Varkala

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Town in Kerala, India

title: "Varkala" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["varkala", "tourist-attractions-in-thiruvananthapuram", "cities-and-towns-in-thiruvananthapuram-district", "populated-coastal-places-in-india"] description: "Town in Kerala, India" topic_path: "geography" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varkala" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Town in Kerala, India ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

Field	Value
name	Varkala
other_name	Udaya Marthandapuram
nickname	Pearl of Arabian Sea
settlement_type	Town
image_skyline	{{Photomontage
photo1a	Varkala Beach, Varkala, Kerala.jpg
spacing	1
color_border	black
color	white
size	300
caption	Varkala Beach
pushpin_map	India Kerala#India
coordinates
subdivision_type	Country
subdivision_name	India
subdivision_type1	State
subdivision_name1	Kerala
subdivision_type2	District
subdivision_name2	Thiruvananthapuram
established_title
established_date	1980 (Varkala Municipality)
parts_type	Talukas
parts	Varkala Taluk
government_type	Municipality
governing_body	Varkala Municipality
leader_title	Chairman
leader_name	K.M.LAJI
unit_pref	Metric
area_rank	3
area_total_km2	14.87
elevation_m	58
population_total	40,048
population_as_of	2011
population_rank	3
population_density_km2	auto
population_demonym	Varkalakkaran, Varkalaite
population_footnotes
demographics_type1	Languages
demographics1_title1	Official
demographics1_info1	Malayalam, English
timezone1	IST
utc_offset1	+5:30
postal_code_type	PIN
postal_code	695141
area_code_type	Telephone code
area_code	0470
registration_plate	KL-81
blank1_name_sec1	Nearest City Airport
blank1_info_sec1	*Thiruvananthapuram - 39 km
blank2_name_sec1	Niyamasabha constituency
blank2_info_sec1	Varkala
website
::

| name = Varkala | other_name = Udaya Marthandapuram | nickname = Pearl of Arabian Sea | settlement_type = Town | image_skyline = {{Photomontage | photo1a = Varkala Beach, Varkala, Kerala.jpg | spacing = 1 | color_border = black | color = white | size = 300 | caption = Varkala Beach | pushpin_map = India Kerala#India | pushpin_label_position = | pushpin_map_alt = | pushpin_map_caption = | coordinates = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = India | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_name1 = Kerala | subdivision_type2 = District | subdivision_name2 = Thiruvananthapuram | established_title = | established_date = 1980 (Varkala Municipality) | founder = | named_for = | parts_type = Talukas | parts = Varkala Taluk | government_type = Municipality | governing_body = Varkala Municipality | leader_title = Chairman | leader_name = K.M.LAJI | unit_pref = Metric | area_footnotes = | area_rank = 3 | area_total_km2 = 14.87 | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = 58 | population_total = 40,048 | population_as_of = 2011 | population_rank = 3 | population_density_km2 = auto | population_demonym = Varkalakkaran, Varkalaite | population_footnotes = | demographics_type1 = Languages | demographics1_title1 = Official | demographics1_info1 = Malayalam, English | timezone1 = IST | utc_offset1 = +5:30 | postal_code_type = PIN | postal_code = 695141 | area_code_type = Telephone code | area_code = 0470 | registration_plate = KL-81 | blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest City Airport | blank1_info_sec1 = *Thiruvananthapuram - 39 km | blank2_name_sec1 = Niyamasabha constituency | blank2_info_sec1 = Varkala | website = | footnotes = | official_name =

Varkala, historically known as Balita is a major coastal municipality and a northern suburb of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala. In legends and myths related to Kerala, texts like the Kerala Mahatmyam describe the Varkala region as one of the sacred places of Kerala .

Varkala is the only region in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Indian Ocean. These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast and are known among geologists as the Varkala Formation. The cliffs have been declared a national geological monument by the Geological Survey of India for their protection, maintenance, promotion, and the enhancement of geotourism. In 2015, the Ministry of Mines, the Government of India, and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) declared Varkala Cliffs a geo-heritage site.

Varkala is also known for the 2,000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple, which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the South).

Etymology

The name of the place is attributed to the legend of Sage Narada. According to this legend, Sage Narada was visited by the nine prajapathis who told him that they had sinned. He threw his valkalam (garment made of tree bark) to earth. Narada told the prajapathis to go there and pray for their redemption. Since then the village where the valkalam fell was called by the name Varkala.

History

Varkala is one of the major spiritual and religious places in Kerala. It was known as Balita in the ancient Greek manuscript called "The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea." The place was sometimes referred to as Udaya Marathandapuram to commemorate the contributions of the then early Travancore king, Udaya Marthanda Varma. Varkala also holds a significant place in ancient trade history.

Legends

It is believed that a Pandyan King was instructed by Lord Brahma to build a temple at this very place to redeem him of his sins. Several other myths abound on the birth of Varkala. Another legend states that when a group of pilgrims approached Sage Narada and told him that they had sinned, Narada threw his hi (a loin cloth made from the bark of a tree) and it landed at this scenic village and hence, the place came to be known as Varkala. Narada told the pilgrims to pray for their redemption at Papanasam, which literally means redemption from sins.

