Varkala is a sea side beach resort on the shores of the Arabian Sea in South Kerala. Located at a distance of 51 km from Trivandrum, Varkala boasts of having one of the most calm and serene beaches in Kerala. The beach also known as the Papanasam beach, is a major tourist attraction among both tourists and devotees alike as it is believed that a bath in the waters of the beach is sure to rid one off al mortal sins. Varkala is the only beach tourist destination in Kerala where one can see cliffs adjacent to the sea shore and there are several water sprouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.

Hotels / Resorts / Homestays in Varkala, Kerala

Varkala Photos, Kerala
Places to visit

Varkala is also famous for its 900 year old Janardana Swami Temple,  also refereed  to as the Dakshin Kashi( Benaras of the South), that is located close to the Papanasam beach. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.

Varkala is also famous for the large number of ayurveda treatment centers that offer all forms of ayurveda treatments including massages, herbal baths, short term rejuvenation courses etc to tourists.

Varkala Fact File

District    - Trivandrum
Population  - 42273
Literacy      78%
Best Time to Visit - September to March
Altitude    -    Sea Level  - Beach Town
Climate     - Tropical
STD         - 0472

How to Reach Varkala

Varkala has direct access by Road and Rail.

By Rail
All trains from Kanyakumari and Trivandrum and going to North India pass through Varkala.

By Road
One can go to any part of Kerala from Varkala and there are several buses going to major destinations in Kerala from Varkala.

By Air
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport located at a distance of 57 km from Varkala.

Distance to Major Destinations in Kerala

Trivandrum         51 km
Cochin             186 km
Quilon             39
Trichur            265
Palghat            332