Varkala Travel Guide & Blog

Papanasam Beach, also known as the "Beach of Redemption," is one of the most beautiful and spiritually significant beaches in Kerala, India. Located at the base of the famous Varkala Cliff, this stunning beach attracts thousands of visitors every year who come for its unique combination of natural beauty, healing waters, and spiritual significance.

Why is it Called Papanasam Beach?

The name "Papanasam" literally translates to "destroyer of sins" in Sanskrit. According to Hindu mythology, taking a holy dip in the waters of Papanasam Beach is believed to wash away one's sins. This belief has made the beach a popular pilgrimage destination, especially during Amavasya (new moon day) when devotees come to perform ancestral rites.

What Makes Papanasam Beach Special?

• Mineral-rich waters: The beach is fed by natural springs from the cliff, making the water rich in minerals with supposed healing properties
• Dramatic cliff backdrop: The 15-meter high laterite cliff creates a stunning backdrop and is lined with restaurants and shops
• Perfect swimming conditions: Unlike many Kerala beaches, Papanasam has relatively calm waters, making it safer for swimming
• Spectacular sunsets: The westward orientation offers some of the most beautiful sunsets in Kerala
• Proximity to Janardhana Temple: The 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is just a short walk away

Best Time to Visit Papanasam Beach

Season	Months	What to Expect
Peak Season	November - February	Perfect weather, busy but beautiful
Shoulder Season	September - October, March	Good weather, fewer crowds
Monsoon	June - August	Heavy rains, dramatic scenery, budget prices

Things to Do at Papanasam Beach

1. Swimming: The beach has designated safe swimming areas with lifeguards during peak hours
2. Cliff Walk: Walk along the cliff top for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea
3. Sunset Watching: Find a spot at one of the cliff-top cafes for a magical sunset experience
4. Ayurvedic Treatments: Several spas along the cliff offer traditional Kerala massages
5. Yoga Sessions: Join morning yoga sessions offered by numerous centers

Varkala is much more than just a beach destination. This charming coastal town in Kerala, South India offers a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, relaxation, and culture. Here are the top 15 things you must do when visiting Varkala:

Beaches & Nature

1. Walk Along Varkala Cliff: The iconic North Cliff stretches for about 2 km with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Lined with cafes, shops, and yoga centers, it's the heart of tourist activity.
2. Swim at Papanasam Beach: Take a refreshing dip in the mineral-rich waters believed to have healing properties.
3. Visit Kappil Beach: Just 6 km from Varkala, this pristine beach is where the Kappil Lake meets the sea - perfect for a peaceful getaway.
4. Explore Edava Beach: A secluded beach ideal for those seeking solitude and untouched natural beauty.
5. Watch the Sunset: Varkala offers some of Kerala's most spectacular sunsets. The cliff-top cafes provide the perfect vantage point.

Spiritual & Cultural Experiences

6. Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple: This 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples. Non-Hindus can admire the architecture from outside.
7. Explore Sivagiri Mutt: The ashram and final resting place of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, offering insights into Kerala's spiritual heritage.
8. Attend a Temple Festival: If visiting during festival season (December-January), witness colorful temple processions with traditional music and elephants.

Wellness & Relaxation

9. Try Ayurvedic Treatments: Varkala is dotted with authentic Ayurvedic centers offering traditional Kerala massages, Panchakarma treatments, and wellness therapies.
10. Join Yoga Classes: Multiple yoga schools offer drop-in classes and teacher training courses. Morning sessions on the cliff are particularly popular.
11. Get a Traditional Massage: Experience a rejuvenating Kerala Ayurvedic massage at one of the many spas.

Adventure & Activities

12. Paragliding: Tandem paragliding from the cliff offers breathtaking aerial views of the coastline (available October-March).
13. Surfing Lessons: Several schools offer beginner surfing lessons at nearby beaches.
14. Boat Ride on Kappil Lake: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the backwaters and mangroves.

Food & Shopping

15. Cliff-top Dining: The cliff is lined with restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. Don't miss trying Kerala fish curry and appam!

