WONDERFUL VARKALA

INTRODUCTION

Varkala is a beautiful coastal town in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Located about 50 kilometers north of the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala's coastline. I recently had the opportunity to visit Varkala and was struck by its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming community.

VARKALA

My journey to Varkala began with a train ride from Chennai, major city in Tamilnadu. The train journey was comfortable and scenic, passing through lush green fields, small villages, and coconut groves. As we approached Varkala, I could see glimpses of the turquoise blue waters of the Arabian Sea and the towering cliffs that are characteristic of this region.

VARKALA BEACH

My first stop in Varkala was the famous Varkala Beach. As I stepped onto the soft golden sand, I was immediately struck by the vast expanse of the beach and the waves crashing against the shore. The beach was not too crowded, and I could see a mix of tourists and locals enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, which make for a dramatic backdrop and provide stunning views of the coastline.

CLIFFSIDE PATH

One of the unique features of Varkala Beach is the cliffside path that runs along the top of the cliffs. This path is lined with small shops, cafes, and guesthouses, and provides excellent views of the beach and sea below. I spent a pleasant evening walking along the path, stopping to admire the views and sample some of the delicious local cuisine.After that, we ended up in the blacksand beach and spent some time by playing.

JANARDHANA SWAMY TEMPLE

The next day, I decided to explore some of the other attractions in Varkala. One of the most popular is the Janardhana Swamy Temple, a Hindu temple located on a hill overlooking the town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is said to be over 2,000 years old. The temple complex is a serene and peaceful place, with lush gardens, colorful flowers, and intricate carvings. As I explored the temple, I could hear the chanting of prayers and the ringing of bells, creating a sense of calm and tranquility.

SIVAGIRI MUTT

Another attraction I visited was the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center founded by the famous social reformer and philosopher Sri Narayana Guru. The mutt is located on a hill and provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. The mutt is a place of pilgrimage for many followers of Sri Narayana Guru and is known for its simple yet beautiful architecture.

YOGA AND WELLNESS

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Varkala is also a hub for yoga and wellness. There are many yoga studios and wellness centers in the town that offer a variety of classes and treatments. I decided to take a yoga class at one of the studios and was impressed by the quality of instruction and the peaceful atmosphere. The class was held on a rooftop terrace, with the sound of the waves and the cool breeze providing the perfect setting for a relaxing and invigorating practice.

VARKALA FOOD

One of the highlights of my visit to Varkala was the opportunity to try some of the local food. Kerala is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, and Varkala did not disappoint. I sampled everything from fresh seafood to spicy curries to sweet desserts. One dish that stood out was the appam, a thin and crispy rice pancake that is often eaten for breakfast. The appam was served with a coconut milk-based vegetable stew, and the combination of flavors and textures was divine.

KAPIL BEACH

Kapil Beach is a beautiful and serene beach located in the popular tourist destination of Varkala in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The beach is known for its calm waters, pristine white sand, and stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most popular beaches in Varkala and attracts a large number of tourists and locals alike.

One of the main attractions of Kapil Beach is the natural rock formations that line the coastline. These rocks form a series of caves and crevices that are perfect for exploring and provide a unique backdrop for photographs. The beach is also known for its stunning sunsets, which can be enjoyed from one of the many restaurants or cafes located along the beach.

ELEPHANT VISIT

On our travel we saw the elephants walking in the roadside with some load stuffs,it was a great surprise to us.Actually we saw 2 elephants in the roadside one with that load stuffs and another with a traditional look, roaming with god statue.

JATAYU EARTH CENTRE

Jatayu Earth's Centre is a one-of-a-kind eco-tourism destination located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The centre is named after Jatayu, a mythical bird from Hindu mythology who is said to have attempted to rescue Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, from the demon king Ravana. The centre is built around a massive sculpture of Jatayu, which is one of the largest bird sculptures in the world.

The sculpture is located on a hill that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The sculpture is made of concrete and steel and measures 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall. The sculpture was designed by Rajiv Anchal, a renowned Indian filmmaker and artist, and took over a decade to complete (from 2008 to 2018). The sculpture is not only a work of art but also serves as a symbol of the importance of preserving the environment and protecting wildlife.

VARKALA AQUARIUM

Varkala Aquarium is a small but charming aquarium located in the beach town of Varkala.The aquarium is a popular tourist attraction and is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, crabs, lobsters, and sea turtles.The aquarium is located on the North Cliff of Varkala Beach and is easily accessible from the main road. The entrance fee is minimal, making it an affordable attraction for visitors of all budgets.Inside the aquarium, visitors can see a variety of fish and other marine creatures in large, well-maintained tanks. The tanks are labeled with the names and descriptions of the different species, making it a great learning experience for children and adults alike.One of the highlights of the Varkala Aquarium is the sea turtle conservation program. The aquarium is involved in the protection and rehabilitation of sea turtles, and visitors can see the turtles up close and learn about the importance of protecting these endangered creatures.Another highlight of the aquarium is the touch tank, where visitors can touch and interact with various sea creatures such as starfish and crabs.

CONCLUSION

WwwOverall, my visit to Varkala was a wonderful and memorable experience. The town's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and welcoming community make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kerala. Whether you