Varkala Beach:Varkala is a seaside resort
and spa,as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High
cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically fromarkala is a
seaside resort and spa as well as an important Hindu centre of
pilgrimage the
coastline Varkala’s beach scene is what Kovalam used
to be like though one look and it’s apparent the same mistakes are
being repeated.Inappropriate developments already mar the area and
many new hotels are springing up. Still an Arabian Sea sunset viewed
from the cliff-top is unlikely to be forgotten and Papansham Beach
is relatively free of hawkers and gawkers.There are mineral water
springs on the reddish cliffs and the Papanasham beach is wonderful
for sunbathing and unwinding.
In the small town a short distance inland is the attractive south
Kerala style Janardhanaswamy temple a centre for Pilgrimage.The
2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are
the two main attractions here.Of uncertain age but certainly largely
re-built in the 13th century the minor shrines date from much
earlier.The temple is primarily dedicated to Vishnu although there
are subsidiary Saivite Shrines outside the main precinct.The Arattu
festival in Mar-Apr.draws thousands of pilgrims.On the cliff top to
the north of the temple is the Government Guest House formerly a
palace of the Maharajah of Travancore.
NB:Idyllic as the sea appears there are very strong currents and no
lifeguards.
