In and around
While enjoying your stay in Bloomimg Bay, you might also want to explore these popular attractions.
The Cliff
Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation. The six-km long, 40-metre high red laterite cliff, facing the Papanasam beach at Varkala, near here, has been declared a geoheritage site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in view of its ‘unique geological significance.’ The cliff, will be the 27th National Geological Monument in the country and the second in the State after the Angadipuram Laterite.
Papanasham Beach
‘Papanasham beach’ means ‘ beach of redemption’. On ‘karkidakavavu’ –an auspicious day observed in commemoration of the departed souls, thousands of people come to this beach to do the rituals. This is down the northern cliff.The beaches in Varkala with its laterite cliffs have many natural springs with therapeutic qualities. Papanasham beach is considered to have medicinal properties since the waters wash the nearb
y medicinal plants.
JanardhanaSwami Temple
At the heart of the town is this sacred temple believed to be more than 2000 years old,Janardana Swami is a form of Lord Vishnu. One of the bells in the temple is said to have been given by the captain of a 17th Century Dutch sailing ship, after his prayers were answered. The main deity of this sthalam is Sri Janarthana Swami. The deity is found in standing position facing his face towards the east. His right hand is position as if he is performing “Aachamanam”. His right hand is raised towards his mouth and legends say that if his hand goes nearer to his mouth, the world will come to an end. It is believed to happen at the end of the Kali Yuga.This temple is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the south).
Memorial of Sree Narayana Guru(1855-1928)
Set on the picturesque hill of Sivagiri is the Sharada temple and Sivagiri mutt founded by social reformer Sri Narayana Guru(1856-1928). The mutt also has his ‘Samadhi’ or the final resting place. The mutt also houses the headquarters of ‘Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham;, a religious organization established by the Guru to propagate his concept of ‘One caste, One Religion, One God. This is an important pilgrimage centre and every day countless people flock to the memorial of this great Saint.
Anjuthengu and Anjengo Fort
Anjuthengu formerly known as Anjengo is situated about 12 kms from Varkala en route to Kadakkavu. Anjuthengu, literally means five coconut trees and as the name indicates, the whole area is covered with coconut trees It is another coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram district and is known as an old colonial settlement. The main landmark at Anjuthengu is the Anjengo Fort which is situated between the sea and the backwaters. Anjengo fort was the main garrison of the Dutch East India Company in the 17th and 18th century. Travelers can see some ancient tombstones and a garden on the fort premises.This castle close to Varkala beach is the next tourist spot. This historic place is covered with natural picturesque spots, so travelers will enjoy the greenery as well as the oldest fort of Varkala. This ideal spot is best for people who love to walk longer in natural beauty spots. Visitors can also reach the beautiful lake Muthalapuzhi situated in the Anjengo area. A light house, the ruins of one of the earliest factories set up by the British East India Company can also be seen here as the monuments of a colonial past. You can also visit the ancient Churches here in order to get a glimpse of the place’s historical relevance. The churches are built in European Architecture
Varkala Light House
Apart from Anjengo fort, a 130 ft tall light house can also be seen at Anjuthengu. This light house is believed to have guided the ships arriving from Britain
Varkala Tunnel Varkala tunnel was built by Britishers in the 19th century for the transportation of goods. It consists of two tunnels –One, 2370ft long and the other 1140 ft long. It took almost 14 years to complete these two tunnels. Once the construction work had been completed, the tunnel was extensively used for ferrying of several kinds of goods. It was a major achievement as with its construction, water transportation from Tirur (of Malabar) to Trivandrum became a reality. However with the advent of transportation by air, road and rail, the use of this tunnel became negligible.
Kappil Kappil is the north-west border town of Thriruvananthapuram, in Kerala state, India. It is located in Edava panchayat at the cost of Arabian Sea nearVarkala. Kappil beach is the center point of Arabian Sea and Kappil Lake. So one side you can see the Kappil Lake and the other side is the Kappil beach.
Kappil Lake
Also known as Edava-Nadayara Lake, it is only 4 kms away from the central part of Varkala. The lake is surrounded by coconut trees, though it merges in the Arabian Sea at some part. The bridge constructed over this lake is the best location to get a full view of the backwaters. Travelers can opt to go boating in this lake.
Adventure sports and shopping
If you are a traveler looking for some adventure, the beach also provides some scope for it. You can indulge in a number of adventure sports like parasailing, scuba diving and paragliding. You can also try your hand at deep sea fishing or can shop at the stores on the beach and can collect some wonderful souvenirs or curios. A range of sea food delicacies are available at the restaurants, which are sure to tickle your taste buds.
Ponnumthuruthu Island
A delightful getaway surrounded by the Anjengo backwaters, this uninhabited isle is accessible by boat from the makeshift jetty at the nearby Nedunganda Village. A 100-year-old Shiva-Parvathi Temple, rebuilt a decade ago, is also situated here. Ponnumthuruthu Island literally, ‘the Golden Island,’located around 12 kilometres from Varkala, is believed by locals to hold a cache of gold and jewellery stashed by the Travancore royal family. But more than treasure hunters, the island attracts devotees who come to pay obeisance at the 100-year-old Shiva Parvati temple, ensconced within a grove of coconut trees. To reach Ponnumthuruthu, take a free ferry from Nedunganda village in Anchunthengu and travel through this area’s verdant backwaters.
Sarkara Devi Temple
Sarkara Devi temple at Chirayinkeezhu is one of the major pilgrim destinations in south India.The main deity of the temple is Goddess Bhadrakali. Kaliyoot and Meenabharani are the popular festivals conducted in Sarkara Devi Temple.
The Architecture
The sanctum sanctorum is a two storied rectangular structure. The roof is polished with bronze. The second storey is decorated with innumerable sculptures which include that of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Durga, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Vishnu, Narasimhamoorthi and several other deities.
Thiruvambadi beach
Thiruvambadi beach is also known as the black sand beach. This beach is located in Varkala town.
