Varkala in Kerala

[Grovar]

Visiting Kerala can be a thrilling experience for many. The place gives them a number of memories to be cherished. Each place has its own attraction.

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala and there are many places in and around that are known for its beauty. A famous place 51 km North of Thiruvananthapuram city is the place called Varkala. It is calm and a quiet place that is situated on the outskirts of the Thiruvananthapuram city. The places that are of tourist interest are Varkala beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the Ashramam – Sivagiri Mutt a little away from the beach.

The Varkala beach is also known as Papanasam beach of Kerala tour places. The beach is named so as a dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to wash away the impurities in the body and the sins from the soul. The Varkala beach has a quiet sea resort that is rich in mineral water springs.

A little away is a two thousand year old shrine, the Janardhana Swamy temple. It stands on the cliff overlooking the beach. Another attraction close by is the Sivagiri Mutt, which was founded by the great Hindu reformer and philosopher Sree Narayana Guru. During the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days thousands of devotees visit the Samadhi of the Guru every year. The ideology of ‘One caste, one religion and one God’ was propogated by this great man.

Many Ayurvedic massage centers are now coming up in this place and it is very fast becoming a popular health resort. It also offers excellent accommodation facilities for all the tourists.

[Ranshiin]