Varkala Beach

Telephone access code: +91 -470

Air: Nearest Airport is Thiruvanathapuram International Airport (55 km)

Rail: Varkala has its own railway station. You can board a train from Thiruvanathapuram to Kollam or Kochi and get down here. But you need to check if the particular train has a stop at Varkala.

Road: Varkala is nearer to Kollam.It is 35 km away from Kollam,2 hrs from Thirunanathapuram and 4 hrs from Eranakulam.

Varkala beach is located 55 Km north of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. The beach is a popular holiday destination among those looking for relaxed and quiet holidays.Varkala beach is also called ' Papanashini' since it is believed that a dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach will purify your body and soul.Varkala Beach is also renowned for its scenic land scape.The contrast between the cliffs, sand and sea makes Beach a bewitching sight. The sunset at Varkala beach is truly breathtaking.

Papanasam Beach

A remarkable feature here is the long stretch of red laterite cliffs fringing the beach. The cliff top is an ideal place to watch the sunset. Natural spring, said to have curative properties, originates from the cliff.

Janardhana Swamy Temple
(Open 0400-1200 hrs, 1700-2000 hrs)

Varkala is also famous for its 900 year old Janardhana Swami temple which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the south). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.

Sivagiri Mutt
(Open 0530 -1200 hrs, 1630 – 1800 hrs)

200 acres of sanctified land, this is the final resting place of the most eminent leader, saint and social reformer of Kerala Sree Narayana Guru. The Mahasamadhi of the humble belongings are kept on display.