Varkala City

About Varkala City

Varkala is small town in Kerala, South India. Located about 45 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is an important Hindu pilgrimage center. Varkala is known for Papasnanam Beach and 2000 years old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple. Varkala is the right place for the people searching a respite from the daily routine life. Varkala has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century for the Janardhana Temple was built during this period. The main beaches and tourist area are located at the cliff top, which is about 7 minutes walk from the Temple. Varkala is for the calm of the mind and the weary of the body. It is indeed far from the bustling crowd of the more predominant beaches, but none the less beautiful. It is the soothing breeze that lulls the mind and fans the soul, the mystic tune that half eludes and whose beauty enthralls.

Varkala Beach, a beatification of tranquillity and solitude, straddles unending against ruffling ocean, and is crowned with laterite red cliffs. Varkala, also known as the Dakshina Kashi, is a famous Hindu pilgrimage, where thousands of Hindus visit to wash their sins in the waters of Papanasham Beach and pay reverence to the Samadhi of Shri Narayan Guru, located on the cliff top. The beach-wet spirit of Varkala appeals pilgrims and ardent travellers, alike. Contrastingly, on one side where it is a venerated Hindu pilgrimage, on the other it is populated by hip hep hippies lazing on the sea-shore, showcasing the verisimilitude that Varkala is.

Varkala Beach the town has excellent telecommunication facilities, round-the-clock power, an average-rated water supply system, fire station, several post offices and police station. The town boasts a government-run hospital in addition to nearly 10 private hospitals and some dental clinics. Several elementary and senior-secondary schools, both government-run and private are also functioning. In addition to an Arts and Science college named after Sree Narayana Guru, there are several private professional institutions offering courses like nursing and teaching. A dental college, Sri Sankara Dental College, has recently started functioning in Akathumuri with an intake permission of 50 students. People of Varkala are generally employed in service sector. A very good portion of them are working outside India mainly in the Middle East region. Varkala also has a very sizeable number of expatriates in the United Kingdom.

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.

History of Varkala City

Legends say, that a king of the Pandyan dynasty was instructed by the Lord Brahma to construct the Janardhana Temple to relieve the king of his sins. The idol’s location was prophesied to the king in his dream, it is believed. Thus for ages Varkala has been a pilgrimage destination and is in recent years a favored tourist getaway.

Very sacred place among Hindu’s in south India, it is also called as ‘Dakchhin Kashi’ ( Varanasi of south India) as the 3500 years old temple of ‘Lord Janardanswami’ is here, devoted to Vishnu and Hanuman, an important Hindu shrine of Vaishnav clan.

This temple is very closely located to “PAPNASHNAM BEACH”. Beach, where according to Hindu rituals, you can wash away or get rid of your sins by taking holy dip in its water and purify yourself. After the death of some near and dear, Hindu’s bring there ashes here and after performing a custom famous in south India called ‘Vavu Beli’, the ashes are dipped permanently into the sea of this Papnashnam beach so that his or her sins should be washed away and he or she shall go to heaven permanently.

Tourist Attraction of Varkala City

The Papanasam Beach
The Papanasam Beach is a beautiful tourist haunt. It is the perfect setting to spend a leisurely, mellow holiday, drinking in the beauty of the golden sunset, the tame waves and the towering cliffs of red – laterite. Out of these majestic sentinels standing to the north of the 3km stretch of beaches, gush out mineral fresh water springs. The other beaches such as Thiruvambady Beach and Kappil Beach are also known for their pristine beauty and natural grace.

The Janardhana Temple
This 2000 year old temple is famed to have been built on divine bidding. It is an esteemed shrine of the Hindus attracting hundreds of devotees in July-August

Sivagiri Mutt
The Sivagiri Mutt - a religious site was founded by Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) the renowned philosopher and social reformer of modern Kerala. The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangham, a religious organization established by the Guru to propagate his concept of ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God’. The ‘Sivagiri Pilgrimage’ is usually conducted between 30th December and 1st January every year.

