Varkala

Kerala boasts of some of the best coastal towns in India, and Varkala ranks among the very best. With the picture-perfect beaches, the ambiance of the place, the lip-smacking food, and the calm that prevails, Varkala has become a popular tourist destination over the years. It is also famous as a popular religious site, and thousands of devotees throng on this place.

Historical Background of Varkala:

Our mythology tells us that Lord Brahma instructs Pandyan King to build a temple in Varkala to rescue him of his sins. While the other legend states that when a group of pilgrims approached Sage Narada and told him that they had sinned, Narada threw his valkalam (a loin cloth made from the bark of a tree), and it landed at this scenic village, and hence, the place came to be known as Varkala. Narada told the pilgrims to pray for their redemption at Papanasam, which means saving from sins.

According to the Hindu religion, the beaches of Varkala are Pappanasham which means that when someone takes a dip in the river, the water washes away the sins.

The region was ruled by the Sangha Dynasty and found mention in ancient texts such as Periplus of the Erythraean Sea to be a popular trading spot.

Things to Do and Major Attractions:

The Varkala Beach, which is only about 10 km from the town, is a popular tourist spot as people relax by the sea in the beautiful beach shacks.

The sunrise and sunset from this beach is a spectacular view and is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Many take part in water sports such as parasailing, jet-skiing, etc.

Other beaches such as the Edava beach and the Thiruvambadi Beach are also top-rated among travelers for the scenic beauty and the extraordinary view of the ocean.

Kappil Lake and Kappil Beach are also some major attractions for those looking for a stunning natural view. Besides these, there are places of historical importance such as the Anjengo Fort and places of religious importance like Janardhanaswamy Temple, Ponnumthuruthu, Vishnu Temple, and Juma Masjid.

While in Varkala, stop by the Varkala Cliff and Varkala Lighthouse for some mesmerizing views of the ocean from here.

People and Culture of Varkala:

The popularly used languages by the people here are Malayalam and English. The people of Varkala have preserved their culture over the years and passed it to the next generation. People here are helpful and very welcoming. And they celebrate some festivals such as Ekadasi Festival and Annual Festival in style by the locals.

Local Food and Popular Shopping Items:

There are a lot of specialties in this region, and it is primarily a seafood-based cuisine. The catch is fresh, and they are prepared as per the local recipe at the beach shacks and restaurants.

You will also find the usual South Indian dishes like Dosa and Idli in Varkala. There are lots of flea markets and other such shopping destinations, and shoppers can pick from the Kasava Mundu and Dresses, Coconut and coir products, Khadi Products, etc.

Some of the famous shopping sites are the Tibetan Shops, Beach Bazaars, and Khadi stores.

Best Time to Visit Varkala:

If you are planning a visit to Varkala, it is advisable that you pick the winter months from October to February. During this time, the humidity remains less, and the cool breeze brings soothing relief to the traveler.

Availability of Accommodation Type:

In Varkala, the tourist footfall is high, and the living options are plenty. So you can stay put in budget hotels like Bamboo Village, Woodhouse Beach Resort, etc., and pick from the more extravagant ones such as Gateway Varkala.

There are hostel and homestay services available as well. A Zostel in Varkala is popular among bag-packing tourists. There are hostel and homestay services available as well. A Zostel in Varkala is popular among bag-packing tourists.