Papanasam BeachPapanasam beach is a perfect place to watch the sunset or relax gazing at the horizon. The area is covered with coconut palms and small restaurants that mushroom during the season. This beach is bordered by high cliffs. Right below this cliff is the 500 -metre stretch beach. Compared to other prominent beaches, Varkala is fortunate in that it is less crowded, has fewer number of shops and beach sellers and still lesser amount of commercialization. Here one could swim, play cricket, volley ball and even manage to practise yoga.And If you are that lucky, you get a rare chance to sight a naughty dolphin.

Papanasam is important for the Hindus. They come to drain the mortal remains of their dead relatives. Consigning the mortal

remains of the dead relatives in the waters of a pilgrim centre is a sacred act by the Hindus, a way for redemption from sins. This

Hindu ritual also known as 'vavu bali' is performed on the beach on the new moon day of the month of Karkkidakam’ (Malayalam

Era).

Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple

Varkala has remained a Hindu pilgrimage centre since the 12th century.The 2000 years old temple which has a Vishnu shrine is at a distance of 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram city and 37 km from Kollam.

What the legend says...... It is said that the original temple was engulfed and destroyed by tidal waves. Years later, a Pandyan king came to the site to do penance to Brahma for a sin he committed. The Lord pardoned the king and in return, asked the king to build another temple at the same site. The story goes that in a dream he was informed of the location of the original idol that was lying deep in the sea. With help of fishermen, the king reclaimed the idol and reinstalled it in the temple.

The legend also says that brahma appeared and completed the rituals. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple, but are allowed to walk around the sanctum and stroll around the huge banyan tree. The festivals of the temple are colorful with noisy parades.

Sivagiri Mutt

Sivagiri is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust. This mutt is situated at an elavation, 3 km. east of the

Janardhana temple. The ashram is devoted to Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928)

Guru preached the doctrine, 'one caste, one religion, one god for humanity' and attracted a large following among the lower castes. Here Sree Gurudev underwent

regular courses of indigenous and Ayurvedic treatments. Thousands of followers visit the Mutt each year. Every afternoon, ‘sadhya’ is served at the mutt for Rs 15. The Sivagiri Gurusamathi, Sivagiri Sarada Mutt & Sivagiri Vaidika Madom are the main

buidings.

Varkala Tunnel

The tale of Varkala is incomplete without the great tunnel popularly known as ‘Varkala Thurappu’. The construction of the 924 ft long tunnel began in 1867 under

the supervision of Divan sir. T Mahadeva Rao of Travancore. It was completed in 1880, at the time of Divan Sheshaya Sasthri. The tunnel was extensively used for ferrying of

several kind of goods.

Gurukulam

Established by Nataraja Guru

East West University of Brahmavidya

Established by Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati, Disciple of Nataraja Guru.

Golden Island

The Golden Island is also called the “Thuruthu” by the local community. The island is just a few minutes by country boat from the main land and about half an hour drive from Varkala, in the same direction as Anjengo. The centre-piece of attraction in the

island is an old Shiva and Parvathy temple which is very famous. A ride on the country boat itself is amusing. On the way back you can see a lot of coir weaving centers. Some

places even display very interesting and innovative products made of coir and take orders to your specifications. The coir weaving process as such is very interesting to

see the process from raw material to the finished product.

Anjuthengu Fort (Anjengo)

Anjuthengu Fort, also known as Anjengo is a place of significance in the history of Kerala which dates back to 1864. An area between five coconut trees, ‘Anju’ means five and ‘Thengu’ means coconut tree. The land was given on lease to the English East India

Company who engaged mainly in spice and cash crops, built a fort between the five coconut trees. The remains of the fort can still be seen in the scenic seaside spot.

The place is inherited by the local fishermen and the trading of the catches happen in the beach from early to mid-morning. Anjengo is about twenty-five from Varkala.

Kappil Lake

Kappil boat club is a recent venture in the back water tourism in the area. Kappil is 6kms north of Varkala. The people traveling in trains and buses through the area can enjoy the scenic beauty of the estuary in between Edava and Kappil . It is fascinating.

Vettakkada, near Kappil and Varkala is a spectacular beach.

The Elephant Ride

You will be at the height of majesty when seated on the back on an elephant. The truly large hearted animal takes you on its back amidst the palm trees in a typical village atmosphere. Your elephant have follows the instructions of the mahout. The mahout and the elephant have a language between themselves. The mahout even gets the

elephant to do an about turn with casual ease.

The elephants are all sheltered in a village called Puthenkulam which is about 25 minutes drive from Varkala. The elephants also have duty in the temples during the

festivals. During temple festivals, these elephants are caparisoned. We should be able to organise this trip for you. It is best done in the morning and you may even be able to

see an elephant being given a bath.

Mineral Water Springs

It is a quiet, clean and a secluded beach. The beach grew into prominence and caught the attention of tourists only recently. The long sandy beach, towering red laterite cliffs

and soothing mineral springs have turned Varkala into a beautiful destination.