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THE PLACE
Varkala, a new destination in Kerala,
is for those who prefer to do absolutely nothing while
holidaying. Due to a spillover resulting from the over
saturation of Kovalam, foreigners started coming to
the town about six years ago. The trend that started
as a trickle became a steady flow within two years.
Today, there is a constant stream of visitors. However,
because of the area’s comparative inaccessibility,
a large influx of ‘outsiders’ has not happened
here. At the Varkala platform, there is no indication
that this town is on many a tourist itinerary.
WHAT MAKES IT TICK
 What
makes the coastline of Varkala exceptional is its landscape.
Towering cliffs that stand like silent sentinels, guarding
the sparkling waters, back the beach. Highly unusual
land formations, the sheerness of the cliffs, and the
view from atop, simply astound the visitors. Shining
white sands, cloudless skies touching the blue water
and the red soil of the hilltop, coupled with yellow-green
paddy fields, and green coconut trees, make a composite
picture of the beauty and awesomeness of nature. Nature
in its pristine glory remains so untouched that to get
to the secluded part of the beach, one has to either
scramble over rocks during high tide or climb down the
cliff. With constant use, a path of sorts has been worn
into the hill face.
However, the state government does have development
plans for its inland waterways that will, in time, have
an effect on the growth of Varkala.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Sivagiri Mutt is the samadhi (memorial) of Shri Narayana
Guru, spiritual leader and social reformer of Kerala.
A man much ahead of his times, he propagated the idea
of one caste, one religion, and one God. His discourses
were conducted mainly in and around Varkala. Located
about 2.5 km from the town, on the banks of the Thiruvananthapuram–Shornur
canal, Sivagiri Mutt is visited by thousands of Hindu
pilgrims, annually.
Most people, who visit Sivagiri, also make it a point
to go to Janardhana Swami Temple. This temple is situated
close to Varkala’s beach.
Ironically enough, much before Varkala became known,
internationally, for its sandy stretch, the beach, named
Papanasam, was already well known to pilgrims in Kerala.
Considered an auspicious site, during the season of
Karkkidakavavu, special pujas for invoking departed
souls are conducted here. Varkala and its 3 km stretch
of beach beckons the jaded and the travel weary.
HOW TO REACH
Varkala can be reached from Thiruvananthapuram, the
capital of Kerala. It is about an hour’s drive
from Thiruvananthapuram.
WHERE TO STAY
With the exception of one four-star hotel and a tourist
bungalow run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation
(KTDC), facilities for tourists are few.
SUPPLEMENTARY FACILITIES
The town has a fair sprinkling of small eateries providing
wholesome food. Some enterprising residents have begun
renting out English bestsellers and there is even an
agency offering motorbikes and scooters on hire.
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