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Varkala Tourism

Varkala Beach

Kerala is one of the globally recognised destinations for beach tourism, blessed with sun-kissed beaches, placid lagoons and silvery sands. With their sun-drenched beaches, both the northern and the southern parts of Kerala attract visitors. While Kappad, Darmadam and Muzhapilangad are Northern Kerala 's major beaches, Kovalam and Varkala are Southern Kerala 's major beaches. Varkala is not exactly like the other beaches, though it has a beach-resort feel. In certain ways, it is distinct from Kovalam, be it topography or ambience. While visited every day by a fairly large number of visitors, Varkala still has a calm atmosphere and is devoid of the hustle and bustle that Kovalam is typically associated with.

In addition to keeping the charms of a peaceful beach, with the presence of Sivagiri Mutt and various ancient temples, including Janardhana temple, Varkala is also a major pilgrim destination. The fascinating stretch of cliffs is one of the main factors that set apart Varkala from other beaches of Sothern Kerala. The coasts of Kerala are usually flat in nature. The only beach in southern Kerala where cliffs are located adjacent to the Arabian Sea is Varkala itself. The "Varkala Formation" as the geologists call it is declared as a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India. We can see some pretty spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.


The Climate : The humid climate in Varkala is mild, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius. Strong rains (Southwest Monsoon) are observed from June to August and the total rainfall is 310 cm. With heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon during June-August. October to February is the best season to visit the venue.

History

Located about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is 35 km from Kollam. Because of the location of the ancient Janardhana Swami temple here, it was known as Southern Varanasi or Thenkasi. The place was also named Udaya Marthandapuram, commemorating the contributions to the establishment of Varkala by Udaya Marathanda Varma, a Travancore Ruler. In 1762, in the obscure sea side village of Varkala, the king constructed rows of houses to make the local Brahmins settle here.

There are many tales and legends related to this place 's birth. The building of the Janardhana Swami temple is linked to one such storey. One of the Pandyan kings was ordered by Lord Brahma to create a temple to save his souls from the sins he had committed. The king received a prophecy in his dreams that suggested Varkala as the place to build the temple.

Another legend of the Sage Narada is related to the name of the town. According to this legend, the nine Prajapathis met Sage Narada, who told him they had sinned. He threw his valkalam (a garment made from the bark of a tree) on the ground. The prajapathis were told by Narada to go there and pray for their salvation. The Varkalam fell was called by the name Varkala (derived from Valkalam) since the scenic village was then.

As many historical documents say, Varkala was known to ancient foreign traders. In The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, the ancient Greek manuscript detailing navigation and trade possibilities, the area was referred to as 'Balita'.

Demographics : Varkala has a population of around 42,273, according to the 2001 census. 49 per cent of the population are males and 51 per cent are females. The average literacy rate here is 88 percent, and a large number of people here work abroad, most of them in the service sector, especially in the Middle East, Singapore, the US, the UK, France, etc.

Topographics : Varkala has a unique topography and this is the highlight of the place itself. Not only does it harbour the scenic charm of a calm beach, but with the towering laterite cliffs along the beach, it achieves a majestic quality. The cliffs, which stand like sentinels overlooking the turbulent sea, offer the most enchanting view of the sea. Many hotels and restaurants are also housed on the wide plateau of the cliffs.

From Varkala town, you can see long winding roads that lead to one of the higher cliffs where a helipad was constructed. The laterite cliffs, the golden sands and the rolling waves of the sea give the place a unique charm and a lot of geologists are attracted to this place by its unique geological formation. Natural springs also harbour the cliffs and they are believed to have medicinal qualities. A lot of people can be seen taking a bath in the medicinal springs.

Varkala Tourist Places

Papanasam beach, which is believed to wash away sins, is called the beach here. During the monsoons, due to sea erosion and heavy downpour, the place is less frequented by tourists.
A few kilometres away is Kappil Beach, another major attraction in Varkala, and it also draws large crowds. The beauty of Varkala is enhanced by the presence of backwaters in some locations, and another hot tourist spot is Ponnumthuruthu Island, surrounded by backwaters near Varkala. A boat ride through the backwaters is a delightful experience, watching the vegetation on either side.

