Varkala tourist places

45 KM from Varkala Thiruvananthapuram. Located far away is a small hill station in Kerala. The backwaters can also be enjoyed at Varkala, famous for its two-thousand-year-old temple and Papanashanam beach.

It has been a major religious place since the 12th century. This place is perfect for those who want a short break from everyday life.

Exploring Varkala’s natural beauty and the idyllic coastal city will take away your worries and stress. Varkala, in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in southern India, enjoys untouched and clean beaches in God’s own country, is an amazing travel destination and an attractive water town, which is very popular among tourists because of its beautiful places. And because the monuments, show the rich cultural and religious heritage.

It is the only place in Kerala where the rocks face close to the Arabian Sea, setting up vistas for various water areas and wellness spas.

Exploring the natural beauty and idyllic coastal town of Varkala will take away your worries and stress. Many visitors come to the treatment center to experience Ayurvedic treatments. The rocks adorned with the sky-blue sea make Varkala look very extraordinary.

Varkala Tourist Attractions

  • Water Sports in Varkala
  • Adva Beach
  • Varkala Beach
  • Thiruvambadi Beach
  • Sivagiri Math Anjego Fort
  • Sri Janardanaswamy Temple
  • Papanasam Beach
  • Varkala Tunnel

This beautiful Varkala beach is home to several popular tourist destinations including the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and the ashram – Sivagiri Math which make this destination a popular pilgrimage destination.

Another must-see attraction is the hilltop tomb of Sree Narayana Guru, the top attraction of Kerala. A famous pilgrimage destination, the rejuvenating seaside, idyllic rock views, and savory seafood make this place an ideal holiday destination for globetrotters.

Perched almost on the edge of majestic 15m high red laterite cliffs, 50 km northwest of Trivandrum, Varkala has a naturally beautiful setting, which has allowed it to rapidly grow into Kerala’s most popular backpacking hang-out. Varkala is still a great place to watch the days slowly turn into weeks, and it’s easy to avoid the crowds further north or farther north where the beach is cleaner and quieter.

Boating Ride Varkala
Boating Ride Varkala

And Varkala basically remains an important temple town. The main Papanasham beach is a sacred Hindu site, overseen by the ancient Janardhana temple. About 2 km east of here is the busy city of Varkala.


How to reach Varkala

Varkala is a major town in the Kerala district. Varkala comes under the Thiruvananthapuram district and it is well connected with all major cities of India. Varkala is mainly famous for its beaches. Here you get to see the beautiful beach and the hilly area, which looks very attractive. A lot of people can spend a good time here. It is one of the main tourist destinations of Kerala.

  • By road
    Varkala is well connected to all major cities of India via NH 47.
  • By rail
    Varkala Railway Station, located at a distance of 3 km, is the nearest railway station.
  • By air
    Trivandrum International Airport, located at a distance of 46 km, is the nearest airport to Varkala

Places to visit in Varkala

If you are in Varkala city of Kerala then you can experience many great things here. Know about them. Varkala is a city located on the southern Kerala coast. It is situated on the Arabian Sea and is very famous for its natural beauty. If you are on a trip to Kerala then you must visit Varkala city once. From enjoying the beach here, you can visit many famous and ancient temples.

The specialty of the Varkala region is that there are many islands around this region that will give you a glimpse into the society untouched by modern life even today. Varkala is a city that boasts of something for every tourist.

Whether you are of religious nature or adventure or nature lover. Varkala will not disappoint you. So, today we are telling you about some such things, which you can do while visiting Varkala.

Janardan Swamy Temple

Sri Janardana Swamy Temple is a famous temple in Varkala city. This temple is built near Varkala Beach. This temple is ancient. This temple is built in an ancient way. This temple is built on a high hill. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is very beautiful. There are stairs to reach this temple. At the entrance of the temple, one can see the wooden door, which was used in ancient times. This temple is built in a completely traditional way.

