A famous beach destination in southern Kerala, Varkala comes lauded as a sacred pilgrimage center too. Like the white cliffs of Dover, the pink cliffs at the Varkala Beach offer sensational view of the Arabian Sea. Mineral water springs originating from the cliff is believed to possess medicinal properties.

A dip in the holy waters at the beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the name 'Papanasam beach'. The place is home to 2000-year-old Vishnu Shrine of Janardhanaswamy. The Sivagiri Mutt established by the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru is another start attraction of the place.

Sights to See

Sivagiri Mutt
Located in close proximity to Janardhanaswamy Temple, the Sivagiri Mutt was founded by the great Hindu reformer and philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928). The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology: "one caste, one religion and one god", in a society torn by the taboos of caste system.

Varkala Tunnel
A famous tourist attraction in Varkala, this 924 ft long tunnel took almost 14 years to complete. It began in 1867 under the supervision of Travancore Diwan Sir. T Mahadeva Rao and was completed only in 1880, at the time of Diwan Sheshaya Sasthri.

Janardhanaswamy Temple
This two thousand year old shrine stands on the cliffs overlooking the Varkala beach. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the shrine is also called Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the South).