Things to do

Varkala is an important religious place for Hindus. The two thousand year old shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple is near Papanasam Beach and The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by.

The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January and it was Sree Narayana Guru who propagated the ideology:"one caste, one religion and one god", in a society torn by the taboos of caste system.

Varkala town is a short rickshaw drive away. There is a busy fish and vegetable market and if you can’t find suitable material for your dress or trousers, you will probably find it in town.

Boating is available at Kappil beach, which is a popular tourist spot, particularly at weekends with the locals.

Religious Festivals/Carnivals

If you time it right, you will be able to watch the spectacular religious festivals, with parades of musicians, dancers and, of course, the ever popular Indian elephants. If you miss these festivals, you can always attend a traditional kathakali evening – the highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama.


Varkala Railway Station

If you don’t want to drive to the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum, some 51 kms away, you can take a train, which takes about an hour and costs less then a pound/euro each way. A train ride to Kollam, the start of the backwaters, takes about three quarters of an hour and a train ride to Cochin between two to three hours. Trains are comfortable and cheap.
 

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Facilities


Internet

A one minute walk takes you to the top of the North Cliff where internet cafes/travel agencies abound. Prices at the internet cafes start at 10 rupees.



Tailors

There are also many excellent tailors on the North Cliff, where you can have reasonably priced clothes made or, alternatively there are good tailors in the town centre. Bring a garment along that you would like copied. You can choose fabrics there, if you don’t want to bring your own.


Prescription Specs

Prescription glasses – bring your prescription along or get your eyes tested and buy new specs at a fraction of the price you would pay in Europe


Dental Spas

Dental Spas on the North Cliff are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a professional, first class service again for a fraction of the prices charged in Europe.


Ayurvedic treatment

Ayurvedic treatments are available nearby.