Varkala: The Gem of Kerala's Coastline

Varkala is a charming seaside town in Kerala that is tucked away along the breathtaking Arabian Sea. It is well-known for its calm beaches, sheer cliffs, natural springs, and lively culture. Varkala, regarded as one of Kerala's most captivating locations, is a sanctuary for history buffs, environment lovers, and those looking for spiritual comfort since it combines serene natural beauty, historical relevance, and a rich cultural legacy.

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season (November–February): Varkala experiences a spike in visitors during this time of year because of the wonderful winter weather and lively environment. It is the perfect time of year to explore Varkala's beaches, cliffs, and cultural monuments because of the clear skies and temperatures between 22°C to 32°C.Ideal weather with pleasant temperatures for beach activities and sightseeing.

March to May: The worst time of year to visit Varkala is during the summer, which starts in March and lasts until June. The highest temperature is approximately 39°C, and during the hottest months of April and May, it may even reach 40°C. In this region of the country, March can be quite tolerable, but the humidity is considerable.Warm but perfect for off-season travelers looking for peace.

Off Season (June to September): In stark contrast to the busiest time of year, Varkala's off-season (June to September) offers calmer streets, less tourists, and more affordable lodging. For those who love the outdoors, the monsoon season offers breathtaking vistas of the coast and an abundance of greenery.

How to Reach

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located between 40 and 55 kilometers from Varkala, is the closest airport. Although there aren't any airlines that go directly to Varkala, you can fly to Thiruvananthapuram and then take a bus or taxi to Varkala.

By Train: The nearest train station to Varkala is Varkala-Sivagiri Railway Station, which is roughly two kilometers from the town. There are excellent connections between Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station and India's largest cities.

By Road: Varkala can be reached by road in a variety of ways. Via NH44, Bangalore and Varkala are around 700 kilometers apart. It could take you 13 hours to go to Varkala if you book a self-drive automobile from Revv from Bangalore. Using NH66, Varkala is 169 kilometers from Kochi. You may go from Kochi to Varkala in four hours if you can rent a self-drive, sterilized automobile from Revv. Via NH66, Trivandrum and Varkala are just 46 kilometers apart. You may get to Varkala in one hour and fifteen minutes if you rent a car from Trivandrum. Regular buses and taxis are available from Trivandrum, Kollam, and other nearby towns.

Nature Lover’s Destination

Varkala is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views and serene experiences.

Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach)

Famous for its golden sands, clear waters, and the iconic red cliffs. Known as a pilgrim beach, the waters are believed to cleanse the sins of bathers. One of the most fascinating locations to explore close to Varkala is this one. This beach provides breathtaking views of the sea's turquoise seas and is just 10 miles from the charming village. Many individuals think they may overcome all illnesses and cleanse their souls of their sins by swimming in the beach's sacred waters. Many tourists used to travel to Varkala each year in order to atone for their transgressions. The town of Varkala in Kerala is home to the breathtaking coastal jewel known as Varkala Beach, or Papanasam Beach. The beach is well-known for its stunning cliffs, golden sands, and tranquil ambiance. The word "Papanasam" means "washing away sins" since it is said that taking a bath in these waters may cleanse the soul.

Varkala Cliff

The Varkala beach is the most notable of these beaches because it is the only one in Kerala with a magnificent cliff overhanging it. Because it is a true blueprint of geological changes from the Mio-pliocene epoch (1.3 to 25 million years ago), this 80-foot-tall red laterite cliff is unique. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this geological wonder features red laterite cliffs. Cafes, yoga studios, and stores flank the cliff, which provides breathtaking views of the sunset.

Kappil Beach and Backwaters

The Varkala beach is the most notable of these beaches because it is the only one in Kerala with a magnificent cliff overhanging it. Because it is a true blueprint of geological changes from the Mio-pliocene epoch (1.3 to 25 million years ago), this 80-foot-tall red laterite cliff is unique. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this geological wonder features red laterite cliffs.

Cafes, yoga studios, and stores flank the cliff, which provides breathtaking views of the sunset. Ideal for a calm getaway, this beach is less congested than Varkala Beach. Kerala's abundant nature can be explored by boat in the neighboring backwaters.

