Varkala is a small, peaceful resort just 51km from Trivandrum international airport and 176km from Cochin international airport. It is thick with coconut trees that house many kinds of wildlife, birdlife and butterflies. Varkala’s main beach, Papanasam is long and golden with a stunning backdrop of red laterite cliffs from which healing mineral water springs forth.

To the north and south Varkala boasts endless stretches of fantastic beach undiscovered by the average tourist.

These beaches are the home of Varkala’s fishing communities who are a pleasure to watch as they haul in their nets that hold varying catches every morning.

Varkala’s Temple Junction is the home of an ancient Janardhanaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu that was largely rebuilt in the 13th century. The minor shrines found around the temple date from much earlier.

In February/March every year the temple becomes a site of pilgrimage for thousands of devotees. Next to the temple are the ghats where the local people come to wash their clothes and themselves.