Explore Varkala
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Varkala in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala offers relatively untouched and clean beaches that are increasingly difficult to find in the state. Situated 51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km south of Kollam, Varkala is also a pilgrimage center for Hindus. The 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple is located in Varkala and thousands of Hindus converge on Papanasam Beach on Karkidavavu Bali held during the Malayalam month of Karkitakam (July-August) to pray for their ancestors. Several myths abound about the construction of Varkala temple and the town. According to one myth, the temple was constructed by a Pandyan King at the instructions of Lord Brahma as a penance for his sins. According to another legend, when a group of people requested the sage Narada to show them a way to get rid of their sins, Narada threw his valkalam (loin cloth made from tree bark). The place where the valkalam landed, came to be known as Varkala. Narada told the pilgrims to pray for their redemption at Papanasam, which literally means redemption from sins.

Varkala beach is an ideal holiday destination in Kerala for the tourists who want a peaceful vacation. Counted as one of the top ten seasonal beaches in the world by discovery channel, this beach has a stunning beauty of landscapes, brown sand, and sea. It's a perfect spot to relax with a laidback atmosphere. Popular for beach activities like swimming and sunbathing, this beach offers a striking sunset views. It can simply take your breath away with its long winding stretch of cliff that expands over the Arabian Sea. Varkala Beach is also called Papanasam beach as it is believed that taking bath here wash away all sins. This beach is very famous for spa, mineral springs and ayurvedic centers, offering the best treatments and therapies. Cliff clad beaches and pretty vibrant environs give a joyous feel that attract beach lovers or honeymooners to spend holidays at this place. The edge of the cliff offers fascinating views of sand and sea.