Anchuthengu (Anjengo) Beach

It is located along the Trivandrum-Varkala-Kallam coastal highway, 9 km southwest of Varkala Town. The town is home to historic Dutch-style churches, a lighthouse, a school and convent that date back 100 years, the remains of the Anchuthengu Fort, and the tombs of Dutch and British soldiers and sailors. The old Anjengo Fort and coconut palms encircle this tranquil stretch of sand. Perfect for a peaceful day by the shore, away from the busy tourist destinations.

Edava Lakes

In Kerala, India, Edava is a panchayat located in Varkala Taluk, the northernmost point of Thiruvananthapuram district. Edava is situated 44 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city, 21 km south of Kollam, and 5 km north of Varkala. Kappil Beach is a well-known surfing spot. a calm location where the sea meets the backwaters. Excellent for leisurely walks, photography, and bird watching.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Janardanaswamy Temple

The Janardhana Swamy Temple is a 2000-year-old temple devoted to Lord Vishnu that is situated in the lovely seaside town of Varkala. This important Hindu pilgrimage place draws followers from all around the nation. The temple offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea from its hilltop location. In a fit of rage, Lord Brahma condemned the Devas to be born as humans and endure deadly agonies. The Devas were instructed by Sage Narada to perform penance to Lord Vishnu in Varkala in order to regain their immortality. Thus, the Janardhana Swamy temple was created where they performed their penance.Men are expected to wear a shirt and trousers, a dhoti, or pyjamas with an over garment.

Sivagiri Mutt

Sivagiri is a region in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district's Varkala Municipality. The tomb of Sree Narayana Guru, known as the Samadhi, is located in Varkala Town, a popular destination for pilgrims. The Sarada Temple, which is devoted to Sarada Devi, was constructed there by Guru. established by the renowned saint and social reformer Sri Narayana Guru. An important pilgrimage site in Varkala and a place of spiritual retreat.

Anjengo Fort

Located in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram District, Anchuthengu is a small seaside village surrounded by backwaters close to Varkala. The British East India Company erected the Anjengo Fort and founded their first trading settlement here in 1684, despite previous attempts by other colonial powers to capture the area. During the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the fort was crucial. At the fort, the EIC kept munitions throughout the Anglo-Mysore wars. The EIC downgraded Anjengo's official status to that of a residency in 1792.Located between the backwaters and the sea, Anjengo Fort is the main feature of Anchuthengu. On the grounds of the fort, visitors can also observe a garden and several old tombstones. Anchuthengu, which translates to "five coconut trees," refers to the fact that the entire area is  cultivated with coconut trees.

Ponnumthuruthu Island (Golden Island)

Ponnumthuruthu, sometimes referred to as Golden Island, is an island in Kerala's Varkala district of Trivandrum. Anjengo Lake is where it is located. The Valiyapurakkal family owns the island. There is also a 100-year-old Hindu temple on the island. A remote island reachable by boat. Ideal for spiritual searchers, it boasts a tranquil Shiva-Parvati temple encircled by beautiful foliage. According to legend, the island got its name, Ponnumthuruthu, since the queens of the Travancore Royal Family used to conceal their gold and ornamental treasures there to keep them safe. For those who want to escape the bustle of the city, this verdant island is the ideal retreat.

Shopping in Varkala

Varkala offers a vibrant shopping experience, with local markets and shops catering to tourists and locals alike.

What to Buy

Handicrafts: Intricate wooden carvings, bamboo products, and Kathakali masks.

Jewelry: Handmade silver and beaded jewelry.

Spices: Authentic Kerala spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.

Clothing: Cotton garments, sarongs, and beachwear.

Ayurvedic Products: Herbal oils, soaps, and wellness items.

Best Markets

Varkala Cliff Market: Lined with shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry.

Sivagiri Market: Known for religious items, spices, and local artifacts.

Food in Varkala

Varkala’s food scene is a delightful mix of local Kerala flavors and international cuisines, thanks to its popularity among global travelers.

Local Delicacies

Meen Pollichathu: When cooked inside a banana leaf, the popular Kerala dish meen pollichathu, which is made with fish, spices, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk, takes on an unusual flavor. It is traditionally prepared with karimeen, sometimes called pearl-spot, a type of fish found in Kerala's backwaters. Fish marinated in spices and cooked in banana leaves.

Kerala Sadya: About 24 to 28 dishes can be served as a single course in a normal sadya. In larger cases, like the sadya for Aranmula Vallamkali (Valla-sadya), it may have 64 or more items. People sit cross-legged on mats during a traditional sadya meal. A banana leaf is used to serve a traditional vegetarian meal.

