Major Attractions

Varkala Beach (Papanasam)
Varkala beach (beach is called Papanasam Beach) offers a magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset along with the rocky cliffs and coconut groves. The sea view from the cliffs offers a panoramic and enthralling view to the tourists. The beaches are less crowded compared to the other popular beaches but more beautiful. If one want to spend a vacation enjoying all the beauty of the sea and relax, this tranquil place is an apt choice. The beach is called 'Papanasam' meaning 'which gets rid of all the sins'. A dip in the holy water is considered to purify the body and soul from all sins. This place is also famous for 'Vavu Bali' an occasion during which people give offerings for their ancestors and perform penance. The mineral water springs are also a unique feature of Varkala.
Best time to visit : September to May

Sivagiri
Sivagiri is a pilgimage centre in Varkala, the place where the great social reformer and sage, Sree Narayana Guru who preached the philosophy 'One Caste, One Religion and One God for Man' attained salvation. The Guru's tomb is located here known as 'Samadhi' (final resting place). The Sivagiri Mutt, built in 1904, is situated at the top of the Sivagiri hill near Varkala. The Samadhi place is so calm and serene with beautiful cool white sand spreading all over the area. One can see many people including foreigners immersed in meditation. Such is the tranquility of the place. Sivagiri attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days 30th December to 1st January. The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru, and the samadhi day are celebrated in August and September respectively every year. Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding and rituals mark the celebrations.

Shree Janardhana Swamy Temple
The Janardhana Swamy temple at Varkala is situated on a very steep hill. Varkala has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. The Janardhana Temple was built during this period and this famous temple is about 2000 years old. The temple is a very good illustration of traditional South-Indian architecture. There is a large and old banyan tree in the temple premises on which many images of ancient dieties are engraved. Non Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the Janardhana Swamy temple, but are allowed to walk around the sanctum and stroll around the huge banyan tree. Every year, during the period of March-April, a ten day Arattu festival is celebrated at the Janardhana Swamy Temple. One can see big processions including many elephants as a part of the festival.

Kappil Beach
Kappil is a place where the beach and the backwater merge together. It is about 10 km from Varkala. The place is also quiet and offers you an opportunity to set out for a boat ride in the backwaters. The main road is built between the sandy beach in one side and backwaters in the other side. The view itself is breathtaking with sea on one side and backwater lake on the other and each competing to pull our eyes towards them.

Anjengo Fort
The Anjengo fort located near to Varkala was built by Portuguese in 1600's and now it is more than 300 years old. It believed that there is a tunnel inside the fort which is used by the Portuguese people to escape through the sea when someone tries to attack them. Still the portion of the tunnel is there. This was later captured by the British East India Company. This colossal monument was once their main garrison.

Varkala Tunnel
The Varkala tunnel is popularly known as 'Varkala Turuthu'. The tunnel was extensively used for ferrying of several kind of goods.

The Golden Island (Ponnumturuthu)
This beautiful island can be reached by boat. The cruise to the island is a memorable one. There is a temple dedicated to Sivan and Parvathy which is very famous and beautiful.

There are numerous centres for yoga and massage. Most of these centres are seasonal and of varying quality; most of the resorts in Varkala do provide these services. One-week to one-month programs are available at some of the resorts. The swamis of the Sivagiri Mutt do take meditation classes. There is also a nature cure centre near the beach.
During peak season, there will be kathakali shows in the night.