In southern Kerala, Varkala is the only hamlet that has cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea, which is a quiet and calm hamlet in the Thiruvananthapuram district. Known as the Varkala Formation, these cliffs are composed of tertiary sedimentary rocks. The Geological Survey of India has classified them as geological monuments. This cliffside features a number of water spouts and spas. There are several tourist attractions, including a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old Vishnu temple, and an Ashramam located atop the Sivagiri hill-just a short distance from the beach. Natural springs on the beach are renowned for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. According to beliefs, a dip in these waters will cleanse one’s body of impurities and cleanse their soul from all sin, hence the name “Papanasam Beach”.
Boat riding, parasailing, jet-sailing, and horse-riding are among the adventure and leisure activities available on Varkala beach. Additionally, there are restaurants and cafes; alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the beach.
Getting there :
Nearest railway station: Varkala Sivagiri railway station, about 3 km away
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 57 km