Varkala, a serene and calm village situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has got various tourists attractive places within the vicinity that includes a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old Vishnu Temple and the Ashramam – Sivagiri Mutt, just a short distance away from coastline.
The Papanasam beach, also known as Varkala beach, is located at a distance of ten kilometres from Varkala. This beach is famous for its natural spring, believed to possess medicinal and healing qualities. Taking a dip in the sacred waters of this beach is thought to cleanse the body of impurities and the soul of sins, and hence the name 'Papanasam beach'.
Near the beach lies the Janardhanaswamy Temple, an ancient shrine with a history since two thousand years. Moreover, in the proximity lies Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the eminent Hindu reformer and philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru (1856 – 1928). The Samadhi, Guru's final resting place, attracts thousands of devotees each year, particularly during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days from 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru advocated the powerful ideology of "one caste, one religion, and one god," challenging the societal divisions imposed by the caste system.
Varkala is famed for its top-notch amenities and is rapidly gaining popularity as a renowned health resort in addition to numerous Ayurvedic massage centers.
Attractions: Key attractions include mesmerizing beach, mineral water springs, the sacred Sivagiri Mutt and the ancient 2000 year old Vishnu temple.
Location: Lattitude: 8.740543, Longitude: 76.716785
During the yoga retreats, you are accommodated in a very comfortable twin-bed room with a private bathroom, a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen, amidst a beautiful garden with a spacious terrace. Navadurga School of Yoga lies in an ideal location, just 2-minute from the beach, Varkala cliff, restaurants, and shops. For any special requests upon air conditioning could be arranged with a small additional fee. Any further queries about yoga classes, Varkala retreats, and yoga tours throughout Kerala, you can find more information under the programs section.
One of the ancient temples in Kerala, the Janardhana temple is a major pilgrim spot in Varkala. The temple, which has a history of some 2000 years, is located on a steep hill, at the entrance of the beach road. Varkala Janrdhanaswami Temple is popular not only as a pilgrim centre but it also allures everyone with its architectural splendour.
Varkala Cliff holds significant geological importance in the region. The cliff which is composed of laterite, gracefully overlooks the Varkala beach. Well, it is also famed as Geological monument by the Geological Survey of India. The breath holding view of the golden beach and the lively waves that it offers is worth a must-visit spot for beach lovers and photographers.'