Puttu and Kadala Curry:Because of its rich flavor and simple recipe, it is the preferred food of the majority of Keralites. You will be taken to a another world when the first bite of the hot kadala (Black Chickpea) curry and soft puttu melts in your lips. The aroma alone is captivating. A traditional breakfast consisting of curries with black beans and steaming rice cakes.

Appam with Stew: A typical South Indian dish called "Appam and Vegetable Stew" comprises of soft, spongy appams accompanied by a lightly spicy, aromatic vegetable stew. Appams have a delicate, fluffy texture and a slightly sweet taste since they are created with fermented rice batter and coconut milk. Soft rice pancakes served with a stew made with coconut milk.

Cafes and Restaurants

Darjeeling Cafe:There are meals from all over the world at this multi-cuisine restaurant beside the cliff shore.The food and services both are fabulous. renowned for both its breathtaking cliff vistas and its varied menu.

Abba Restaurant: Famous for seafood and European dishes.

Cafe Italiano: A popular spot for Italian cuisine and fresh juices.

Street Food

Banana Chips: Banana chips are made by thinly slicing bananas across or lengthwise. The slices are placed in tightly sealed bags after being deep-fried in hot oil. Some include banana essence, while others are salted or sweetened. The product has the distinct flavor and aroma of bananas and is golden yellow and crunchy. prepared with fresh ingredients and spiced.

Parotta and Beef Curry: A Kerala street food classic.

Tender Coconut Water: Tender coconut water is collected under sanitary conditions, upgraded and pasteurized, filtered, and then packaged in bottles or cans, depending on the situation. The product will contain additives like sweeteners and nissin. A cool beverage to combat the heat. One of the greatest natural summertime beverages is tender coconut water. Here are some expert-recommended reasons to incorporate it into your everyday diet. In the summer, coconut water not only keeps you hydrated but also helps with digestion. Due to its high fiber content, it aids in digestion and relieves gas and bloating.

Special Attractions

Ayurvedic Retreats

Varkala is a hub for Ayurvedic treatments and wellness. Many resorts and clinics offer massages, detox therapies, and yoga sessions.

Yoga and Meditation

Numerous yoga schools along the cliff provide classes for all levels. A perfect destination for holistic healing and relaxation.

Varkala Tunnel

A 19th-century tunnel constructed during British rule, showcasing engineering marvels of the past. Great for history buffs and explorers.

Water Sports and Adventure

Activities like paragliding, surfing, and kayaking are popular among adventure seekers. The backwaters offer serene boating experiences.

Festivals

Sivagiri Pilgrimage: An important yearly event, the Sivagiri Pilgrimage takes place in Varkala, Kerala, from December 30 to January 1. The heritage of Sree Narayana Guru, a well-known spiritual leader and social reformer, is honored by this holy voyage. The pilgrimage honors the teachings of the Guru on self-realization, social equality, and spiritual development. The trip consists of cultural events, meditation sessions, and prayers. All religions are welcome at the Sivagiri Mutt, which provides a tranquil experience with its verdant surroundings and expansive vistas. Held in December, it attracts devotees from across India.

Thiruvathira Festival: According to the Malayalam calendar, Thiruvathira is Shiva's nakshatra, or "star". After much penance, it is thought that the Goddess Parvathi eventually met Shiva on this day, and Shiva accepted her as an equal partner, or saha-dharma chaarini. On the Thiruvathira day of the month of Dhanu, it is performed. While dancing, the performers follow a circular path around a Vilakku. They dance while clapping their hands and singing the Thiruvathira pattu. The group's leader sings the song's opening line, and the other members join in as a chorus. celebrated by performances of traditional music and dance.

Historical Significance

The spiritual and historical heritage of Varkala is extensive. It is regarded as Kerala's only location where cliffs meet the Arabian Sea, forming a distinctive geological feature. For generations, the town has been a popular destination for pilgrims looking for spiritual comfort. Its ancient temples and forts offer insight into its religious customs and colonial past.

Conclusion: Varkala – A Coastal Retreat

Nature, culture, history, and spirituality all come together in Varkala, which is more than just a beach vacation spot. Varkala provides a revitalizing and unforgettable experience, whether you're relaxing by the beach, touring historic temples, receiving Ayurvedic treatments, or savoring mouthwatering seafood. A must-see gem in Kerala's crown, Varkala offers the ideal balance of peace and action.