187 to 75 BCE

Varkala also holds the place in the ancient trade history, especially during the Shunga Dynasty. This place was known by the name of Balita in the ancient Greek manuscript called The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. It was an ancient port for foreign traders as per the historical documents.

Geography

Varkala is located at .

Religion

As per the Census 2011, the total Hindu population in Varkala municipality is 28,273 which is 70.6% of the total population. Also the total Muslim population in Varkala is 11,562 which is 28.87% of the total population.

Geology

Varkala is an important place as far as geology is concerned as it exposes sedimentary rocks belonging to the Cenozoic age, popularly known in the geological literature as the Warkalli formation. The Warkalli formation, along with the Quilon formation, represent sediments laid down in the Kerala basin that existed during Mio-pliocene times. The Quilon formation of the Miocene age is made up of limestone, and the Warkalli formation is made up of alternating beds of sand and shale exposed along the Varkala cliffs. Thin seams of lignite in the shale of the Warkalli formation suggest good vegetation at the time of deposition of the clay sediments.

Government and politics

Local government

Varkala is a municipality in the Thiruvananthapuram District. Urban civic administration is overseen by the Varkala municipality or municipal council, while the rural civic administration is under the charge of the 7 panchayats of Edava, Elakamon, Vettoor, Madavoor, Navaikulam, Pallickal, and Chemmaruthy in Varkala Taluk.

The Varkala municipality has 33 wards under it and also has 6 standing committees that take care of basic amenities such as water, sewage, roads, taxes, and other such city or local government functions.

Elected representatives to the State Assembly and to the Indian Parliament

Varkala comes under the Attingal Lok Sabha Constituency. There are seven State Assembly Constituencies within Attingal Lok Sabha Constituency, of which Varkala is one. One Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is elected from Varkala with Legislative Assembly no. 127.

Economy

Varkala is a well-known tourism and commercial destination. More than 300 resorts and hotels are situated in the municipality, including a Taj Hotel, owned by Tata Group. The city has an average-rated water supply system, fire station, automobile showrooms, several post offices, engineering and degree colleges and a police station. It also has government-run medical facilities in addition to over 10 private hospitals and clinics. A government-run naturopathic hospital is located near the Papanasam cliff. The District Ayurvedic Hospital is located in Varkala.

Connectivity

Air

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (39 km) is the nearest airport and is well connected with all major cities in India and Abroad and there is also a helipad at Varkala Cliff.

Rail

Varkala Railway Station, the second busiest and third highest revenue-generating station in Thiruvananthapuram district, is well connected by regular trains from and to major metropolitan cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Kolkata, Vishakapatnam, etc.

Road

Varkala is situated along the Thiruvananthapuram - Kollam coastal highway. It is also connected by the State Highway 64 with the Mumbai-Kanyakumari National Highway 66 which runs at 9 km towards the east. Private buses and KSRTC buses ply along NH 66 and through Varkala from Thiruvananthapuram city, Attingal, Parippally, and Kollam city.

Water

Varkala is connected to National Waterway 3 through Varkala Tunnel, which passes through the heart of the city.

Tourism

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/Varkala_Promenade.jpg" caption="Varkala Promenade"] ::

Tourism began to thrive at the end of the last century at Varkala beach (Papanasam), which was earlier famous for Vavu Beli, a Hindu custom performed at the beach. Another beach is at Tiruvambadi, one kilometre away and on the way to the old palace. An island called Ponnumthuruthu is close to Varkala and is also a tourist attraction.

Many ayurvedic massage parlours line the promenade above the beach.

Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach, or Papanasam Beach, offers opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and water sports opportunities. Special authentic Kerala style local food can also be experienced along the cliff. The cliff and the beach include resorts, restaurants, and other shops. Varkala Beach is well known for its stunning sunsets, scenic cliffs, and vibrant beachside experiences. The black part of the sand on Varkala Beach contains thorium oxide, which is a radioactive substance. Thorium and thorium oxide and its isotopes are found all over Kerala and can be identified by their black colour. [[File:Papanasam beach, Varkala.jpg|thumb|Papanasam beach in Varkala seen from the cliffs above]]

Cremations

Sections of Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach) are used by Indians to scatter the ashes of their cremated relatives into the sea. Despite this burial activity, the sea is popular with swimmers both local and foreign.

Kappil Lake

Main article: Kappil, Thiruvananthapuram

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Edava_Nadayara_Lake.JPG" caption="Paravur Thekkumbhagam"] ::

Kappil Lake is about 4 km north of Varkala Town. This serene estuary meanders through dense coconut groves before merging into the Arabian Sea. The bridge over the lake is a vantage point to view the backwater stretching white and grey to the distant blue horizon. Boating is another way to browse this waterway.

