Varkala and Around

Flaunting one of the best cliff beaches in Kerala, Varkala is a lesser known yet absolutely paradisiacal destination that houses forts, pilgrimage sites, springs, natural fisheries and more.

It is popular for its hippie culture, shacks on the cliff serving great seafood and playing global music, and the samadhi of Kerala’s saint Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is also known for the 2000 year old Jardana Swami Temple, also known as Dakshin Kashi.

Varkala has some of the best pristine beaches, hills, lakes, forts, lighthouses, natural fisheries and springs – all of this together makes this town a little paradise.

You will also find a lot of shops with signboards in Hebrew selling Yoga mats, oxidised silver jewelry, and harem pants made of cotton. Ayurvedic spas, affordable resorts, hostels, and clean beaches make it a must-visit city in Kerala.

You won’t regret choosing Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resort, the Hotel has designed a unique Guest Engagement program to suit every palate. For more information browse thru the sites and contact Reception for more Experience.

Fort Anjengo

The Anjengo fort was built by the Portuguese in 1695 and is located at Anjengo, a land sandwiched in between the sea and the backwaters. The fort was originally built as a depot to store goods. Later the British captured this fort and they used it for Military purposes. Thats why unlike other forts in Kerala, this fort dont have a formidable look. The canals still exist in a state of disrepair. There are a few tombstones enshrined in the fort.The fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

Fort Opening Time : 9.00 am and 5.00 pm.
The fort opens everyday except Sundays and Public holidays.

Papanasham Beach

This serenely beautiful locationalong indias western coast gaurds is an important Hindu Pilgrmage centre.A dip in the papanasham is considered as Holy.Its an ideal place for sunset viewing. The name ‘Papanasham’ in local language means ‘sin destroyer’. A long sandy beach, towering red laterite cliffs and soothing mineral springs put Varkala in the must visit category. Papanasam is a perfect place to watch the sunset or relax gazing at the horizon. The area is covered with coconut palms and is a beautiful place. The Varkala beach also has some religious significance.

Distance : 10 minutes from varkala, 2km

Ponnumthuruthu Island

A delightful gateway sorrounded by the Anjengo Backwaters this uninhabited isle is accessible by boat from the makeshift jetty at the nearby Nedunganda Village. A 100 year old Siva Parvathy Temple.,rebuilt a decade back,is situated here and the entire island is temple property.The original temple is believed to be 100 years old. The legend behind the name of the island is that, the queens of Travancore family used to visit the temple and they used to hide their gold Jeweleries on the island to keep them safe. The name Ponnumthuruthu in local language means ‘island made of gold’. This beautiful place is a very fine outing spot.

Distance : 12 km from varkala

Sivagiri Mutt

The final resting place of Kerala’s renowned saint and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, who preached the ‘One Caste, One Religion and One God for man’ slogan. Guru is one of the prime saints in India who fought his entire life against the social inequality seen here at Kerala. He built the monastery in 1904 and died here at 1928. The monastery is located on a land include 200 acres. The Guru’s old residence lies lower down the monastery. This small house displays some of his personal belongings. There is a also a small temple here dedicated to Sarada or Goddess Saraswathi. It is said that the Guru himself installed the idol here.

Visiting Time : 5.30 am to 1:00 pm and 4.30 pm to 7:00 pm. Distance : 12 km from varkala

Janardhana Swami Temple

The Janardhana Temple at Varkala, dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is located at the entrance to the Papanasham Beach road. The temple is one of the main religious shrines in this region. The temple is a must visit place because it is one of the finest example of rich artistic beauty. The Bell here, belongs to the 17th century is a main attraction here. It is believed that the bell was presented by a Dutch Ship Captain. The temple opens for worship from 4.00 am to 12.00 pm and from 5.00 am to 8.00 pm. The temple permits only Hindus.

Visiting Time : 5.30 am to 1:00 pm and 4.30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Distance : 12 km from varkala

Lighthouse

The 130 feet tall lighthouse here at Varkala was built by the English East India Company in 1684. The lighthouse offers panoramic view of the surrounding areas including the Arabian Sea, the backwaters and the town etc. This is also a favorite outing spot.

Visiting Time : 09.30 am to 05:00 pm
Opens everyday except Sundays and Public holidays.
Distance : 12 km from varkala

Varkala Kathakali Centre

The center organizes Kathakali performances for tourists almost every evening at the center. The show starts with the make up section, where one can watch the time consuming, elaborate Kathakali make up. The art form Kathakali have a position in the Guinness Book of World Records, as the performing art having the longest make up section. The center also conducts Mohiniattam performances. The center is located at the town.

Distance : 12 km from varkala

Kappil Beach and Backwaters

The beautiful Kappil Beach is located on the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Kappil River and this significant geographical position makes this place a fantastic outing spot in this region. The Kappil beach is an ideal place for sunset viewing and evening walks while the Kappil river offer tranquil cruise through the waters. The Priyadarshini Boat Club under the District Tourism Promotion Council offers boating through backwaters.

Distance : 8 km from varkala

Varkala

A seaside destination,red laterite cliffs rise majestically from coastline.The famed papanasham Beach ,believed to wash away all sins and impurities ,is a paradise for those who love sun,sand and the surf,serene backwaters,natural mineral springs and secluded coves makes this place really special.A century old tunnel is yet another land mark.
Varkala is the only other place in Kerala having a beach resort atmosphere and also is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs adjacent to the Arabian sea, Varkala is a quiet, tranquil beach known for its white, silvery stretch of sand and rocky cliffs. High cliffs from mineral springs majestically raise are a scene typical of Varkala.