An
isolated and calm beach - Varkala Beach lies on the outskirts of
Thiruvananthapuram district. The Varkala sands has become an ideal spot for
confluence of cultures exotic and alien. Varkala also houses a leading
pilgrim center in Kerala. The 800-year old Janardhana temple, dedicated to
Ayyappan and Hanuman, atop the hill has brought a sobriquet for the region,
Southern Kasi (Benares). Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner
sanctum but can hang around the temple. High cliffs with rich mineral
springs rise majestically from the coastline.
The mineral springs near Varkala Beach are considered to have medicinal
properties and many people come here to drink and bathe in the water from
the mineral springs. The Varkala Beach is also called Papanasam Beach
because it is believed that bathing here will wash away all of one's sins.
The Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple nearby is believed to be between 800 - 2000
years old. A nature cure center located near Varakala Beach is another
popular attraction that you can visit on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Varkala Beach is also famous for its landscape. A high rocky cliff ends
abruptly and a stretch of clear sand extends down to the sea. The contrast
between the cliffs, sand and sea makes Varkala Beach a striking sight. The
sunset at Varakala Beach is truly breathtaking with the sun sinking into the
sky like a ball of molten gold as the sun and sea are tinged with crimson
and vermilion.
Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu center of
pilgrimage. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Center
are the two main attractions of Varkala Beach. High cliffs border the
excellent beach. Varkala is a beautiful beach that has a more than 2000
years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. This beach of Kerala is rich in mineral
water springs that are known for their medicinal value.
A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to purge the body and
the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' for this shore. At the
break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam',
thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of
ancestors rest in peace.
How to get there ?
» Rail - The railway station is 3 kms from the
beach.
» Bus - Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and
37 km from Kollam. Varkala is 90 minutes away on the bus and a pleasant
convenient place to stop for a night or more or an afternoon when traveling
between Alappuzha or Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram
»
»
