Varkala like the rest of Kerala is blessed with breathtaking picturesque scenery. It is an excellent location for relaxation and rejuvenation. Athough much of Varkala is slowly being encroached by the commercial world, there are still so many exquisite spots in the city that retains an un-spoilt charm. Breathtaking and absolutely magnificent, these locations do wonders to the soul. With Varkala’s touch of culture and Gods immense favors on the land, this city is adorned with an endless array of attractions.

Perhaps the most popular of all Varkala’s attractions are its beaches. With a perfect shoreline fringed with dense coconut palms, these beaches provide a stunning escapade for all those visiting Varkala seeking tranquility. Nearly every beach in Varkala is a popular tourist spot and is perfectly equipped with hotels, restaurants, yoga centers and boutiques to ensure that visitors have everything they need within arm’s reach. The main beach in the city is the Papanasam. The Papanasam is popular above all else due to its unique geographical feature; cliffs. Although Kerala is almost completely a flat land, in Papanasam you will find cliffs which not only make it intriguing but also provide some stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Ocean. The beach has ample spiritual significance as the Janardhana Swamy temple is located adjacent to it. Papanasam means destroyer of sins and it is believed that a dip in the waters of the beach will wash away all sins in one’s life. Its sacred nature makes it a common spot to wash away the final remains of cremated relatives.

Another popular beach in Varkala is the Black Beach. Popular for its unique black sand this beach is also an excellent spot to enjoy some picturesque scenery. Other beautiful beaches include the Odayam Beach and the Edava Beach, again famous for its beautiful scenery and relaxing ambience.

The beaches in Varkala are still are growing attraction. With more Varkala hotelsemerging from the shoreline, its popularity is steadily increasing. The Gateway Hotel Janardhanapuram Varkala is an excellent Varkala Hotel to stay at. Boasting excellent standards in quality and service it is one hotel that truly reflects the picturesque ambience of the city.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+