Varkala is a town in the state of Kerala and it lies near the Arabian Sea. It is quite famous amongst the tourists for its beaches, palm trees, red cliffs, and other historical places. It is said that the water of some of these beaches has medicinal qualities and is also quite sacred amongst tourists.
Varkala Cliff
Varkala cliff is a famous beachfront which is a massive cluster of old times rock formations.Varkala is uprearing the popularity ladder with immense speed and has become a thriving place in the last couple of years. The laid-back town is situated around 40 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital city of the state of Kerala. Varkala cliff is now challenging the upbeat hippy destinations of India like Goa and Gokarna with its surging popularity.
Kappil Beach
Kappil Beach is a gorgeous stretch of vacant shoreline almost like a private beach location. There are no public shacks or stalls. Amid the Arabian sea rushing on the rocks and the almost still white sands, one could just lay down or play a few beach games. Kappil Beach is a strip of land by the Kappil Lake. The beautiful beach is lined with coconut trees and offers a beautiful view of the backwaters.
Vishnu Temple
Vishnu Temple is an ancient temple dating back to around 2000 years. It is located very close to the Varkala Beach in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple dedicated to Janardan Swami who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The traditional Kerala Temple architecture with a dome made of copper sheets, beautifully carved Navagrahas on the wood and the copper plated roof is a treat to the eyes. The temple is often associated with a legend of Lord Brahma who had cursed his Prajapathis, and Narada, who had helped them absolve their sins.
Sarkara Devi Temple
Sarkara Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. It is famous for the Kaliyoot festival which is celebrated every year in March (the Malayalam month of Kumbh) and Meenabharani Festival which is held during Attavishesham. Kaliyoot is a presentation of the legendary figures Bhadrakali and Darika who represent good and evil respectively. A procession is held during the 10-day Meenabharani festival wherein the Goddess is taken on five elephants to the Bhagavathy Palace.
Varkala Lighthouse
Varkala Lighthouse was built in 1684 by the British to assist the navigation of ships coming from Britain. It stands 130 feet tall on the Varkala Beach and attracts tourists for a mesmeric bird's eye view it provides of the Arabian sea and the backwaters. It, therefore, is a perfect attraction for photographers, beach lovers and picnickers. Climb up some 250 odd stairs and get bowled over by the stunning panoramic view of the humongous Arabian Sea and Kerala’s stunning landscape.
Edava Beach
Edava is a famous tourist spot located near Varkala. Edava Beach is a serene beach located in Edava Village of Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala State of India. Serene and beautiful backwaters and beaches attracts lots of tourist to this place. Edava’s secular credentials are impeccable and sublime, with Hindus and Muslims living shoulder to shoulder without making any ripples in the placid social waters of this pristine village.