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VARKALA BEACH
A quiet seaside destination on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Varkala is, with each passing day, becoming a favorite destination of tourists from various parts of India and abroad.The beach offers a magnificent view of the sun rise and sun set that few destinations in kerala boast of.
Situated in Trivandrum district and 40 kms from the capital city, Varkala is also an important Hindu pilgrimage center being the eternal resting place of the eminent social reformer Sri Narayana Guru.
This secluded beach known as the Papanasham beach is a beautiful picnic center. The High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline giving the visitors a spectacular view. The best time to visit the beach is when the beach extends up to the very cliff face giving an additional 500 meters of serene beach space. This happens during the months of December/ January/February. The other places of tourism atrraction include The Janardhana Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, Anjengo Fort, Yoga, Ayurveda, & Massage centres.
The main festivals, Onam and Vishu are celebrated in a grandeur manner. The Kathakali, Ottanthullal and music concerts are performed in the surroundings of the old Devaswom building during December and January.
So Come !!!
Enjoy & Refresh your soul -----
"The long sandy beach
The quiet, clean secluded beach
The red laterite cliffs
The soothing mineral springs
Await to delight you all"
It is believed that a group of devout pilgrims approached Narada, a saint of ancient times and confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkalam (cloth made out of the bark of a tree) and it landed at a place near the seashore. Thisplace was thus given the name 'varkala'.
Narada directed his devotees to offer prayers at the beach where the valkalam landed. This place then came to be known as 'Papanasam' meaning redemption from sins. Varkala is also very famous of its century years old Janardanaswamy temple, which is an important "vaishnavaite" shrine in India and is referred to as "Dakshin Kashi"- benares of the south. Temple is close to Papanasam beach, Which is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by captain of dutch vessel which sank near varkala without causing any casualties.
Location : Located in Kerala.
Area : sq. kms.
Population : Approx. Lakh.
Tourist Spot »
From Varkala Town(Bus Stand) - All the below are located between 5 to 20 kms
Janardhana Temple.
Sivagiri Matt.
Anjengo Fort.
Kappil lake.
Varkala Tunnel.
Ponnumthuruth (Golden Island).
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How to reach Varkala Beach ?
:: Airway :
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 57 km away from Varkala.
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