Varkala is also known as the Pearl of the Arabian Sea. The city is the second-largest coastal city in the district. The city is known for its unique 15 meters high ‘Northern Cliff‘ adjacent to the Arabian Sea. The city is famous for its hippie culture. This city is also called Dakshin Kashi. The city is also known for the Swami Temple of Jordan. Varkala is the only city in Kerala where rocks are found along the Arabian Sea. Another major landmark in Varkala is the Shivagir Mutt, established by the social reformer Shri Narayan Guru.
Visiting place in Varkala
Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach is also known as Papanasam Beach. Thus the name Papanasam Beach means ‘Destroyer of Sins’.The beach skirts the Arabian Sea, a part of the Indian Ocean. The water of Varkala Beach is regarded to own medicinal and curative properties. Varkala Beach is the only place in southern Kerala where rocks are found along the Arabian Sea. These rocks are the third sedimentary formation and are named by geologists as the Varkala formation.
Janardhanaswamy Temple
The Janardhana Swamy temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is an ancient temple dating back to 2000 years. Varkala is also a leading pilgrimage site in Kerala. The temple is located near Varkala beach. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of a Dutch ship that sank near Varkala. Varkala sand has become an ideal place for the confluence of different cultures.
Anchuthengu Fort
Anchuthengu Fort is also called Anjengo Fort. The fort is believed to have been built in the 17th century. There is a cemetery in this fort that gives shelter to the dead inhabitants there. Anchuthengu Fort was founded by the British East India Company. These forts served as the first signaling stations for ships coming from England. This fort was the first permanent post of the East India Company on the Malabar coast.
Ponnumthuruthu
Ponnumthuruthu is also known as the Golden Island. This is an island in Varkala. The island is the property of the Valiyapurakkal family. The island is home to a 100-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located amidst thick coconut groves spread over sandy beaches. To reach here, boats can be taken from Nedunganda to Ponnumthuruthu by a 30-minute backwater ride.
Sarkaradevi Temple
The Government Goddess Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The Kaliyoot festival is held every year in this temple. There is another festival here which is celebrated every year in the month of March which is known as Meenabharani Mahotsav. The Sarkar Devi temple has some original connections with the Nakramkod Devi temple which is located.