Anjengo Fort
The Dutch East India Company built a strategic garrison called Anjengo Fort near varkala. This fort seemed to have played a very important role in their military stratagy during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Yoga, Ayurveda, & Massage Centres
To relax the mind, the spirit and the body, to adopt ancient and herbal healing methods do avail of the ayurveda programs and services offered by most resorts in Varkala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Varkala City

The Gateway Hotel Janardhanapuram Varkala
Near Government Guest House, Varkala, 695 141 - 0470 2603000

Stavyah Lifecare , Varkala
Stavyah Lifecare Services Pvt. Ltd., Near Varkala Court, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695141 - 0470 2607766

Hindustan Beach Retreat
Papanasam Beach, Janardhanapuram, Varkala, Trivandrum, Kerala 695141 - 0470 2604254

Mascot Hotel
Mascot Square, Pmg Junction, Palayam, Trivandrum, Kerala 695 033 - 0471 2318990

Hotel Taj Residency
Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala - 0(91-484) 2371471

Taj Garden Retreat
Janardhanapuram, Near Government Guest House, Varkala, Kerala - 0470 2603000

Residency Tower The
South Gate Of Govt. Secretariat, Press Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 0471 2331661

Pankaj Hotel Rated
Opposite Old Secretariat, M.G.Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 0471 2464645

Travancorecabs
Tc/25/1490.S.S.Kovil Rd,, Thampanoor, Trivandrum, Kerala 695001 - 09447970371

Location info

In the south Indian State of Kerala, on the high ranges of the western ghats.

Climate & weather

November to April is the best time to visti the place sine the climate is sober at these time of the year.

How to reach Varkala City

• **Nearest Railway Station:**The railway station is 3 kms from the beach.

**Nearest Airport:**Varkala though does not have an airport of its own, the most convenient airport is Trivandrum is nearly an hour’s drive from here. Trivandrum, being the capital city of Kerala, has a very good air network and is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Kochin and Kolkata.

**Road Transport:**Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam. Varkala is 90 minutes away on the bus and a pleasant convenient place to stop for a night or more or an afternoon when travelling between Alappuzha or Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Kerala Police Tourist Helpline: +91-471-2722255.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Varkala City

The best time to visit Varkala City is from November to February when the weather is pleasant for city exploration and sightseeing. March–May is hot but the city offers indoor attractions. The monsoon season (June–September) brings heavy rainfall but the city is less crowded.

Timings & opening hours

Cities are accessible 24 hours. Specific attractions within the city have their own timings. Markets are typically open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

Entry fee & tickets

No entry fee for entering cities. Specific attractions within the city have their own fee structures. City museums, parks, and heritage walks may have nominal charges.

Duration needed

1–3 days to explore major attractions. City tours can be done in a day. Specific neighbourhood and market exploration requires additional time.

Safety tips

Kerala’s cities are generally safe for tourists. Take standard urban precautions: watch your belongings in crowded markets and bus stands, use registered taxis or app-based cabs, avoid isolated areas after dark, and keep emergency numbers handy. Traffic can be chaotic — cross roads with caution.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, a city map or offline GPS, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, camera, power bank for phone (long days of navigation and photography drain batteries), and an umbrella. Carry minimal cash — digital payments are widely accepted in Kerala cities.

Nearby visiting places

Kovalam Beach, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Shanghumugham Beach, Veli Tourist Village, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Poovar Island, Ponmudi Hill Station, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Varkala Beach

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), approximately 55 km. Nearest Railway Station: Varkala Railway Station itself — Varkala is on the main railway line with direct trains from Trivandrum, Kochi, and other major cities. The cliff area is 2 km from the station.

Things to do at Varkala City

Explore the city’s historic neighbourhoods and landmarks, visit museums and cultural centres, shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts at local markets, try local cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls, take a heritage walk through old quarters, visit nearby beaches and backwaters (in coastal cities), enjoy the evening at waterfront promenades, and experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Things to visit & highlights

The city’s historic landmarks and cultural institutions, local markets and shopping areas, parks and waterfront promenades, temples, churches, and mosques, museums and galleries, restaurants serving local cuisine, and the overall urban character that reflects the city’s unique identity.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I spend in this city? — 2–3 days is sufficient to cover major attractions. A longer stay allows deeper exploration of neighbourhoods, markets, and nearby attractions. What is the best way to get around? — Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola) are convenient. City buses are available but can be crowded. Walking is pleasant in historic neighbourhoods. What is the local food speciality? — Each city has its own culinary specialities. Don’t miss trying local Kerala cuisine including seafood, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya.