Varkala (Kerala) FAQs In 2024

10 FAQS on Varkala

What is Varkala known for?

Varkala is renowned for its unique 15m high 'Northern Cliff' adjacent to the Arabian Sea, which is rich in minerals and is believed to have natural healing properties. It is also famous for its beautiful beach, the Papanasam Beach, which is considered to have holy waters that wash away sins, and the 2000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple, which is an important Vaishnavite shrine and a final resting place where the dead are brought for cremation.

The best time to visit Varkala is from October to March when the weather is relatively cool and pleasant, making it ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. The temperatures during this period range from about 22Â°C to 30Â°C.

Top attractions in Varkala include Papanasam Beach, Varkala Cliff, Janardana Swami Temple, Sivagiri Mutt (the final resting place of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru), Kappil Beach, the Varkala Tunnel, Anjengo Fort, and the Varkala Aquarium.

Tourists can engage in various activities in Varkala such as sunbathing, swimming, and surfing on the beach, enjoying Ayurvedic treatments and massages, practicing yoga, trying the seafood cuisine at the cliffside restaurants, exploring the backwaters, and shopping for souvenirs at the local shops along the cliff.

Varkala is accessible by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (about 50 km away). Varkala has its own railway station, Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Kerala and other parts of India. By road, state buses and private vehicles are available from various cities within Kerala.

Yes, Varkala hosts several cultural and religious festivals. The most significant is the Janardana Swami Temple Festival, a 10-day festival celebrated annually in March/April, which features colorful processions, traditional music, and dance performances. The Sivagiri Pilgrimage, held during the last week of December, is another major event, paying homage to Sree Narayana Guru.

Varkala offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences, including luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, cliff-top and beachfront cottages, guesthouses, and budget homestays.

Yes, Varkala is suitable for family vacations with its serene beaches, cultural sites, and a relaxed atmosphere. Families can enjoy the natural beauty, engage in beach activities, and participate in cultural experiences together.

Yes, due to its popularity with tourists from around the world, Varkala offers a variety of international cuisines including Italian, Continental, Chinese, and Tibetan, in addition to the traditional South Indian and Keralite dishes.

Tourists should be aware of the strong currents in the Arabian Sea and should always swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present. It's important to respect local customs and dress modestly when away from the beach. Also, maintaining the cleanliness of the beaches and surrounding areas by not littering is encouraged to preserve the natural beauty of Varkala.