VARKALA

Although Varkala is well-known as a religious pilgrimage centre, the pretty little beach Papanasham, is getting the attention of several tourists. And it has its reasons too. According to Hindu mythology a group of mendicants approached sage Narada and confessed that they have committed sins. And the sage flung his valkalam (bark of a tree, which the mythical sages used to wear) into the air, and it landed at the place where Varkala now stands. Narada then asked the mendicants to pray for salvation at the newly created place by the seashore. The place was then called as Papanasham (the word means redemption from sins).

The beach is quiet and secluded and known for its white, silvery stretch of sand, mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The raw and unused stretch of beach is a loner’s delight. Varkala beach is rated as the best spot to watch the sunset along the Kerala coast.

Another place of interest in the town is the Janardhana Swamy Temple. It is believed to have been constructed more than 2000 years ago.

Another pilgrimage centre here is the Sivagiri Mutt, a memorial for Sree Narayana Guru, a great social reformer and saint who played a major part in creating the ethos of modern Kerala. His famous advocacy of “one caste, one religion, one god for mankind” instilled a sense of unity among the people of the state.

Varkala has excellent accommodation facilities for the visitors and is fast gaining popularity for its health resorts and ayurvedic massage.

GETTING TO THE PLACE:

Nearest airport : Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) )International Airport
Nearest railway station : Varkala
Varkala is easily accessible from Trivandrum & Quilon by road.