Varkala
Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala with cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature in the otherwise flat Kerala coast. They are known among geologists as Varkala Formation, and have been declared a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.
Varkala is also famous for its 2,000 year old Janardanaswamy temple, which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the south). The temple is located close to Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters that will wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell that was removed from and donated by the captain of a shipwrecked Dutch vessel that sank near Varkala without any casualties.
Papanasam beach is a perfect place to watch the sunset or relax gazing at the horizon. The area is covered with coconut palms and small restaurants that mushroom during the season. This beach is bordered by high cliffs. Right below this cliff is the 500 metre stretch beach. It is a quiet, clean and a secluded beach. The beach grew into prominence and caught the attention of tourists only recently. The long sandy beach, towering red literate cliffs and soothing mineral springs have turned Varkala into a beautiful destination.
Compared to other prominent beaches Varkala is fortunate in that it is less crowded, has fewer number of shops and beach sellers and still lesser amount of commercialisation. Here one can swim, play cricket, volley ball and even manage to practice yoga. And if you are lucky you get the chance to sight dolphins swimming along the coast.