Vakala Beach

Location: Varkala Beach is 54 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram

Beach Area: 3 kilometers

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Lying in the north of the capital Thiruvananthapuram, at a distance of 54 kms, the Varkala Beach is one of the mostisolated Beaches in Kerala. Away from the noise and tensions of daily life, the beach proves to be an ideal haven for those in need of one. Swinging palm trees above and soft sands beneath your feet, promises you a rejuvenating vacation. Varkala Beach is a tranquil and isolated sandy stretch where you can have a relaxing beach holiday.The beach with its brown sand, panoramic landscape and seascapes is a tropical paradise. Today, this beach attractshundreds of locals, as well as tourists, all year round.
The beach is also known as 'Papnasam' or 'Papanashini' beach and is an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to cleanse the body and the soul of all the sins, hence giving it this name. Thousands of Hindu devotees at the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam' offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual that is believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace.
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 theusual tourist traffic. Now Varkala got its relevance as a mascot to the tourists.