Tourist Attractions in Varkala

A coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala, Varkala is the ideal spot to spend an idyllic holiday away from the hustle bustle of the city. Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs just adjacent to the Arabian Sea. The spectacular palm-lined beaches, highly unusual land formations, and the 2,000 year old Janardanaswamy Temple, which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine, are some of the major tourist attractions in Varkala.

Varkala Beaches: The silvery stretches of sands along the Arabian Sea, the panoramic landscape and seascapes - the beaches in Varkala are a tourist's paradise. Idyllic retreats for beach lovers, these beaches are the main tourist attractions in Varkala. 'Papanasam' is one of the main beaches here and it is revered as an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. A dip in the holy waters of this beach is believed to have the magical powers of washing away all your sins, and thereby purifying your body and soul.

Janardhana Temple:

The 2000 year old Janardhana Temple is one of the important tourist attractions in Varkala. The original temple was a Vishnu shrine, which was destroyed by tidal waves. Many years later a Pandyan king rebuilt the shrine. Non-Hindus are prohibited from entering the inner sanctum sanctorum.

Sivagiri Mutt: Located just 3 kms from the Janardhan temple, this mutt is the Headquarter of Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, founded by Sree Narayana Guru.