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Varkala
Varkala, a new destination in Kerala, is for those who prefer
to do absolutely nothing while holidaying. Due to a spillover
resulting from the over saturation of Kovalam, foreigners
started coming to the town about six years ago. The trend
that started as a trickle became a steady flow within two
years. Today, there is a constant stream of visitors. However,
because of the area’s comparative inaccessibility, a large
influx of ‘outsiders’ has not happened here. At the Varkala
platform, there is no indication that this town is on many
a tourist itinerary.
What makes the coastline of Varkala exceptional is its landscape.
Towering cliffs that stand like silent sentinels, guarding
the sparkling waters, back the beach. Highly unusual land
formations, the sheerness of the cliffs, and the view from
atop, simply astound the visitors. Shining white sands, cloudless
skies touching the blue water and the red soil of the hilltop,
coupled with yellow-green paddy fields, and green coconut
trees, make a composite picture of the beauty and awesomeness
of nature. Nature in its pristine glory remains so untouched
that to get to the secluded part of the beach, one has to
either scramble over rocks during high tide or climb down
the cliff. With constant use, a path of sorts has been worn
into the hill face.
However, the state government does have development plans
for its inland waterways that will, in time, have an effect
on the growth of Varkala.
Places of Interest
Sivagiri Mutt is the samadhi (memorial) of Shri Narayana
Guru, spiritual leader and social reformer of Kerala. A man
much ahead of his times, he propagated the idea of one caste,
one religion, and one God. His discourses were conducted mainly
in and around Varkala. Located about 2.5 km from the town,
on the banks of the Thiruvananthapuram–Shornur canal, Sivagiri
Mutt is visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims, annually.
Most people, who visit Sivagiri, also make it a point to go
to Janardhana Swami Temple. This temple is situated
close to Varkala’s beach.
Ironically enough, much before Varkala became known, internationally,
for its sandy stretch, the beach, named Papanasam,
was already well known to pilgrims in Kerala. Considered an
auspicious site, during the season of Karkkidakavavu, special
pujas for invoking departed souls are conducted here. Varkala
and its 3 km stretch of beach beckons the jaded and the travel
weary.
HOW TO REACH
Varkala can be reached from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital
of Kerala. It is about an hour’s drive from Thiruvananthapuram.
WHERE TO STAY
With the exception of one four-star hotel and a tourist bungalow
run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), facilities
for tourists are few.
SUPPLEMENTARY FACILITIES
The town has a fair sprinkling of small eateries providing
wholesome food. Some enterprising residents have begun renting
out English bestsellers and there is even an agency offering
motorbikes and scooters on hire.
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