VARKALA
Varkala is just over an hour north of Trivandrum Airport. The attractive beach is at the bottom of a steep, red cliff. Although Varkala is a beach resort with a range of hotels, guesthouses, bars and restaurants, it is also a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The Sree Janardhana Swamy temple and Sivagiri Mutt attract many pilgrims and pujas for departed souls are conducted on the beach each morning. This creates a different atmosphere from that of Kovalam.

Please note the beach is at the bottom of a very steep cliff and most hotels are at the top, getting to and from the beach is therefore a walk/climb (steps are cut into the cliff). Alternatively there are rickshaws and taxis around who can save you the effort.

Most of the accommodation at Varkala is in simple hotels or small guesthouses and homestays catering to the budget end of the market.