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A beach so vast that a long walk makes you forget everything worthless. Cliffs overlooking the sea… to enjoy a perfect meal with perfect views.
Varkalasivagiri is a mini Kerala for an outsider in more ways than one. It is calm… but it also bursts into celebration every now and then.
Hailed as a budget travel destination, Varkala boasts of unique laterite cliff which has gradually become both a shopper’s haven and a food connoisseur’s delight. Often referred as a ‘coastal wonder’, it also offers the option of exploring adventure sports like parasailing and surfing.
Varkala: The laterite cliff is divided into north cliff and south cliff.
Among those close to the hyped clifftop stays are the Papanasam Beach, Black Sand Beach and Odayam. Despite a huge tourist footfall, the beaches are clean and well-maintained (because of course, it is Kerala!).
Papanasam, in particular, has recently earned its spot in Lonely Planet’s “Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches” guide book. It is also said to have a religious significance. “It is believed that a dip in the waters here will wash away all the sins (papam). Hindus find it a very auspicious place and ashes collected from the cremation grounds are immersed at the sea here. They believe that the sins of the deceased will be washed away and the soul gets moksha or eternal salvation through this ritual,” as per the state tourism website.
Months between October to March usually see tourist footfall at its peak in Varkala.’
Munroe Island: A shop on a boat.
But beyond the beaches and the unique cliff, Varkala has several attractions in proximity. The backwaters paradise awaits travellers in the Mangrove Forest and Munroe Island.
While reaching Munroe Island can take around 2 hours from Varkala, Mangrove Forest is relatively closer. Kayaks, boats and mangroves in the backwaters make a perfect frame in ‘God’s own country’.
How to reach Varkala: 42 km from Thiruvananthapuram airport by road/ can also board a train to Varkalasivagiri station
