Varkala Cliff & Papanasam Beach
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Upcoming at Varkala Cliff & Papanasam Beach
About Varkala Cliff & Papanasam Beach
Varkala's sea cliffs, about 50 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, run for several kilometres above the Arabian Sea and have been declared a national geological monument by the Geological Survey of India. Papanasam Beach lies below them; its name means 'destroyer of sins', and families come to perform rites for ancestors, especially on Karkidaka Vavu. The Janardanaswamy Temple stands on the hill behind. The footpath along the North Cliff is the tourist strip: cafes, yoga and surf schools, guesthouses and bars that put on live music, open mics, fire dancing and beach parties through the November to March season, peaking around Christmas and New Year.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Varkala from Thiruvananthapuram?
About 50 km by road. By train it is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Thiruvananthapuram Central to Varkala Sivagiri station.
When is the best time for events in Varkala?
The season runs from about November to March, when cliff-top cafes host live music, open mics and beach parties.
What is the Sivagiri pilgrimage?
An annual pilgrimage to Sree Narayana Guru's samadhi at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, held from 30 December to 1 January, with pilgrims dressed in yellow.
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