It would have been divine if one could have reached the Varkala Beach from the sea side. At Varkala, sighting land has a simple definition – ragged line of red cliffs. To add to the spectacular contrast are green coconut palms that bow before a cobalt blue sky.

More often than not, the sea appears to be as infinite and spotless as the heavens above. What makes Varkala truly special as a holiday destination, is that, it offers all the pleasures of the more famous Kovalam minus the chaos and crowds of tourists. As if that were not enough, Varkala is garnished by serene backwaters and cool natural springs, set amongst rustic hamlets, coconut palm-lined panoramic stretch of blue across the horizon for as far as the eues can travel.

As The Waters Touch Thy Sacred Feet

Besides satiating one’s eyes with eye-soothing vistas, Varkala also satisfies one’s quest for santification. The white-laced waves of the Arabian Sea lash upon the sacred ground, for here stands the 2000 year old temple of Janardana Swamy by the sea. The Lord Vishnu shrine is accessed from the temple junction or from the beach, via the western entrance. The long stretch of red laterite cliffs contouring the shore, just augment the panorama of the crescent-shaped beach, a dip where is considered holy. The beautiful beach at Varkala (also known as the Papanasham beach) imbibes ashes of the dead of the Hindu devotees and their plead for divine mercy for the souls of departed kin. Visit Varkala on new moon days and you can be a part of the religious processions that shimmer the tranquil atmosphere of this pad. Don’t forget to see the six dangling temple bells, one of which is said to be gifted by the captain of a Dutch sailing vessel – that dropped its anchor on the shores of Varkala – whose wish was fulfilled at the temple’s steps. Climb up the cliff to watch a mesmerising play of colours during the sun set. Unequivocally, it will make a perfect end to a perfect day.

Let The Nature Heal You

Take a bath in the bubbling waters of the hot springs, the sulphurous waters of which bring relief to a multitude of ailments related to the skin and musculo-skeletal structures. You might feel an empty syomach after a good bath, only because bathing in thermal water increases body’s metabolism, thus aiding digestion. No doubt, bathing in hot sulpher spring increases body temperature, thus killing germs and viruses. These waters also rejuvenate and revitalise tired ageing bodies, providing a respite (though ephemeral) from the ageing process. All this comes as a gift of nature and requires no more than a refreshing shower under one of the cascades that spew the magic waters at the spas in the town. Far from boasting about modern amenities, the spas at Varkala are modest in appearance and basic in facilities, but still the magic of Balneotherapy (process of healing that uses hot spring water) is no less potent and those who have tested their potency always wish to return.

The Silence of The Waves

A holiday tour to varkala is incomplete without checking out some of the lesser promoted attractions. These include centres for yoga and ayurvedic treatment and the eateries dotting the waterfront and catering to different taste buds with special Malayali sea food preparations. Create harmony with the silence at the Thiruvambady Beach, or the Black Sand Beach (an attractive name, isn’t it?). A complete paragraph of silence and serenity, this solitary stretch offers easy access to all the amenities of the North Cliff, sans the bustle of shops and restaurants. Walk to the meeting point of the beach and the backwaters at the secluded and scenic Kappila Beach. Enjoy a boat ride on the shimmering backwaters and listen to the silence, recurrently breached by the futile exhalations of the lapping waters, failing to blend with the salty humour of the sea. Don’t forget to attend a Kathakali dance performance, behing the helipad, at the Varkala Cultural Centre.

Head For The Waves

Tourists can fly upto Trivandrum International Airport and can hire a taxi to scale the rest 50 km. Varkala is just 11 km off NH47, which runs fromSalem to Kanyakumari. The route to Varkala presents a grand vista and is truly a memorable ride. If you are travelling by bus, get down at Kallamballam (9 km), and from there take a taxi or auto to reach Varkala. The Janardana Swami Temple is open from 4 am till 8 pm, with a break from noon to 5 pm in the evening. Plan a visit during the 10-day Varkala festival, generally held during the month of March. For more tourism related information, one can contact the District Tourism Promotion Council, at Vellayamballam in Trivundrum.