FACTS AND FIGURES Beach Area : 3 kilometers Best Time to Visit : September to March INTRODUCTION Varkala beach, also known as "Papanasam beach" is located just 55 km north of Trivandrum city, the capital of the "god's own country", Kerala. Being located in an isolated area far away from the busy modern life, the Varkala offers a different experience to the visitor who will be turned into the worshippers soon after just a casual visit. Having a pristine and relatively clean beach spanning over almost three kilometers, Varkala beach has some late rite cliffs and naturally formed brooks of mineral water. The formations of the kind of cliffs one can see near the beach, along with the fountains are a rare phenomenon of the

nature. Varkala is definitely one among the very few beaches of its kind in the world. A dip into the stream itself is an attraction and a mode of free rejuvenation method as the water has medicinal power. Varkala is also noted for its historical and cultural significance. The Jagannadha Swamy Temple and Varkala Sivagiri Matam possess much to tell about their heritage.

LOCATION
Varkala is located just 55 km north of Trivandrum city, the Capital of Kerala, a South Indian state. A deviation of sixteen kilometers at Kallambalam towards west from the National Highway-47, will get a visitor into the serene beach.

SEASON
The tourist season starts in September that continues till the end of March. Average temperature is varying from 30 to 35 degree Celsius. The climate is sometimes humid especially in the end of October and in November.

DEPTH & LENGTH The beach is specially noted for its relatively small area of just 3 kilometers. The average depth of the beach is 5 feet and one can walk into the sea till a distance of 500 meters. Moving furthermore should be avoided, as there may be undercurrents. HISTORY OF POPULARITY With the ever-increasing popularity of Kovalam beaches, the area became overcrowded. It was the debut of the popularity of Varkala beach. The beach begun to win the attention of visitors from early nineties. It is widely said that Varkala as an ideal beach was found by the adventurous backpacker tourists who wanted to be away from the usual tourist traffic. Now Varkala got its relevance as a mascot to the tourists. ACTIVITIES Varkala beach is an ideal spot for enjoying the sun and surf of the Arabian Sea. Apart from the beautiful beach Varkala is also noted for its steeping cliffs and hence one can even be a "cliff hanger" through its red cliff faces. Definitely, a view from the top of these magnificent cliffs into the beautiful landscape is breathtaking.

Yet another major point to be noted is the presence of the naturally born mineral water brooks. The tourists find excitement to have a bath in these small rivulets. It is widely believed that the water has a medicinal power.

The local fishermen can arrange Kattmaran cruises, a country raft using for sea fishing, for angling. One can also find Sunrise and Sunset cruises here organized by the fisher folk.

PRIVATE BEACHES
There is a four star hotel at Varkala, run by the Taj group of Hotels. This beautiful beach resort possesses a clean beach of its own.

VICINITY
In the vicinity of Varkala beach there is a 2000-year-old temple named Janardhanaswamy Temple, an architectural wonder built in traditional Kerala style. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the seven most important Vaishnavite temples in India. The Temple is also known as the Dakshina Kasi or the Varanasi of South. Non-Hindus are not allowed to visit the inner parts of Jaganardhanaswamy Temple.

The Sivagiri Madam is a Hindu pilgrim center near to Varkala Beach. The people belong to all castes and religions are allowed to visit here. Sivagiri Madam is located on the banks of Trivandrum - Shornur canal about 2.5 km from the Varkala town.

The Varkala Tunnels, the underground tunnels built at the British period across the Canal is yet another attracting point for its marvelous construction, which stands still as a witness of the forgotten busy trade route of Kerala's commercial past.

The city of Quilon, the gateway of the scenic backwaters, is just 25 kms north of Varkala. Houseboat stay and day cruises in the Backwaters are available at Quilon.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The main festivals are conducted at Janardhanaswamy temple and at Sivagiri Madam.

TRADITION AND DRESS CODE
As in any other parts of Kerala, decent dress code is a must in the public places. One can wear the swimming suit. Nudity is completely prohibited as well as the topless parade of the women.

SHOPPING
The small shops in and around the Varkala beach offers the handicraft items varying from arts to dress items. Many tourists can be found in the local attire of Dhoti on their waist and thorth a nice towel on their shoulders.

ACCOMMODATION
Though Varkala is a small tourist destination good accommodation facilities are available. There is a four star hotel own by Taj Group of Hotels and a Government's tourist bungalow. Some small lodging centers and tiny resorts are also there in Varkala those are completely full in the Season time. Home stay facilities are also available.

HOW TO REACH
By Air: Trivandrum International is the nearest airport to Varkala. Many International Airlines are operating flights to and from here. From Colombo, Gulf sectors, Singapore and Maldives there are direct flights available to Trivandrum. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways are operating domestic flights. There are direct flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.

By Rail: Varkala Railway station is the nearest railway station. Trains to various parts of India can be accessible here.

By Road: Varkala beach is just sixteen kilometers from the National Highway-47. Government transport buses are plenty from all other parts of Kerala. To reach at Varkala one has to get down at Kallambalam then get auto-rickshaws or local buses.

OTHER FACILITIES
Travel, ticketing, money exchanging facilities are available at the beach side.

SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
Though there are trained lifeguards deep sea swimming and going to prohibited areas to be avoided.

DO'S AND DON'TS
Consumption and possession of illegal drugs are prohibited and highly punishable.