Varkala

Varkala is small town in Kerala, South India. Located about 45 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is an important Hindu pilgrimage center. Varkala is known for Papasnanam Beach and 2000 years old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple. Varkala is the right place for the people searching a respite from the daily routine life. Varkala has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century for the Janardhana Temple was built during this period. The main beaches and tourist area are located at the cliff top, which is about 7 minutes walk from the Temple.

The spectacular palm-lined beaches, highly unusual land formations, and the 2,000 year old Janardanaswamy Temple, which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine, are some of the major tourist attractions in Varkala. Separated out from the former districts of Kottayam and Quilon, Alappuzha consists of seven taluks spread over an area of 1414 sq km. It is bounded by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks on its north; Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks on its east; Kannathur and Karunagappally taluks on its south and the exotic Lakshadweep of the Arabian Sea on its west.