Varakala

• History
• Places to visit
• How to reach

Varkala is situated in the Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala State in India. It is one of the most popular tourist regions. It is also a commercial hub in the state of Kerala. Exploring the city can be an adventurous experience for anyone as it holds a rich history, along with exotic and intriguing places. The popular Papanasam Beach is believed to have holy waters. Also, the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site that observes a number of devotees every year. 

Best Time to Visit Varkala

Varkala becomes more hot and humid during summers whereas monsoon gets fussier due to heavy rain. The winter season in the Varkala looks very pleasant. Therefore, one can plan his/her trip to Varkala during the winter months between October and December. 

History of Varkala

There are several stories supporting the formation of Varkala. One of them is the event where Lord Brahma instructed one of the Pandya Kings to build a temple that will remove all his sins. Another story is related to Sage Narada who was visited by several pilgrims and they were in guilt that they have now sinned. Then, Sage Narada threw his Valkalam which was made from the bark of a tree. The Valkalam was landed at the place which is known as “Varkala”. Narada told pilgrims to pray for the vindication of their sins at Papanasam.

From the Historical Point of View 

Varkala has been one of the central regions for trading during the Sangha Dynasty. According to the ancient Greek manuscript, the place was known as Balita. 

Major Attractions in and Around Varkala

1. Sivagiri Mutt

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is located at Varkala. It was consecrated by Sree Narayana Guru. One should definitely visit it, as it is one of the most peaceful places in Varkala. 

2. Janardanaswamy Temple

It is around a 200-year-old temple of Varkala. The temple is also known as Varkala Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Janardana who is one of the forms of Lord Vishnu.

3. Anchuthengu Fort

The fort was built by the British East India Company in the year 1696, permitted by the Queen of Attingal in 1694. The fort also serves as the first signaling station for ships that sailed from England. 

4. Varkala Aquarium

This is an amazing aquarium consisting of various types of fish but the aquarium has numerous species of jellyfish. This can be an adventurous experience for anyone who loves marine life. 

5. Varkala Beach

It is also known as Papanasam Beach. It is one of the most famous beaches of Kerala that can be ideal for a peaceful day where one can enjoy the serenity of the sea and get some soul-rejuvenating time.

How to Reach Varkala 

By Air

The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) which is situated in Thiruvananthapuram. The airport is 41 kilometers away from the Varkala via Chillakkoor-Vallakadavu Road. Thiruvananthapuram is also a commercial hub, thus has got great connectivity within and outside the region. The airport is well-supported by local modes of transport such as taxis, cabs, and buses towards different parts of Thiruvananthapuram. The airport is well-connected to major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Varkala 

• Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram Flight
• Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram Flight
• Bangalore to Thiruvananthapuram Flight
• Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram Flight
• Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram Flight

By Train

Varkala Railway Station is the nearest railway station of Varkala city. It is one of the prime railway stations in the Thiruvananthapuram district. It comes under Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division. It enjoys regular trains from  Attingal(15km), and Thiruvananthapuram(40km). The railway station is also facilitated with free wi-fi and is well-connected to major metro cities of India such as Delhi, Banglore, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.   

By Road

The city has got great road connectivity which is served by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation with frequent bus service. The Varkala city is majorly connected with cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin via regular buses. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Varkala 

Q. What are some popular tourist attractions in Varkala?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Varkala include the Varkala Beach, the Janardhanaswamy Temple, the Sivagiri Mutt, the Anjengo Fort, and the Ponnumthuruthu Island.

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here