, who ruled the western Malabar Coast as part of the Tamil triumvirate of the muventar (Three Crowned Kings). There is also a belief that during the Onam festival, Mahabali returns to Kerala once a year. Kerala is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

VARKALA

The Coastal Gem of Kerala

          Varkala is the most famous coastal municipality located on the northern edge of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Known for its great historical and legendary values, the place is featured in many literary compositions like the Kerala Mahatmyam, which alleges that Varkala is one of the divine locations in Kerala.

A Coastal Treasure with Spiritual and Geological Significance

          Varkala is an important coastal panchayat in the northern suburb of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, which has a lot of legends and natural beauty attached to it. Even the significant texts highlight this place as one of the holy places of Kerala.

          Unique for Varkala, it forms the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs rise sharply next to the Arabian Sea. The Cenozoic sedimentary cliffs known as the Varkala Formation form a striking geologic feature along Kerala's otherwise flat coastline. Recognizing their uniqueness, these cliffs have been declared a national geologic monument by the GSI to ensure their conservation, preservation, and promotion as a geotourism site. In addition, the cliffs are also famous for their plenty of water spouts and natural spas.

          Varkala Cliffs received official recognition as a geo-heritage site by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India and GSI in 2015.

          This region is also host to the 2,000-year-old ancient Janardana Swami Temple, a Vaishnavaite shrine that is very commonly described as Dakshin Kashi, meaning the Benares of the South. Facing Papanasam Beach, an Ayurvedic treatment center, it has within its precincts an ancient bell recovered from a shipwreck, given as an offering by the captain of a Dutch vessel that sank off Varkala without loss of life.  Another major landmark in Varkala is the Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

Legends of Varkala: A Place of Redemption

          The origins of Varkala are steeped in myth and legend. One popular belief is that a Pandyan King, guided by Lord Brahma, was instructed to build a temple at this very site to atone for his sins. This temple, deeply rooted in spiritual significance, marks Varkala as a sacred place.

          Another legend tells of Sage Narada, who encountered a group of pilgrims burdened by their sins. In response, Narada threw his valkalam—a loin cloth made from tree bark—which landed in this picturesque village. The spot where it fell came to be known as Varkala. Narada then directed the pilgrims to pray at Papanasam, a place whose name literally translates to "redemption from sins."

Geological Significance of Varkala: The Warkalli Formation

          Geological setting of the Cenozoic sedimentary rocks are very well exposed at Varkala and most of the literature identify them as the Warkalli Formation. This is dominated by the occurrence of Quilon Formation that represents the sediments deposited in the Kerala basin during Mio-Pliocene. The Quilon Formation is characterized mainly by limestone deposits and dates back to the Miocene epoch. Contrasted with this, the Warkalli Formation is characterized by alternating bands of sand and shale, as observed through the Varkala cliffs. Occasional thin seams of lignite in between the shale indicate that at the time of formation of these clay sediments, there existed widely spread varieties of vegetation.

Varkala: A Thriving Tourism and Commercial Hub

          Varkala is one of the famous places that hold major tourism and commercial importance. More than 300 resorts and hotels—among them one belonging to the Tata Group, a Taj Hotel—are present within the municipality. Other facilities also exist, starting from a medium-rated water supply system to a fire station, automobile showrooms, several post offices, engineering and degree colleges, and even a police station.

          The health care facilities in Varkala are well developed, with government-run medical centers along with more than ten private hospitals and clinics. One government-run naturopathic hospital is near the Papanasam cliff, and the District Ayurvedic Hospital is located in Varkala.

          Other than its own charms, Varkala is an important nodal center for the towns of Attingal, Kadakkavur, Chirayinkeezhu, Kallambalam, Paravur, and Kilimanoor

Getting to Varkala: Transportation Options

Air

          The nearest airport to Varkala is Trivandrum International Airport, located 39 km away. Additionally, Varkala Cliff features a helipad for helicopter travel.

Rail

          Varkala Railway Station is well-connected with regular train services to major metropolitan cities across India.

Road

          Varkala is situated along the Trivandrum-Kollam coastal highway. It is also linked by State Highway 64 to the Mumbai-Kanyakumari National Highway 66, which runs 9 km to the east.

Water

          Varkala is connected to National Waterway 3 via the Varkala Tunnel, which runs through the city, enhancing its accessibility by water.

Tourism in Varkala: Beaches, Attractions, and Wellness

          Tourism in Varkala flourished towards the end of the last century, particularly around Varkala Beach (Papanasam). This beach was originally renowned for the Vavu Beli ritual, a Hindu custom performed there. Another nearby beach, Tiruvambadi, located just one kilometer away, is accessible on the way to the old palace. Additionally, Ponnumthuruthu Island, situated close to Varkala, is a popular tourist destination.

          The promenade above Varkala Beach is lined with numerous Ayurvedic massage parlors, offering visitors a range of traditional wellness treatments.

More tourism spots around Varkala

          Kappil Lake, Anjengo Fort, Varkala Tunnel and religious spots such as Janardana Swami Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, Panayara Triporittakkavu Bhagavathi Temple, Sarkara Devi Temple, Sree Saraswathy Temple, Kaduvayil Juma Masjid and Mambazhamoola Mahaganapathi temple.

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"The most beautiful sunset from a cliff beach! Varkala, Kerala-such a beauty!"