Varkala Beach , also known as Papanasham Beach , is situated in the town of Varkala in Varkala Municipality, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. The beach skirts the Arabian Sea , part of the Indian Ocean.

Sights [ edit ]

Varkala beach is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. ^[1] These cliffs are of tertiary ^{[ clarification needed ]} sedimentary formation and named by geologists as Varkala Formation . They are a geological monument as recorded by the Geological Survey of India. Water spouts and spas occur on the sides of these cliffs.

Nearby attractions and activities [ edit ]

The Janardana Swami Temple is situated near the Beach. It is known for a 10-day festival held twice a year, called Arattu. ^[2]

Sivagiri Mutt is another attraction, located atop the Sivagiri hill. Train service is available at Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station .

Varkala beach has adventure and leisure activities such as boat riding, parasailing, jetting, and horse-riding. There are also restaurants and cafes; alcohol is not served. ^[3]

Geography [ edit ]

Varkala is located at 8°44′N 76°43′E  /  8.73°N 76.71°E  / 8.73; 76.71 . ^[4]

Gallery [ edit ]

• 
  Varkala beach
• 
  A natural water spout in Varkala Beach
• 
  Karkidaka Vavu Bali ritual being performed at Varkala Beach
• 
  Evening at Varkala beach
• 
  Panoramic view of Varkala beach cliff

References [ edit ]

External links [ edit ]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Varkala Beach .

• Varkala Beach photographs and 360° panoramas