Varkala Beach - Kerala
Located 54 Km north of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is the calm, sandy and serene Varkala Beach. Varkala Beach is the ultimate holiday destination for those looking for relaxed and quiet holidays. Varkala beach has a laid back atmosphere which attracts innumerable tourists. Along with being a sea side resort, it is also an important Hindu center of pilgrimage.
Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs adjacent to the Arabian sea. These tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature in the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.
The resort areas consists of a small lane running along the top of the cliffs with hotels and guest houses, stores and restaurants. One walks down flights of stairs to the beach below. Very laid back for India. The beach itself is sandy and beautiful and apart from sunbathing one can indulge in any of the exciting water sports such as windsurfing, scuba diving, parasailing, beach volleyball or go swimming in the clear blue sea.
One of the major attractions of Varkala is the Sree Janardhana Swamy temple believed to be between 800 - 2000 years old. Innumerable pilgrims come to Varakala Beach to pray and offer 'Vavu Bali', so that the souls of their relatives who have departed from this world, may rest in peace. There's also a nature cure center located near Varakala Beach which is a another popular.
It is believed that the mineral springs near Varkala Beach have medicinal properties. Many people come here to drink and bathe in the water from the mineral springs. Shopping is another popular activity for the tourists at any one of the frequently held beach bazaars. These bazaars are always bustling with activity and the shops are full of little trinkets and souvenirs that you could take home.
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