Varkala Beach – Kerala
Also known as “Papanasham” (which means wash away sins) is an extremely scenic beach in Kerala called Varkala Beach. This picturesque beach is located in the small coastal town of Varkala in the Thiruvananthapuram district. This beach is renowned for its beautiful landscape that includes a combination of beautiful brown sand and a calm sea. In addition, this beach also provides for magnificent views of the setting sun.
Read More: 10 Popular Beaches in South India
How to reach the Varkala Beach
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Varkala Map
By train:
The nearest railway station is located in Thiruvananthapuram itself. The Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station is well connected to major cities in the country.
- By road:
If you intend to drive to this beach then the ideal starting points would be Thrissur, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Madurai.
- Via Thrissur:
There are two routes from Thrissur to this beach, and they are via NH544 and NH-66 and via Pampady-Pandapally Road.
2. Via Alappuzha:
There are three routes from Alappuza to this beach, and they are via NH-66, via Kollam-Theni Highway and NH-66 and via Kollam-Theni Highway-KottiyamKundara Road and NH-66.
3. Via Kollam:
There are three routes from Kollam to this beach, and they are via NH-66 and Varkala-Madathara Road, via Paravur-Varkala Road, and via Neendakara-Thekkumbhagan Road-ParavurVarkala Road.
4. Via Madurai:
There are two routes from Madurai to this beach, and they are via NH-744 and via NH-183.
- By air:
The closest airport is located in Trivandrum. The Trivandrum Airport is well connected to cities in the country as well as to international destinations.
Climate and the best time to visit the Varkala Beach
The climate at this beach during the summer season which begins in March and ends in May is “extremely hot” with the temperature ranging from a maximum of 39 degree Celsius to a minimum of 22 degree Celsius. The rainfall received during the monsoon season which begins in June and ends in September is “heavy”. The winter season which begins in October and ends in February is extremely pleasant with the mercury dropping to the 15 degree Celsius during this period. So the ideal time to visit this beach is from October to February.
Things/activities to do
There are a number of things/activities to do found around this beach worth exploring. They are as follows
- Surfing:
This beach possesses waves that are short and quick and can expand from 2 to 5 feet thereby making it an ideal spot for surfing. Additionally, surf gears are available on rent from the “Surf and Soul school” located at this beach.
2. Ayurveda and Yoga Centres:
There are a few Ayurveda and Yoga Centres found around this beach that provide for ayurvedic treatment as well as valuable lessons in yogic meditation.
3. Restaurants:
There are a number of restaurants providing for cuisines as varied as Continental, Italian, Chineseetc located around this beach. In addition, there are also shacks such as Dolphin Bay and Funky Art Café that are available at this beach.
Also Read: THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SURFING ON SOUTH INDIAN BEACHES
