Varkala Beach

This pristine town stands in the outskirts of Trivandrum. It is the final resting place of one of the greatest personalities of India, Sree Narayana Guru. Cliffs overlook the blue expanse of water. The Papanasam (destroyer of sins) beach gets its name from the belief that the waters here wash away your sins. The beach is dotted with a number of mineral springs. The idea of medical tourism was quite new when resorts around Varkala invited tourists to come and experience the medicinal springs here. Nowadays, ayurvedic massage parlours and spas abound in the area.To the north of Varkala Beach is the Thiruvambady beach, one of the most silent beaches of Kerala. To its south is the holy Papanasam beach.

HOW TO GET THERE
Trivandrum is 54km away. A train journey from Trivandrum is convenient and quick. You can also drive down to and from the capital city. Trains also connect it with Cochin and Kollam.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The Sivagiri Mutt becomes alive in the month-long pilgrimage season in December. The 900-year-old Janardana Swami Temple is a must-visit. The temple has an ancient bell from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala ages ago.  Couple with the beach and this temple, this place is known as ‘Kasi of the south’.

Do not forget to step into a spa or an ayurvedic centre. You never know how rejuvenated you’ll be unless you try it out.

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