Varkala is a seaside town located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its stunning cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, as well as its beautiful beaches, mineral springs, and cultural and spiritual significance.
Varkala is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, as well as for activities such as yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic treatments. The town also offers a lively nightlife scene with many restaurants, bars, and shops to explore
Here are reasons why one should explore Varkala
Beaches
If you are a seashore lover looking forward to enjoying yourself on the white sands, without too much public around you, Varkala is the nicest location to be. The Papanasam beach is one of the famous beaches around this hamlet. The Black seashore and even shores in Edava, which is close to this town will give you the much-needed beach vacation.
Spiritual connect
Kerala is home to a few of the greatly well-known Yoga centers. Likewise, this place too has a few extraordinary Yoga centers, and at decent prices too! Some yoga and meditation centers deliver in-depth lessons too. Relax here and enjoy your stay rejuvenating.
Religious places
The 2000-year old Janardhana Swamy Temple and the famous Sivagiri mutt are situated in here. These are famous pilgrim locations and a visit to these sites will educate you about the religious convictions pursued here.
Historical and cultural places
While this place is recognized for its beautiful beaches, the place also has few historical and cultural locations that one can explore. The Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse near this town age back to the 17th century and they still stand tall.
The Varkala Cultural Centre offers travelers a closer perspective of its culture. You can get a sneak look into Kathakali performances and Kalaripayattu here.
Backwaters
Unlike the Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters, Varkala backwaters are less crowded and additionally serene. Situated near Varkala and Kappil Beach, a houseboat cruise in the backwaters is without a question the nicest way to feel the backwaters.
As the houseboat gently glides, the serenity and harmony of the backwaters take over making you believe like you're in your own tiny realm. Periodically, peep out to discover some exotic birds.
Delicious food
The inhabitants of this town continue to generate a living from the sea. And they moreover prepare some extraordinary dishes. You'll love the tandoori shrimp and fish whipped up as you wait at the clifftop booths.
Adventurous water sports
Your trip can become wonderful simply by exploring a beach or any different prime attraction. However, what makes the trip further exhilarating is the watersports you attempt there.
Even if you are not watersports or adventure lover, the crystal clear waters of Kerala will certainly dare you. For some adrenaline rush, you can attempt activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, and enjoy nature in an adventurous way.
Local culture
Cherishing the local culture pursued by diverse people is one thing that occurs without you even aiming. No matter what place you explore, you would certainly be astonished to observe individuals pursuing their fascinating culture and tradition.
To seek the traditional culture of Kerala, you can stop by Varkala Culture Center. You will get to experience the original art forms of the state which would take you to an absolutely unique realm.
Around Varkala
While this place itself is a beautiful destination, Ponnumthuruthu island and Kappil Lake situated just a few kilometers from this town are like paradise on earth. These glorious destinations give calmness at their best and the spectacular scenery is something that will linger with you for a lifetime.
Places to visit nearby
Ponmudi
Ponmudi, precisely summarized as the Golden Peak, is a famous hill station situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Located at a height of 1100 m above sea level, it is a constituent of the Western Ghats cliff ranges.
Fascinating weather and spectacular surroundings stimulate Ponmudi a perfect travel location during the summer season. Attached to the city of Thiruvananthapuram by a thin serpentine path, Ponmudi delivers panoramic perspectives to those who wander by road.
The cliffs are blessed with lush greenery and the spot has various surprises in account for travellers and nature enthusiasts. Those who have their souls for adventure in location can indulge in trekking and hiking. The lengthy and snaking hairpin hooks make the journey to Ponmudi a memorable experience.
Distance from Varkala: 82 km - 1 hr, 40 min
Punalur
Punalur is a tiny panoramic hamlet situated on the borders of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The hamlet is recognized for being the innovator in giving rise to Kerala's industrial revolution that occurred with the setting up of the Punalur Paper Mills.
The river Kallada flows through Punalur. The spot originates its title from Punal' meaning water in Tamil and Malayalam and Ooru' meaning locale. It is the fifth-largest town in the south.
Distance from Varkala 56 km - 1 hr, 10 min
Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara, a tiny hamlet situated in the area of Kollam is chiefly recognized for its castles and temples. The title of the town is originated from two Malayalam words kottaram (palace) and kara ( land). When blended, Kottarakkara precisely implies the land of palaces, and the title is rightly rationalized through its past.
In the old days, the area of Kottarakkara was recognized by the name Elayadathu Swarupam and prevailed under the supremacy of the Travancore Royal Family. According to the available historical documents, the first palace was constructed during the 14th century and ruins of seven royal palaces are to be discovered in the area.
Distance from Varkala 41 km - 55 min
Alleppey
Alleppey, the land of lagoons, amusement, and serenity is suitably titled the Venice of the East. Its fascinating backwaters and the dense covering of green amidst the various intersecting canals curtained by palm trees, will amuse the romanticist in you and rise your fantasy to new extents of expectations.
Regarded to be one of the first towns planned in Kerala, the town is astoundingly nicely laid out and retains an alley of waterways that will move you, through a voyage, you cannot forget.
Distance from Varkala 121 km - 1 hr, 50 min
Kollam
Kollam, popularly recognized by its anglicized title Quilon, is a town acclaimed for its industry and culture. As a seaside town lying on the shores of Ashtamudi Lake and as the headquarters of Kollam area, it supported massively the culture and economy of Kerala in considerable manners.
Past has evidence for the enormous trade structure Kollam retained in ancient periods with China, Rome, and the Middle East. The town had internal commercial connections with different parts of India and later became one of the initial industrial centers.
Distance from Varkala 35 km - 35 min
Varkala in Kerala, certainly, is an incredible location to explore. Here, you can take a walk on the shores as you dip your toes in them. As you now know how amazing this place is, what is resisting you from making your own voyage to this place? It's time to travel to the remarkable town of Varkala and experience the above-mentioned stuff for real. There are even plenty more that could fascinate you.
