Varkala Beach

• Location- 54 km from Thriuvanathapuram

• Famous for- its landscape

• Places to visit- Mineral Springs Shree Janardhana Swamy temple

• Best time to visit- September to March (however can be visited all through the year)

The calm and quaint Varkala beach is one of the most enchanting beach holiday destinations in the country. Unlike other beaches in western India and Kerala, this beach is completed secluded and is a perfect destination for individuals seeking to unwind and relax away from the cauldrons and cares of life on the fast lane. Invariably this beach is distinctive for its land formation. The landscapes include a verdant rocky cliff that ends abruptly with clear sand that leads to light blue clear waters. These features coupled together make the beach a striking sight. The rising and the setting of the sun is truly breathtaking as the sun appears like big molten golden ball that enlighten the entire environ that is truly enchanting and beyond the realm of magical.

The beach is basically divided into two halves that are the northern cliff and the southern cliff. The distinctiveness of both sides is not just their distinctive properties of landscape but also the preference. The northern side of the cliff of the beach is lined with a number of restautrants offering distinctive international, continental and Italian dishes while the southern side is more known for the various games and facilities that are available.

Things to do – In terms of things to do there are various beach activities offered at this beach, these include throw ball, volleyball, beach football. For those interested in getting into the water there is swimming for those wishing indulging in water sports that are facilities for snorkeling, scuba diving surfing, sailing and even parasailing. Apart from visitors can also laze in the sun by the seaside.

Major Attractions- The three major attractions that can be missed while visiting Varkala Beach include

• Mineral Springs

• Sri Janardhana Swamy temple

• Shopping near Varkala beach

• Edava beach

Mineral Springs- The mineral springs are considered to posses medical properties. Many visitors come here and drink and also bathe in the springs.

Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple- This temple is a fine example of Kerala’s distinctive art and architecture. The temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu is one of the most sacrosanct place of worship.

Shopping at Varkala- Shopping is also an attraction for tourist’s visting Varkala beach. This bazaar is lively with a number of shops dealing in trinkets and souvenirs.

There is also the Edava beach that can be visited which remains untarnished and is yet to be explored. Do visit if time permits.

Places to eat- There are a number of places to eat in and around Varkala beach

• Little Tibet is one of the best food joints in the area serving Tibetan food

• Shiva Garden Kerala Restaurant serves delicious Kerala Thalis

• Hotel Suprabhatam is known and loved vegetarian food joint’

• Varkala Hotel

• Café del Mar serves authentic Italian and Mexican food

• Ootapura vegetarian restaurant is the first restaurant near the helipad

• Reena Bakery known for pastries and fresh baked bakery products

• Eden’s Restaurant known for European cuisine

• Respirio Healthy foods known for Italian and Indian food.

How to reach Varkala beach

• By Air- Trivandrum International airport is 46 km away from Varkala

• By rail- Varkala railway station is the nearest connected to all major rail stations in Kerala

• By road- Varkala is 54 kilometers from Trivandrum and 37 km from Kollam

Accommodations- There are a number of budget, semi luxury and luxury accommodations available. There are also facilities for home stay available.