In the temple, you get to see many statues of Lord Vishnu, in which Lord Vishnu is seen in different forms. Here the idols of Lord Narasimha, Vishnu Bhagwan Ji, Garun Devta Ji, and Ram Lakshmana Sita Ji are found at the entrance outside the temple, which looks very beautiful. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, Janardan meets to have the darshan of Swami. It feels great to be here. This temple is about 2000 years old. This temple is also known as Varkala Mandir. Janardan Swamy is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

This temple is also known as Dakshin Kashi. This temple is very beautiful. This temple is made of wood and stone. Very beautiful designs of stone can be seen here. Pillars of stones have been made here, in which handwork has been done, which look very beautiful. Here Shiva also meets to have the darshan of Lord Ji. One has to wear traditional clothes to enter this temple.

Sivagiri Math

This monastery is spread over 200 acres. It was the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, the greatest religious leader and social reformer of Kerala. Here is the headquarters of SNDP, an organization established by him for the upliftment of backward classes. Guru Ji’s samadhi is situated on top of the hill.

On descending from here, Guruji’s house is visible. Here are the things related to them. On the left is the Sharda Temple which is dedicated to Maa Saraswati. Organic farming is also done in the monastery. Some rare varieties of trees will also be found here. Timings: 5.30 am – 12 noon, 4.30 pm – 7 pm.

Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is one of the main attractions of Varkala. Varkala Beach is also known as Papanasham Beach. This is the most famous place in Varkala. You will feel very happy coming here because here you will get to see the sea shore and on the other side you will get to see the high cliffs, which increases the beauty of this place even more. Here you can sit on the rocks and have a beautiful view of the sea. Here you get to see a very attractive view of the sunset, there are many cafes here, where you get many things to eat and drink.

Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach

Apart from this, you can come down and have a view of the sea. You can enjoy the sea. Here you also get to enjoy many adventurous sports. Here you can enjoy boat rides, parasailing, water jet, and horse ride. Here in the evening, the lights get lit, which increases the beauty of this place even more. Music is played, which gives pleasure. You can come here and have a great time. There is also plenty of space for car parking.

Varkala Light House

Varkala Light House is one of the famous tourist places located in the vicinity of Varkala. This historic house is reminiscent of the British style of architecture of the 17th century. Varkala Light House stands 130 feet high.

It was built by the East India Company in 1684 AD. After climbing up the lighthouse, you can clearly see the beautiful and panoramic view of the entire area. The surrounding areas include the Arabian Sea, Backwater, and the cities of Varkala. Tourists often come here to enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature. It is also a favorite picnic spot for outdoor visitors and locals alike.

Anjengo Fort Varkala

Anjengo Fort is a monument that was built by the Portuguese in 1695 AD. The fort is located in Anjengo, a land with roaring seas on one side and backwaters on the other. It is 15 km south of Varkala. Is located at a distance. This fort holds great historical importance.

It was originally made to hold luggage. Later, the British occupied this place and started using it for military purposes. However, this fort does not look as scary as other forts in Kerala. The main feature of this fort is the Masonry canal.

The canal still exists but is in a dilapidated condition. The fort also has many mausoleum inscriptions. The oldest of these Samadhi inscriptions date back to 1704 AD. It is said that these tombs belong to the people who lived earlier in this fort. You can visit the fort from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Apart from public holidays and Sundays, the fort is open on other days of the week. The fort also gives a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. The Muthalipuzha Lake, which flows around the fort, is a suitable place for contemplation here.

Varkala Aquarium

Varkala Aquarium is one of the main attractions of Varkala. Here you get to see many different types of fish. Here you also get to see crabs, prawns, jellyfish, and turtles. Varkala Aquarium is located near Odiam Beach. You can come and roam here. The timing of this aquarium is from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. Tickets are taken for entry to the aquarium. From the aquarium, you also get to see the beautiful view of the beach. This aquarium is managed by the Kerala Fisheries Department. There is a small park for children to play in here, where children can enjoy themselves a lot.

