Varkala

Varkala cliff is a famous beachfront which is a massive cluster of old times rock formations.Varkala is uprearing the popularity ladder with immense speed and has become a thriving place in the last couple of years. The laid-back town is situated around 40 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital city of the state of Kerala. Varkala cliff is now challenging the upbeat hippy destinations of India like Goa and Gokarna with its surging popularity.It features some colossal rock formations, hillsides, balmy beaches, hidden ruins and forts along with cloistered lighthouses and placid lakes. The unique feature of Varkala cliff is that it appears as a dramatic horizon that is merging with the Arabian sea. The cliffs are also named as the Varkala Formation by the Geological Survey of India. Formerly named as Udayamarthandapuram after the king of Travancore, a colossal development to the coastal stretch was made.Moreover, the presence of 2000 years old Janardhan Swami Temple near Varkala cliff often earns it the title of Southern Varanasi. Beaches like Papanasam, Varkala, Odayam are the most cherished among the sunbathers. You can also tour some marvelous architecture such as Anjengo fort and Janardhan Swami Temple nearby. The backwaters of Kappil beach and Ponnumthuruthu island have the ability to engross you completely. Kappil Pozhi or Kappil lake has a great setting to also enjoy boating.Varkala cliff is declared as a geo-heritage site in India due to the unique sediments that laid adjacent to the Arabian sea. It is one of a kind formation on the rather flat coastal plains of Kerala which magnetizes backpackers and pilgrims from around the world.This quaint pilgrimage town is also known for its ayurvedic spa centers. Arattu is a holy bath festival that goes on for ten-days mostly in the months of March and April. The ancient Janardhana Swamy temple serves as the celebrating ground for this festival. Words fall short to describe the beauty of Varkala, it is a place that leaves you speechless.

About 12 km south of Varkala is the lush, secluded island of Ponnumthuruthu perfect for a secluded trip. The gateway to the island is a 30-minute tour through the backwaters from Nedunganda. At Nedunganda, the starting point is peculiar — the jetty and the walkway to the ferry are made up of coconut husk, mud and the waste of choir.The star attractions include a 100 years old Shiva Parvathi temple. The temple is situated amidst a thick coconut grove and gets decked up in lights during Sivarathri. The choir village on the other side can be visited by tourists. The majestic vistas of the ferry ride include husks waving through the backwaters and the greenery of land coming alive with fresh warm rays of the sun. With a plethora of flora and fauna, especially waterbirds and land birds like cormorants, egrets, and herons, the island is an enchanting delight for birdwatchers.Location: Ponnumthuruthu Island, Onnampalam Rd, Nedungada, Vettoor-cherunniyoor, Kerala 695312Timings: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Built by the Portuguese Missionaries, Saint Sebastian's Pilgrim Church Mongode is one of the religious places to visit in Varkala. Found on the banks of the backwaters of Varkala, with the dreamy ambience and serene location, this pilgrim centre for Christians is known for the procession of Saint Sebastian. The feast like procession is held every year in February.The church dresses up as colourful delight attracting bustling followers and visitors, also during Easter, Christmas and New year. The church feast is heavily visited by people of surrounding areas and hosted as a festival with attractions such as by boating, games, stage shows like dance, drama, magic.Location: Theresa Ln, Moongode P.O, Varkala, Kerala 695144.Timings: 6 am to 7 pm

Located in-between the Black Beach and Odayam Beach in a three-story building with a spiral staircase is one of the fascinating Varkala tourist places - Varkala aquarium. The aquarium hosts big chunks of exotic species including scorpionfish, angelfish, koi and the local karimeen. The marine species are placed along the spiral walkway.The aquarium is highly educational, especially for the kids, with detailed information sections. The top floor of the building has an open tank where all the species are placed. The scenic Varkala cliff is visible from the building area, and the lush of sea breeze can be churned upon from the walk-way. The aquarium makes for an exciting diversion from the beach.Location: Odayam Hatchery, Thiruvambadi Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala, Kerala 695141 Timings: 10 am to 6:30 pm.

Navigating through the coastal villages of Kerala and at a distance of 15 km from Varkala is the Chilakoor Beach. The beach is dotted with some good resorts to make the stay more comfortable.The spectacular journey through villages is a precursor to the enchanting views that the casuarina groves engulfing the beach bring to the visitors. One could watch time slow down while the golden rim of the horizon wears the serene atmosphere as the sun escapes to a new day lingering the essence of the warm evening near the beach.Location: Aliyirakkam, Chilakoor Beach, Varkala, Kerala 695141.Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

Fringed with casuarina trees, located near Bekal Fort in Kasaragod, Kappil Beach is a gorgeous stretch of vacant shoreline almost like a private beach location. There are no public shacks or stalls. Amid the Arabian sea rushing on the rocks and the almost still white sands,  one could just lay down or play a few beach games.With clear waters and uninhabited atmosphere, visitors came to Kappil Beach to relax or just submerge into the water. The beach is accessible by prime resorts in the area. Seasonally, Kayaking is hosted on the Beach. Location: Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695141, India.Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

Spread over 200 acres of hilly terrain, the Sivagiri Mutt is placed on a high platform and is the only quaint holy places to visit in Varkala. It has provided spiritual sustenance to thousands of people over the years. The Sivagiri Hills, where the Sivagiri Mutt is located, was selected by Sree Narayana Guru to create the commune after he fell in love with the vast landscape and ambience of Varkala. The teaching of the Guru include that of a singular faith, i.e. one caste, one religion and one God. The disciples and followers of the Guru run the headquarters of Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham at the Sivagiri Mutt. This pilgrim centre has the Samadhi of the Guru and an elementary school which was created to bridge caste lines. The octagonal shape Saradha (Saraswathi) Temple resonates with the teaching, the prayers can be recited as per the devotees' preference- some choose sacred hymns, other chants. With the lessons and spiritual ambience, the vibe of the place is magical. The Mutt is heavily visited during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage on December 30th - January 1st and during Gurus Birthday and Samadhi in August and September. Pilgrims from different parts of Kerala gather at the Samadhi dressed in yellow shades.Location: Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695141Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Located on the Varkala Beach is the beautiful site of Balimandapam, one of the popular pilgrim locations amongst Varkala tourist places. Balimandapam facilitates pilgrims to perform Vavubali ritual at Papanasam.  Vavubali rituals are performed by individuals on the vavubali day to appease the spirit of their ancestors. The centre is popular during the Karkitakam(July-August) when hundreds of devotees visit the shrine.The Mandapam can accommodate about 50-60 pilgrims performing their rituals, at a time. The Centre for Performing Arts and a traditional ‘Bali mandapam’ was built a few years ago keeping the traditions and mind and ensuring that it does not obstruct the view of the architectural splendour of the Janardana Swami Temple and also to blend with the beauty of the beach. With rich cultural roots, Balimandapam is a religious tourist place to visit.Location: At Varkala Beach.Timings: 10 am to 6:30 pm.