varkala

Varkala is one of the sought out tourist places in Kerala. There is a quiet stretch of white sandy beach and isolated from the crowds. The added attractions are the mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The mineral springs are considered to have medicinal properties and many people come here to drink and bathe in the water from the mineral springs. The Varkala Beach is also called Papanasam Beach because it is believed that bathing here will wash away all of one's sins. The Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple nearby is believed to be between 800 - 2000 years old.The Sivagiri Hill, near the beach also happens to be the final resting place of a great social reformer of Kerala, Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is home to the 800-year old Janardhana temple, dedicated to Ayyappan and Hanuman.

Travel

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram, 50 km away. Varkala has rail connection but not all trains stop here and the best place to get off is at Kollam, the nearest major railway head. Varkala is accessible by road.