Varkala Sea Beach….Kerala

Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasham Beach in Kerala(India) along the Arabian Sea coast is a part of the Indian Ocean. The word Papanasham means “wash away sins”.

It is believed that “a dip in the waters of Papanasham Beach washes away all the sins in one’s life”.

Varkalabeach is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea.

These tertiary sedimentary formation (cliffs ) are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as “Varkala Formation” and a geological monument as declared by the Geological Survey of India. There are numerous Spas/Ayurvedic massage parlours on the sides of these cliffs.

The beach is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. The evening views of the sunset are worth lingering over. There are several small restaurants and snack shops near and around Papanasham beach, which attracts the maximum visitors both for leisure as well as for religious reasons.

Accommodation

There are a good number of Resorts,hotels & homestay accommodation available in the vicinity to provide shelter along with facilities for Ayurvedic treatments.

Nearby Attractions & Activities

The famous “Janardana Swami Temple”is situated near the Beach. It’s famous for a 10-day festival held twice a year, called Arattu.

“Sivagiri Mutt” is another important attraction, located atop the Sibagiri hill.

Varkala beach is known for adventure and leisure activities such as boat riding, parasailing, jetting and horse-riding.

The most ideal season is from November till March & mostly foreign tourists visit this uniquely different location for Yogic healing and meditation with Spa and Ayurvedicmassage facilities offered by most resorts.

How to Reach Varkala

By Air

Varkala is well connected through airways and its nearest airport is the ThiruvanthapuramAirport, which is located at a distance of 36 km away. It operates several international and domestic flights from Middle East,South EastAsia and major cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi.

By Rail

Varkala Train Station is the nearest railhead that has access to trains coming from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. It is situated at a distance of 2 km from the Varkala.

By Road (Bus)/Own Conveyance

Varkala is accessible through buses from both Kochi and Trivandrum. You will find KSRTC buses in abundance running within the city from the major bus stands. But buses mostly remain quite crowded leading to least level of comfort.Always own vehicle is more preferred.

Compiled from various sources along with my own Photography in the general interest for my Travel Blogger friends across the Globe.

#PhotoBySiba