Location – Thirvananthpuram district, Kerala
Nearest access – thiruvananthapuram and Varkala railway station
Tourist attraction– swimming, sun bathing, sightseeing
Languages – Malayalam, Hindi and English

Varkala beach lies on the Western coast along the Arabian Sea, in the Thiruvananthpuram district of the state of the Kerala. It is also kwon as Papanasam beach locally. The meaning of word Papanasam is away sins. The beach water is renowned for its natural spring and is considered to have curative as well as medicinal properties. It is believed that a bath in the waters of beach washes away the sins of the life. Because of this belief it is important pilgrimage place also. High cliffs rise majestically from the shoreline with mineral springs. This pristine beach is ranked as one of the ten best beaches in the entire world by discovery channel.

This quiet and calm hamlet has several places of tourist’s attractions like ancient old Vishnu Temple, Kappil Lake and exotic beach. It is finest beach of Kerala and situated at Pythal mala hills. It is only place where tourists can see cliffs adjacent to sea in south Kerala. It is popular picnic spot because of mineral water springs and lofty mountain cliffs. This beautiful beach is an ideal place for confluence of alien and exotic cultures. Tourists can find numerous spas and water spouts on the sides of the shoreline. It is perfect place to those who likes to escape from tensions and noise of daily life. With soft sands beneath and swimming palms, it ensures to have a rejuvenating holidays. It is beautiful place where tourist can watch the splendid sight of the sunset.

Mustsee tourist attractions
Anjengo fort was constructed in the 17th century. The fort is well known for its historical importance. The fort is under control of National heritage monuments and one of the best preserve forts of the India. Tourists can see cemetery inside the fort, which has mortal ruins of the occupants.

Varkala beach is most scheduled beach of India. It is safe place for swimming in the crystal clear water. It is an ideal place to take sunbath. The beach is very clean and offers number of adventures activities like wind surfing and boat ride. Beautiful and virgin nature of beach is main tourist’s attraction here.

The Janardhanaswamy temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old and dedicated to lord Vishnu. This temple is famous for its Arattu festival celebrated every year for ten days. The major attraction of festival is grand procession of caparisoned elephants with peacock fans and ornamental silk umbrellas. The temple is built in typical south Indian architectural style and worth place to visit.

Sivagiri mutt is ashram located on the banks of Shoranur-Thiruvananthapuram canal. The place is famous for celebrations of Guru Jayanthi and Guru Deva Samadhi festivals. It organizes public meetings, seminars, community feats, special rituals and cultural shows during festivals. It is important place for religious activities and many people pay visit here to learn about ancient Hindu religion.

Vishnu temple is also ancient temple and built in Dravidian style of architecture. The shrine of lord Vishnu inside the temple is very beautiful and place of worship for people.

Climate
The climate of the place is same as like other coastal places. The place is hot and humid for the entire year. Summers are extreme hot and humid here with average 35 centigrade temperature. Monsoon experiences heavy rainfall. Winters are mild here with average 20 centigrade temperature.

Best time to visit
Generally avoid this place during summers because of extreme heat as well as monsoons because of excessive rainfall. Best time to visit this holy place in from December to February because of excellent climatic conditions.

How to reach
By road – this coastal town is well connected by regular bus services with capital city of Thiruvanandpuram. The capital city of Thiruvanadpuram is widely connected with national and state highways with rest of India.
By rail– varkala is important railway station of the south India and well connected by extensive railway lines with other part of the country.
By air – Thiruvanandpuram is nearest airport to reach coastal town by flight at a distance of 45 kilometers. Thiruvanandpuram is international airport and offers daily flights to domestic as well as international cities.