Varkala town is well connected to Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam via road , rail and waterways. Water transport, which during earlier times was the primary means of travel, has now become almost out of use. Thiruvananthapuram has the nearest airport. There are many options for accommodation and you can see a lot of hotels in the town as well as on the cliff plateau overlooking the sea. In Varkala, you will benefit from lodging and accommodation at affordable rates.

Temple of Janardhana Swamy : The Janardhana Temple, one of the ancient temples in Kerala, is a major pilgrimage spot in Varkala. On a steep hill, at the entrance of the beach road, the temple, which has a history of some 2000 years, is located.

Sarkara Devi Temple : One of the main pilgrimage destinations in South India is the Sarkara Devi temple at Chirayinkeezhu. It is located south of the Taluk region of Chirayinkeezhu. Goddess Bhadrakali is the principal goddess of the temple. Facing the North, the idol is mounted. This area, centuries ago, was less populated and barren. Once, a group of Ambalappuzha molasses merchants visited this location for their company. Here they saw a wayside shelter and planned for some time to rest. They noticed that one of their molasses pots was not moving when they decided to continue the trip.

The pot broke apart when they attempted to pull it by force and the molasses poured and an idol emerged. An old lady who came to clean the shelter later found the idol and told others about it. The villagers built a temple and there they consecrated the idol. She was named by the name Sarkara Devi because the goddess came from Sarkara (the Malayalam term for Molasses). The famous festivals held at Sarkara Devi Temple are Kaliyoot and Meenabharani.

Location: 51 km north of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in the district of Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km south of Kollam in southern Kerala.

On the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district lies Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet. It has many tourist attractions, including a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old Vishnu Temple, and a short distance from the beach, the Ashramam-Sivagiri Mutt.
Papanasam Beach (also called Varkala Beach) is famous for its natural spring, which is ten kilometres away from Varkala. Which are known to have curative and medicinal properties. It is believed that a dip in the holy waters at this beach purges the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the 'Papanasam Beach' name.

Varkala Cliff

On the cliffs overlooking the beach, a short distance away, stands a two thousand-year - old shrine, the Janardhanaswamy Temple. The Sivagiri Mutt, established by Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928), the great religious reformer and philosopher, is also nearby. During the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days-30 December to 1 January-the Samadhi (final resting place) of the Guru here draws thousands of devotees every year.

"In a world broken up by the taboos of the caste system, Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology:" one caste, one religion, one God.

Varkala provides outstanding tourist accommodation facilities and is rapidly becoming a renowned health resort with several Ayurvedic massage centres.

Attractions: the beach, mineral springs, the Sivagiri Mutt and the 2000-year-old Temple of Vishnu.

To know more info click here https://renghaholidays.com/hidden-paradise-packages
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Itinerary

Day 1 - Theni to Varkala.

Morning pick up from Theni. Then proceed towards Varkala. On arrival at Varkala our team will meet and greet you and transfer to the hotel. after check in to the hotel. Then proceed to visit Varkala Beach. Come back to Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2 - Varkala Local Sightseeing

Morning breakfast at Hotel. Located in the south Kerala at north end border of the district Trivandrum. Varkala beach is an ideal holiday destination in Kerala for the tourists who want a peaceful vacation. Then proceed to visit top sightseeing places in Varkala are Water Sports in Varkala, Edava Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach, Anjengo Fort, Sivagiri Mutt. Come back to Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3 - Back To Home

After breakfast and then check out from Hotel. Then proceed to visit top sightseeing places in Varkala are Ayushi Ayurvedic Retreat, Agasthya Ayurvedic Wellness Centre and Janardhana Swami Temple. Then starting our journey towards Theni. Finally drop at Theni.