Varkala is a coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. This is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These cliffs, which are a tertiary sedimentary formation are a unique geological feature of Kerala coast. The cliff is a long stretch of about one & a half kilometer with the sea on one side and the shops & restaurants on the other. Varkala Beach is the most visited beach in India next in position to Goa Beach in the North.
Here you can find many places specializing in yoga, ayurvedic massage and therapies. Varkala Papanasam beach is famous for the Govt. of Kerala approved Scientific School of Yoga, Naturopathy and Ayurveda Hospital. Varkala is a famous place in health tourism. The Ayurvedic Massage, Obesity Management, Improving skin health & beauty through drug-free treatment, DeToxification - Trauma Healing offered here are famous.
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Varkala Beach[/caption]
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Walkway along Varkala Cliff[/caption]
One of the main beaches in Varkala is the Papanasam Beach, and close to this beach is the famous Janardhana Swamy Temple. The temple is more than 2000 years old. The temple has an old bell that was taken from an ancient shipwreck of a Dutch Freighter. The peaceful seaside sets the scene for paragliding, several other water sports and wellness spas. The waters lapping at Papanasam beach are considered to have holy, sin-cleansing properties. The beach is divided into two parts. The southern part leads to the temple and the northern part past the mineral spring, at the bottom of the cliff. It is believed that this mineral spring flowing from the cliff at the southern end of the beach have medicinal properties. In the far north there is another beach known as Black Beach where the cliff ends. Further north to this beach is the Edava Beach.
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Paragliding in South Cliff[/caption]
The long winding expanse of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea attracts tourists visiting Kerala. There is a concreted footpath which runs along the length of the cliff, with coconut palms, shops, beach shelters or sheds, hotels, beach resorts and guest houses on the side. There are also steps leading down from the cliff top to the beach. The sunset view from the top of the cliff will surely be one of the best experiences in your life.
The nearest tourist places you should visit in your visit to Varkala Beach are Akathumuri, Kappil Lake, Varkala Light House, Ponnumthuruthu Island, Anchuthengu and Anjengo Fort. About 4 kms from Varkala is Akathumuri, a beautiful lakeside village. This favourite tourist spot in Varkala is an island which emerges only when the water withdraws.
The best months to visit here is from November to March. Every year the number of Europeans visiting Varkala is increasing tremondously. There are numerous fully furnished holiday rental properties in Varkala such as a holiday villas or single-family-style homes, apartments, cottages, bed & breakfasts, guesthouses, beach resorts etc. offering safe & comfortable stay for tourists visiting here.
There are special charter flights from European Countries to Kerala during November, December & January; mainly Trivandrum & Kochi for travelers visiting Trivandrum, Varkala, Kovalam, Munnar, Malabar & Kochi. Visa on Arrival(T-VoA) is a single entry tourist visa for the visitors to India. Citizens of Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia can get a "Tourist Visa on Arrival".They can also get this visa on advance off their travel. It would be valid only for single entry and is available only at the international airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram.
The nearest railway station is Varkala and the Varkala cliff and beach are located at a 10 minute drive from the railway station. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 57 km away. If you visit Varkala and experience the beauty of nature there then you will surely agree with me that 'Varkala is a beach lover's paradise'. Come & enjoy an amazing holiday in Varkala.