Anjengo Fort

Anjengo Fort is a fort near Varkala. The historic significance tagged to Anjengo comes through foreign powers like the Portuguese, the Dutch, and finally the English East India Company. In the year 1684, the English East India Company chose Anjengo to establish their first trade settlement in Kerala. At Anjengo, one can find the remnants of the old English Fort, which was targeted several times by other foreign powers, who were at that time fighting each other to get a firm footing in Kerala. The fort is now under the protection of National Heritage Monuments. There is also a cemetery inside the fort and the oldest burial site dates to 1704. Muthalapuzhi Lake is situated in Anjengo.

Varkala Tunnel

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Varkala_Tunnel.jpg" caption="Varkala Tunnel"] ::

Varkala Tunnel is an old tourist highlight. Its construction began in 1867 under the supervision of Travancore Diwan Sir. T Mahadeva Rao and was completed only in 1880, at the time of Diwan Sheshaya Sasthri. Varkala Lighthouse is another tourist highlight in the vicinity.

Religious centres

Janardana Swami Temple

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Janardanaswamy_Temple_Pond.jpg" caption="Janardhana Swami Temple Pond"] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Sivagiri_(1).jpg" caption="Sivagiri Mutt"] ::

Janardana Swami Temple is a very important Vaishnavite shrine and attracts thousands of pilgrims. The temple is about 2,000 years old. Facing the temple is Papasnanam Beach, where devotees take a bath in the belief that the sacred waters will wash away their sins. A large bell washed up from the wreck of a Dutch merchant vessel is kept on display at the temple.

Sivagiri Mutt

Sivagiri Mutt is a famous ashram in Varkala, founded by the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. Sree Narayana Guru's tomb is also located here. The samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri pilgrimage, from December 30 to January 1. The Sivagiri Mutt, built in 1904, is situated at the top of the Sivagiri hill in Varkala. The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham, an organization of his disciples and saints, established by the Guru to propagate his concept of 'One Caste, One Religion, One God'. The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru, and the samadhi day, are celebrated in August and September respectively every year. Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group weddings, and rituals mark the celebrations.

Panayara Triporittakkavu Bhagavathi Temple

Panayara Triporittakkavu Bhagavathi Temple is one of the most famous Devi temples in Kerala. Meenabharani festival is the primary festival in Porittakkavu temple, celebrating the month of 'Meenam' (March/April) in the Malayalam calendar.

Sarkara Devi Temple

Sarkara Devi Temple is an old temple situated near Varkala at Chirayinkeezhu. The temple is famous for the Kaliyoot festival on the Malayalam month of Kumbham (March).

Sree Saraswathy Temple

The Sree Saraswathy Temple, located in Venkulam, Edava, is a VidyaDevi temple known for Navarathri Sangeetholsavam and Vijayadesami Vidyarambam.

Kaduvayil Juma Masjid

Kaduvayil Juma mosque, situated on NH47, between Kallambalam and Attingal, is a Sunni pilgrimage centre which attracts local Muslims.

Mambazhamoola Mahaganapathi temple

Mambazhamoola Mahaganapathi Kshethram is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located in Varkala-Ayroor, Kerala; it is believed to be one of the oldest Ganesha temples in the region and holds a special place in the hearts of devotees who flock to seek blessings and solace from Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity.

Climate

The Köppen-Geiger climate classification system classifies Varkala's climate as tropical monsoon. It has heavy rains during June–August due to a southwest monsoon. In summer, the temperature rises to a maximum of 32 °C and 31 °C in the winters. The highest temperature recorded in neighbouring Thiruvananthapuram is 39 °C. Annual average rainfall is 3100 mm.

|source 1 = Climate-Data.org

|source 2 = Weather2Travel for sunshine and rainy days

References

"Varkala History, Thiruvananthapuram, kerala, india, History of Varkala".
"Census of India: Search Details".
"History, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala".
http://www.varkala.info {{Webarchive. link. (7 November 2018). Details of Varkala
(March 11, 2015). "Declaration of Geo-Heritage Sites".
Mahadevan, G.. (2012-07-07). "Varkala cliff to be nation's first geopark". The Hindu.
"Varkala".
"Varkala History, Thiruvananthapuram, kerala, india, History of Varkala".
"Varkala Beach". Kerala Tourism.
"Maps, Weather, and Airports for Varkkallai, India".
"Varkala Municipality City Population Census 2011-2024 {{!}} Kerala".
"CEO Kerala Govt".
"Ward map".
"Varkala Municipality Standing Committees".
(17 May 2014). "7 Assembly Constituencies for LDF in Attingal". The Hindu.
"Maps of India".
"Kerala PWD - State Highways". Kerala State Public Works Department.
"Thiruvambady Beach at Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram {{!}} Kerala Tourism".
"Ponnumthuruthu Island near Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, {{!}} Kerala Tourism".
"Kerala". Explorra.com.
"Varkala tunnel, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India".
"Climate: Varkala - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table". Climate-Data.org.
"Varkala Climate and Weather Averages, Kerala". Weather2Travel.

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