About Varkala Cliff
Varkala cliff is a famous beachfront which is a massive
cluster of old times rock formations.Varkala is uprearing the popularity ladder with
immense speed and has become a thriving place in the last couple of years. The
laid-back town is situated around 40 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram which
is the capital city of the state of Kerala. Varkala cliff is now challenging
the upbeat hippy destinations of India like Goa and Gokarna with its surging
popularity.
It features some colossal rock formations, hillsides, balmy
beaches, hidden ruins and forts along with cloistered lighthouses and placid lakes.
The unique feature of Varkala cliff is that it appears as a dramatic horizon
that is merging with the Arabian sea. The cliffs are also named as the Varkala
Formation by the Geological Survey of India. Formerly named as Udayamarthandapuram after the king of Travancore, a colossal
development to the coastal stretch was made.
Moreover, the presence of 2000 years old
Janardhan Swami Temple near Varkala cliff often earns it the title of Southern
Varanasi. Beaches like Papanasam, Varkala, Odayam are the most cherished among
the sunbathers. You can also tour some marvelous architecture such as Anjengo
fort and Janardhan Swami Temple nearby. The backwaters of Kappil beach and
Ponnumthuruthu island have the ability to engross you completely. Kappil Pozhi
or Kappil lake has a great setting to also enjoy boating.
Varkala cliff is declared as a geo-heritage site in India due
to the unique sediments that laid adjacent to the Arabian sea. It is one of a
kind formation on the rather flat coastal plains of Kerala which magnetizes
backpackers and pilgrims from around the world.
This quaint pilgrimage town is
also known for its ayurvedic spa centers. Arattu is a holy bath festival that
goes on for ten-days mostly in the months of March and April. The ancient
Janardhana Swamy temple serves as the celebrating ground for this festival.
Words fall short to describe the beauty of Varkala, it is a place that leaves
you speechless.
Best time to visit:
Tucked away in the south-western corner of India,
Varkala cliff is a petite coastal
hamlet that experiences moderate to extreme climate. Winter season is a highly
recommended and suitable time to explore Varkala. The place is humid throughout
the year but winter months are comparatively pleasant with calm wind and
suppressed heat.
Starting from October, the following months like
November, December, January, and February are the only months when the mercuric
scale fluctuates between a bearable temperature range. The benign weather of
the winter season in Varkala enables the travelers to explore the nooks and
crannies of this coastal town at ease.
The minimum temperature goes between 21 degrees C
to 24 degrees C in the winter months while the maximum can be expected around
30 degree C. The winter in Varkala has a balmy mood, scented wind, and azure
sky. On the contrary, summers experience hot and humid weather with the
temperature rising to 40 degrees C on an average.
Monsoon is not always considered to be an ideal
time to visit Varkala because of the torrential downpours. However, being an
offseason for tourism, there is a noticeable bargain on the tariffs. With
keeping an eye on the weather forecast, you can make good use of the place
during monsoon as well.
How to reach:
Varkala is connected by all
the three major modes of transport. Thiruvananthapuram is located at around 40
kilometers away, serves as the closest stop for major trains, planes, and
buses.
By air: Reaching Varkala cliff or
Varkala beach by air is the most commodious way of traveling.
Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) airport is located at a distance of 45 kilometers from
the sleepy beach town of Varkala in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram being the
nearest and a significant airport down South that caters to more than 40
national and international flights every day. Thiruvananthapuram has strong
connectivity to major metro cities of India such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi,
Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi etc. It is also well-networked with other countries
via international flight operators.
By train: Varkala train station is a
tiny stop that falls on the connecting route from Thiruvananthapuram to
Ernakulam. There are dozens of trains that stop at Varkala station (VAK) such
as Amritha Express, Malabar Express, Ernad Express, Chennai Mail etc. However, the
halt duration is hardly a minute or two. Being the nearest alternative,
Thiruvananthapuram serves as a prominent railhead which is well-connected to
almost all the major stations across the country.
By road: KSRTC shuttles across the
entire state, connecting Varkala to all the major cities and towns of Kerala.
There are Volvo buses or independent operators plying from cities like Chennai,
Kochi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru to Thiruvananthapuram. Attingal is the nearest
bus stop for most of the privately operated bus services. The distance between
Attingal and Varkala is of 16 kilometers. The other options can be a cab/car
drive till Varkala from nearby cities like Pondicherry, Kanyakumari,
Coimbatore, Mysore etc.
Local commuting: Taxis and auto-rickshaws
are available in abundance to save you from the tedious task of local
traveling. You might need to learn some bargaining skills as the
meter-installed auto rickshaws are less likely to be found in Varkala.
Attractions & Activities:
As the laterite cliffs hug the coastal strips of
Varkala, the shoreline commemorates some world-class beaches. Beaches like
Papanasam and Varkala are even considered divine for taking holy-dip during the aeons old
festivals in Varkala. The assembled list of places may not be comprehensive but
is enough to draw your attention to the hippy hamlet of Varkala.
Varkala Beach: The popular Varkala beach is
around 10 kilometers away from the sleepy hamlet Varkala. It forms a landscape
of sedimentary cliff formations facing the ebb and flow of the Arabian sea in
combat. Varkala beach is also known as Papanasam Beach.
