In the Karkidakam month (July-August) according to the Malayalam calendar the thousands of pilgrims flock to Varkala beach to offer Vavu Bali in homage to the departed souls of their family. Thus 40 km from Thiruvanthapuram with a soothing blend of nature and tradition, the Varkala beach is an ideal destination for work worn souls.

Varkala- Location

42 km to the north of Thiruvanthapuram is Varkala beach. Buses and taxis from Thiruvanthapuram are amply available. Thiruvanthapuram also has an international airport, a railhead and a good network of roads that connects the city to other parts in Kerala and outside. The Varkala railway station on the Trivandrum-Quilon line also connects Varkala to Thiruvanthapuram.

Tourist Attractions in Varkala

Janardana Swamy Temple located 2 km to the west of Varkala railway station is dedicated to Sree Janardana (Vishnu) who is believed to have brought the Holy Ganga here with his Sudarshana Chakra. The water he brought is now collected in what is known as the Chakra Tirtha and serves the temple with its daily supply of water.

Sivagiri Mutt located 3 km from Janardana Temple is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, founded by Sree Narayana Guru.

Varkala Tunnel is a 924 ft tunnel which took 14 years to complete. It was used in the 19th century to ferry goods.

Kappil Lake on the outskirts of Varkala marks the beginning of the Beautiful Backwaters of Kerala.

Accommodations Available

With its increasing popularity Varkala is gaining importance on the tourist map of Kerala. Varkala now has quite a few budget and luxury hotels and resorts to suit individual demands. Some the hotels are:

Hindustan Beach Resort
Raja Park Beach Resort
Taj Garden Retreat
Le Mangalath Ayurvedic Beach Resort
Preeth Beach Resort
Deshadan