Hindustan Beach resort

14. Papanasam Beach
Papanasam beach is a perfect place to
watch the sunset or relax gazing at the
horizon. The area is covered with
coconut palms and small restaurants
that mushroom during the season. This
beach is bordered by high cliffs. Right
below this cliff is the 500 -metre
stretch beach.
Compared to other prominent beaches, Varkala is fortunate in that it is less crowded, has fewer
number of shops and beach sellers and still lesser amount of commercialization. Here one could
swim, play cricket, volley ball and even manage to practise yoga.And If you are that lucky, you get
a rare chance to sight a naughty dolphin.
Papanasam is important for the Hindus. They come to drain the mortal
remains of their dead relatives. Consigning the mortal remains of the
dead relatives in the waters of a pilgrim centre is a sacred act by the
Hindus, a way for redemption from sins. This Hindu ritual also known as
'vavu bali' is performed on the beach on the new moon day of the month
of Karkkidakam’ (Malayalam Era).

15. Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple
Varkala has remained a Hindu pilgrimage centre since the
12th century.The 2000 years old temple which has a Vishnu
shrine is at a distance of 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram
city and 37 km from Kollam.
What the legend says......
It is said that the original temple was engulfed and destroyed by tidal waves.
Years later, a Pandyan king came to the site to do penance to Brahma for a
sin he committed. The Lord pardoned the king and in return, asked the king
to build another temple at the same site. The story goes that in a dream he
was informed of the location of the original idol that was lying deep in the
sea. With help of fishermen, the king reclaimed the idol and reinstalled it in
the temple.
The legend also says that brahma appeared and completed the
rituals. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of
the temple, but are allowed to walk around the sanctum and
stroll around the huge banyan tree. The festivals of the temple
are colorful with noisy parades.

16. Sivagiri Mutt
Sivagiri is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust.
This mutt is situated at an elavation, 3 km. east of the Janardhana temple.
The ashram is devoted to Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928)
Guru preached the doctrine, 'one caste, one religion, one god for humanity' and attracted a
large following among the lower castes. Here Sree Gurudev underwent regular courses of
indigenous and Ayurvedic treatments. Thousands of followers visit the Mutt each year. Every
afternoon, ‘sadhya’ is served at the mutt for Rs 15. The Sivagiri Gurusamathi, Sivagiri Sarada
Mutt & Sivagiri Vaidika Madom are the main buidings.

17. Varkala Tunnel
The tale of Varkala is incomplete without the great tunnel popularly known as
‘Varkala Thurappu’. The construction of the 924 ft long tunnel began in 1867 under the
supervision of Divan sir. T Mahadeva Rao of Travancore. It was completed in 1880, at the time of
Divan Sheshaya Sasthri. The tunnel was extensively used for ferrying of several kind of goods.

18. Gurukulam
Established by Nataraja Guru
East West University of Brahmavidya
Established by Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati, Disciple of Nataraja Guru.

19. Golden Island
The Golden Island is also called the “Thuruthu” by the local community. The island is just a few
minutes by country boat from the main land and about half an hour drive from Varkala, in the
same direction as Anjengo. The centre-piece of attraction in the island is an old Shiva and
Parvathy temple which is very famous. A ride on the country boat itself is amusing. On the way
back you can see a lot of coir weaving centers. Some places even display very interesting and
innovative products made of coir and take orders to your specifications. The coir weaving process
as such is very interesting to see the process from raw material to the finished product.

20. Anjuthengu Fort (Anjengo)
Anjuthengu Fort, also known as Anjengo is a place of significance in the history of Kerala which
dates back to 1864. An area between five coconut trees, ‘Anju’ means five and ‘Thengu’ means
coconut tree. The land was given on lease to the English East India Company who engaged mainly
in spice and cash crops, built a fort between the five coconut trees. The remains of the fort can
still be seen in the scenic seaside spot.
The place is inherited by the local fishermen and the trading of the catches happen in the beach
from early to mid-morning. Anjengo is about twenty-five from Varkala.

21. Kappil Lake
Kappil boat club is a recent venture in the back water tourism in the area. Kappil is 6kms north
of Varkala. The people traveling in trains and buses through the area can enjoy the scenic beauty
of the estuary in between Edava and Kappil . It is fascinating. Vettakkada, near Kappil and
Varkala is a spectacular beach.

22. The Elephant Ride
You will be at the height of majesty when seated on the back on an elephant. The truly large
hearted animal takes you on its back amidst the palm trees in a typical village atmosphere. Your
elephant have follows the instructions of the mahout. The mahout and the elephant have a
language between themselves. The mahout even gets the elephant to do an about turn with
casual ease.
The elephants are all sheltered in a village called Puthenkulam which is about 25 minutes drive
from Varkala. The elephants also have duty in the temples during the festivals. During temple
festivals, these elephants are caparisoned. We should be able to organise this trip for you. It is
best done in the morning and you may even be able to see an elephant being given a bath.

23. Mineral Water Springs
It is a quiet, clean and a secluded beach. The beach grew into prominence and caught the
attention of tourists only recently. The long sandy beach, towering red laterite cliffs and
soothing mineral springs have turned Varkala into a beautiful destination.