Sivagiri Mutt: Set away over a 200-acres of land
on a plateau that is blanketed by blooming Neelakurinji- Sivagiri Mutt is a
spiritual center that helps heal thousands of believers every year. The Mutt
houses a samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru’s who is also the founder of the
sanctum.
Thiruvambadi beach: Thiruvambadi beach is
one of the unfrequented beaches on the Varkala
cliff radius. The black sand beach is only 3 kilometers away from Varkala
main town .
Edava Beach: Edava Beach is another
offbeat location after Thiruvambadi beach on the Varkala cliff. It rewards the visitors with a sight of backwater
running parallel the ocean with soaring palm trees scattered across the
stretch.
Anjengo Fort: Instituted by the British East
India Company in 1696, Anjengo Fort became the first ever signaling station on
the Malabar coast for ships sailing from England to India. It is a great
example of architectural intelligence.
Ponnumthuruthu: Ponnumthuruthu is a secluded
island which features Anjengo backwaters
and Akathumuri lake. This island is a bird watcher's paradise which lies 20
kilometers away from Varkala. Easily accessed by a jetty ride from Nedunganda
Village.
Vishnu Temple: Vishnu Temple belongs to the same
complex of Janardhana Swamy Temple which is 2000 years old. The temple is close
to Varkala beach and is known for its unique architecture that includes a
copper-plated roof and dome.
Kappil Lake: Fringed with coconut groves
and palm trees, Kappil lake is spotted 6 kilometers North of Varkala Cliff. There is a boat club arranged by the tourism
department that enables smooth boating experiences to the visitors.
Saint Sebastian’s Pilgrim Church:
Constructed by Portuguese missionaries, Saint Sebastian’s Pilgrim Centre is a
significant landmark situated along the backwaters of Varkala cliff.
Kappil Beach: Kappil Beach is an untrodden
coastal stretch which is closely located to Kasaragod. Kappil is a village near
Varkala and this beach is a bit away from the pilgrimage town but is worth a
visit.
Janardhana Swamy Temple: Janardhana Swamy Temple is
a primitive edifice that is admired and worshipped for its glory that stands
unhindered for more than 2000 years. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple
serves as the fate ground for the famous Arattu festival that attracts hordes
of people from around the world.
Activities: Varkala beach is highly celebrated
for water sports like paragliding, parasailing, jet ski, banana boating etc.
Kappil lake is where you can enjoy a peaceful boating ride.
Places to stay near Varkala Cliff: Varkala has
a string of tastefully designed resorts and hotels to stay on your trip. Most
from this pack nestle opposing the sea. The beachfront resorts and hotels are
relished among all types of travellers and Varkala indeed impresses everyone.
Inda hotel: InDa hotel invokes a laid back feel
to the entire vacation if you plan to stay here. The double bed deluxe rooms
feature free wifi and essential modern amenities. It is in proximity to most of
the attractions like Janardhana Swamy Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, and Ponnumthuruthu
Island etc.
Mint inside beach hotel: The views from the super
cozy cottages and bungalows of Mint Inside is a treat to the sore eyes.
Characteristics like high ceilings, sea-view patios, and balconies, garden
seating area, and classy wooden-furnishing adorn the place.
Maadathil Cottages: Maadathil cottages offers a
range of standard, deluxe and super deluxe cottages along the seashore of
Odayam beach. The campus is encircled with coconut and almond trees, the room
walls are embellished with local wooden-art pieces. The lotus pond is another
fascinating character of this place.
Palm Tree heritage: The well-appointed
suites and bungalows at Palm Tree Heritage overlook the unending horizon of the
sea in Varkala Cliff. A few rooms
are also installed with a balcony and a common terrace.
Varkala Marine Palace: Varkala Marine Palace is
nestled in the middle of North cliff and the South cliff on the Papanasam
beach. There are 18 well-appointed rooms with patios and verandas facing the
sea. The resort is situated 2 kilometers away from the railway station in
Varkala.
The Eco: The Eco is a resort that offers some
unparalleled seascapes from its rooms. The large pool inside overlooks the
ocean and bestows some beckoning coastal sunset sceneries. It is situated at a distance
of three kilometers from the main town.
Satta Beach Residence: Satta Beach Residence is a
premium resort that features a grand pool and a carefully manicured garden. The
rooms are spacious and neat with an attached balcony that either overlooks the
garden or the sea.
Jicky’s Nest: Jicky’s Nest is an easy to locate
beach resort that is a kilometre away from Varkala main town. The rooms boast
of some vivid and colorful mural art. The whitewashed building is run by a
family and is sure a happy place to spend a couple of days.
Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resorts: Peppered
with coconut trees and palm fringes, Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resorts is
a top-notch place with a view of the sea and a king-sized swimming pool. Living in the traditional simple cottages at
this resort will even give access to their private beach which is famous for
the stunning sunset views.
Arya Villa Heritage:
This quaint traditional style architecture villa offers budget as well as
premium rooms with a balcony and a huge terrace. The heritage house remains
quite in demand because of its chic ambiance.
