Southern Kerala

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You are here: Home>Destination Guides>Kerala>Southern Kerala-Varkala

Varkala - Introduction

Population: 41400
STD Code: 0472

Varkala's beach scene is what Kovalam is used to be like, though one look and it's apparent the same mistakes are being repeated. Inappropriate developments already mar the area, and many new hotels are springing up. Still, an Arabian Sea sunset viewed from the cliff-top is unlikely to be forgotten, and Papanasham Beach is relatively free of hawkers and gawkers.

Idyllic as the sea appears, there are very strong currents and no lifeguards. Even experienced surf swimmers have been swept away, so be careful.

Varkala - Orientation & Information

The town and the train station are 2km from the beach. The police aid post and Disctrict Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) are at the helipad.

The Bureau de Change (602749) at Temple junction cashes travelers' cheques has STD/ISD, Internet access (Rs. 60 per hour) and bus and train timetables. It's open from 9am to 10pm daily.

There is also a privately run tourist information center near the post office. The center is primarily for ticketing and tour bookings. Stores on the cliff-top have food items plus a essentials such as soap and batteries.

Varkala - Things to do and See

Varkala is first and foremost a temple town and the Janardhana Temple is on Beach Road. Non-Hindus may not enter buy may be invited into the temple grounds where there is a huge banyan tree and shrines to Ayyapan, Hanuman and other Hindu deities.

Sivagiri Mutt is the headquarters of the Sree Narayan Dharma Sanghom Trust, the ashram devoted to Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928) who preached 'One caste, one religion, one god for people'

There are numerous centers for yoga and massage and the quality of offerings varies.

Varkala - Places to Stay

Most places to stay are at the beach, and they disappear almost entirely during the monsoon to be reborn in time for the tourist onslaught. Budget and mid-range accommodation is generally very good value, as are the top-end places in the low season. The quietest places are either situated inland, at the northern end of the cliff, or on Beach Road.

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Varkala - Places to Eat

Varkala's "dry" status is remedied by 'special tea', 'pop juices' and other euphermisms.

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Varkala - Entertainment

Kathakali performances in the atmospheric surroundings of the old Devaswom building are held every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday during December and January for Rs. 100. Make-up and dressing is from 5 to 6.45 pm and the performance with English commentary is from 6.45 to 8.15 pm.

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Varkala - Getting There and Away

Verkala is 41 km north of Thiruvananthapuram by train and just 24km south of Kollam. Buses from/to Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam that stop at Temple Junction. It's easy to get to Kollam in time for the morning backwater boat to Alappuzha. A taxi from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala costs about Rs. 550.

Varkala - Getting Around

Auto rickshaws between the train station and Varkala's Temple Junction are Rs. 20. A taxi to the beach costs about Rs. 60. You can hire a 350cc Enfield Bullet (Rs. 350 per day), and other bikes.