Odayam Jama Masjid Varkala

Odayam Jama Masjid is one of the main sites of Varkala. This mosque is near Odayam beach. This is a Muslim religious place. This mosque is very beautiful. From here you get to see a beautiful view of the sea. There is greenery to be seen all around the mosque. You can spend a good time by coming here. There is also a madrasa here.

Ponnumathuruthu Island Varkala

Ponnumathuruthu Island is 12 kms from Varkala. Is located at a distance. It is an interesting, beautiful tourist point and can be reached by cruise boat. Ponnumathuruthu is also known as the Golden Island.

The age-old Shiva-Parvati Temple, also known as Thuruthu Kshetram (Temple on the Island), is the main attraction on this island. The entire island is the property of the temple itself. There is a popular myth behind the name of this island. The myth goes something like this: The queen of the Travancore family often used to visit this temple. And before entering the temple, she used to take off all her jewelry and hid it on the island.

For this reason, the name of this island was Ponnumathuruthu, which is called an island made of gold in the local language. The natural beauty here amidst the coconut groves creates a sacred environment. This majestic area is a great place for outings.

honeymoon couple Varkala kerala

Black Sand Beach Varkala

Black Sand Beach is a beautiful beach in Varkala. Here you get to see black sand in the beach area. This beach looks very beautiful. This beach is located near Varkala Aquarium. You can come here and have a good time. Not many tourists come here to roam.

Odayam Beach Varkala

Odayam Beach is a beautiful beach in Varkala. Here you get to see the sea coast of the Arabian Sea. In the meantime, you get to see white sand, which looks very beautiful, and blue-colored water to see. The combination of these two is very nice. Here you get to see coconut trees. You can come here and have a good time. There is a very little crowd here, so you can spend your time peacefully here.

Odiam beach is clean and you also get food and drink arrangements here. There are many cafes here, where you can enjoy food and drink. Here you can have a beautiful view of the sunset in the evening. You can also enjoy swimming on the beach. Here you also get to eat seafood, which is very good.

Manthara Temple Varkala

Manthara Temple is a famous temple of Varkala. This temple is mainly dedicated to Shri Krishna Ji. There are many other deities to visit in this temple. Here Lord Shiva, Bhagwati Mahakali Ji, Lord Ganesh Ji, and Lord Ayyappa ji meet to have darshan. It’s nice to be here. This temple is built a little away from the Arabian Sea. You will enjoy coming here. This temple is built in a traditional way.

Varkala Tunnel Varkala

Varkala Tunnel is 924 feet long tunnel. This tunnel was built in 1867 by the Diwan of Travancore T. Maharao. It took a total of 14 years to complete this tunnel. It is a famous tourist spot. It was constructed for the Attingal Palace. The intention to build the Varkala Tunnel was an inland waterway.

The structure of the tunnel, which attracts tourists, is a classic symbol of ancient engineering. Whenever you visit Varkala, make sure to visit this marvelous site built by your previous generation. Varkala Light House is also built in the vicinity of the Varkala Tunnel.

Kappil Beach Varkala

Kappil Beach is a beautiful attraction in Varkala. Here you get to see the sea coast of the Arabian Sea. This place is very beautiful. Here you get to see the Arabian Sea and a lake. It differs because of the lake and ocean sand. If you want here, you can enjoy swimming in the lake and you can also enjoy swimming in the sea. The water of the lake is clear. Here you can also enjoy boating on the lake. Here you get to see rocks, which look very beautiful.

You can get a view of the sunset from here, which is wonderful. It is about 7 km from Varkala Railway Station. You will enjoy coming here. This is a famous tourist spot in Varkala. You can reach here by bike and car. Here you get to see many coconut trees. This place is completely covered with trees and plants. The view around here is amazing. You can enjoy it by coming here.

varkala tourist spots
tourist places near Varkala

What is the best time to visit Varkala?

The best months to visit Varkala are between October to February. In winter, the temperature is not very low. It stays between 16 to 18 degree Celsius. So there is no need to take heavy woolen clothes.


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