Getting to Varkala is easy with multiple transportation options available. Whether you're coming from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kochi, Bangalore, or other major cities, here's your complete guide to reaching this beautiful beach destination in Kerala.

By Air - Nearest Airport

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport, located approximately 40 km from Varkala. It's well-connected to major Indian cities and has international flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

From Airport to Varkala	Cost	Time
Pre-paid Taxi	₹1,000 - 1,200	1 - 1.5 hours
Uber/Ola	₹800 - 1,000	1 - 1.5 hours
Bus (via Trivandrum)	₹50 - 80	2 - 2.5 hours

By Train - Varkala Sivagiri Station

Varkala has its own railway station - Varkala Sivagiri (VAK) - which is well-connected to major cities across India. This is the most convenient option for most travelers.

Popular Train Routes to Varkala:

From	Train Options	Duration	Fare (Approx)
Trivandrum	Multiple daily trains	45 min - 1 hr	₹30 - 150
Kochi/Ernakulam	Jan Shatabdi, Express	3 - 4 hours	₹150 - 500
Bangalore	Kanyakumari Express	12 - 14 hours	₹400 - 1,500
Chennai	Trivandrum Mail	14 - 16 hours	₹400 - 1,800
Mumbai	Netravati Express	22 - 24 hours	₹700 - 2,500

By Bus

Regular buses connect Varkala to nearby cities. The main bus stand is located about 2 km from the beach area.

• From Trivandrum: Frequent buses every 15-20 minutes (₹40-60, 1.5 hours)
• From Kollam: Regular buses (₹30-40, 45 minutes)
• From Kochi: KSRTC buses available (₹200-300, 4-5 hours)

By Car/Taxi

If you prefer the comfort of a private vehicle, here are the distances and approximate costs:

From	Distance	Taxi Cost	Drive Time
Trivandrum	50 km	₹1,200 - 1,500	1.5 hours
Kochi	180 km	₹4,000 - 5,000	4 hours
Bangalore	750 km	₹12,000 - 15,000	12 hours
Madurai	280 km	₹5,500 - 6,500	5-6 hours

Planning a trip to Varkala? Understanding the weather patterns and seasons will help you choose the perfect time for your Kerala beach vacation. Here's everything you need to know about the best time to visit Varkala.

Season Overview

Season	Months	Temperature	Best For
Peak/Winter	November - February	22°C - 32°C	Beach activities, sightseeing
Summer	March - May	28°C - 35°C	Budget travel, fewer crowds
Monsoon	June - September	24°C - 30°C	Ayurveda treatments, photography
Post-Monsoon	October	24°C - 32°C	Lush greenery, good deals

Peak Season (November - February)

This is the best time to visit Varkala for most travelers. The weather is pleasant with clear skies, low humidity, and comfortable temperatures perfect for beach activities.

• Pros: Perfect weather, all activities available, festive atmosphere
• Cons: Higher prices, crowded beaches, advance booking required
• Ideal for: Beach lovers, families, first-time visitors

Summer Season (March - May)

Summer in Varkala is hot and humid, but still a viable time to visit if you don't mind the heat. Early mornings and evenings are pleasant for beach activities.

• Pros: Lower prices, fewer tourists, easier bookings
• Cons: Hot and humid, limited beach time during midday
• Ideal for: Budget travelers, those seeking solitude

Monsoon Season (June - September)

The monsoon transforms Varkala into a lush green paradise. While beach activities are limited, this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments as per traditional practice.

• Pros: Lowest prices, authentic Ayurveda experience, dramatic scenery
• Cons: Heavy rainfall, rough seas (no swimming), some shops closed
• Ideal for: Ayurveda enthusiasts, photographers, budget travelers

Post-Monsoon (October)

October marks the transition from monsoon to peak season. The rains subside, nature is at its greenest, and tourist crowds haven't arrived yet.

• Pros: Good weather, lush scenery, reasonable prices
• Cons: Occasional showers, some activities resuming
• Ideal for: Nature lovers, photographers, value seekers

Our Recommendation

For the best overall experience, we recommend visiting Varkala between November and February. If you're on a budget and don't mind fewer beach activities, October or March offer great value with decent weather.