Varkala Tour & Travel Guide

Kerala's most popular backpacker hang-out

Situated around 50km north of Trivandrum Varkala is a mid-sized town in Kerala, and is said to be the most popular backpacker's beach holiday destination in India. Despite its backpacker vibe, Varkala is also popular as a pilgrimage town. Its temples and the Papanasham Beach make it a holy place for Hindus, who come here complete the last rites and make offerings for passed near & dear ones. The 2000 years old Janardana Swami Temple of Varkala is another important shrine of Lord Vishnu, in India and this temple is known as the Dakshin Kashi. Situated nearby the Papanasham beach, this place is thronged by pilgrims during particular months of Hindu calendar.

Varkala is a beach destination that will satiate your search for no/less crowd beach and that too inexpensive. This beach extend out to about 500 meters, all around the cliff and this is the best time to visit Varkala. The fresh air, un-exploited beaches fringed by hills & cliffs, serene locale, warm & hospitable and mouth-watering sea food are the prime highlights of this destination. That is not all, if you are looking for some adventure, hit the bay at Papanasham Beach, for a variety of watersports including paragliding and parasailing.

The Kappil Lake and lighthouses here also attract tourists. Primarily a beach destination, Varkala is all out relaxing and enjoy the beach. Sightseeing here includes the 2000 year old Shree Janardana Swamy temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Hanuman; Sivagiri Mutt, commenced by Sree Narayana Guru who propagated the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangham, a religious organization with the concept of 'One Caste, One Religion, & One God';

The Nature Care Centre at Papanasham; Fishing Hamlets of Anjengo & its British Fort; Coir Processing Centers; Backwaters of Akathumuri; Varkala Tunnel, which was built by the British in 1880; Edava, a serene beach to bask in the sun; Estuary and backwaters at Paravur near Varkala; Blue lagoon at Kappil; Natural fisheries and springs and many architectural marvels that attract visitors.

Varkala, a mid-sized coastal town in Kerala, has been attracting tourists since ages towards its pristine beaches, cliffs & hills, lakes & backwaters and forts & lighthouses. All of this in amalgamation makes this place an idyllic beach destination on the unique Cenozoic sedimentary cliffs of Kerala.