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Contents

 

  1. History
  2. Getting Around
  3. Tourist Traps
  4. Local Customs
  5. Shopping
  6. Communications

A serene coastal town fringing the Arabian Sea, Varkala is a municipality in Trivandrum about 51 kilometers (32 miles) to its north-west. The soaring cliffs lining the azure sea and jutting into it in places make the Varkala landscape exceptional and striking. On either side the cliffs are speckled with mineral water sprouts and spas. Legend has it that sage Narada was once accosted by a few friars who conceded to having sinned. On hearing this he hurled his ‘valkkalam’ (the bark of tree worn by mythical sages) into the air. And the place where it landed later came to be known as Varkala. Narada then asked the friars to pray for their redemption at this newly created site by the seashore; the place is Papanasam beach to be more precise.

History

Popularly referred to as ‘Dakshin Kashi’ or Benaras of the South, the history of Varkala can be traced from the 3500-year-old Vaishnavite shrine. Characterized by red sedimentary cliffs lining the Arabian Sea, the topography of this beachside town points to the fact that it is an old geographical region. Geologists have coined the term ‘Varkala formation’ for these massive cliffs that are a unique geological feature in the otherwise flat Kerala coast. So much so the Geological Survey of India has declared it a geological monument. The 19th century Varkala Tunnel – a stretch of inland waterway built by the British as a trade route – stands testimony to Varkala’s forgotten trade channel and commercial past. It took 14 years to build this 924-foot-long tunnel and was used to ferry goods and people between Trivandrum and Kollam in the pre-independence times. Sree Narayana Guru is another historical personality who shaped Varkala’s history.

Built in 1904, the Sivagiri Mutt is the headquarter of Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust founded by the renowned spiritual leader and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru (1856 – 1928). Today the mutt is home to the memorial or samadhi of the great philosopher and receives throngs of believers, all clad in saffron attire, from across Kerala and outside during the annual festival (30th December to 1st January). The mutt also serves as a meeting place of his disciples and saints, and works towards spreading his concept of ‘One caste, one religion, one god’.

Varkala is growing in popularity as a sun-and-sand getaway close to Trivandrum, but unlike Kovalam this one offers seclusion.

Getting Around

The beach town of Varkala is about 5 kilometers (3.12 miles) inland centered around a railway station. You can take an auto-rickshaw from there for INR 40-50 to the northern or southern cliffs. The resorts are predominantly along the two cliffs – north and south – overlooking the many sunny beaches. Papanasam beach, the popular one of the lot, is between these, while the less touristy Black Beach is to the north. You can access the entire area by strolling down the sandy sidewalk along the face of the cliff.

Tourist Traps in the City

When souvenir shopping in Varkala, do strike a hard bargain for the prices more often than not are steep. The occasional vendors on the beach tend to get a tad too pushy. If you are not keen on buying anything from him, say a firm no right in the beginning before he begins persuading you.

Local Custom

The locals have a traditional outlook, so when visiting the Sivagiri Mutt- an important pilgrimage point in Varkala - dress modestly and avoid wearing short or revealing clothes. While sunning on a beach you are free to be the way you wish and dress in anything you find comfortable.

Shopping

Varkala is not really about shopping, but if you still wish to pick up a few memorable souvenirs head to the cliff face. There you will come across an endless row of makeshift shanties selling pretty silver trinkets to local coconut shell handicraft. The beach resort is, however, known for the many places specializing in yoga and Ayurvedic therapies. Some beach areas are flecked with humble souvenir shops and eating joints. Stroll the beach bazaar in the evening when it gets livelier and looks quaint against the sunset sky. Merry tourists and casual locals take up the space before these colorful little souvenir kiosks, old bookstalls and handloom shops.

Shop for armloads of traditional Kerala handicraft and utilities made of coir. Most tourists love to take back coconut shell artifacts as souvenir. Pan some more and you will find rare horn-carved showpieces. The exquisite carving and the level of detailing on these horn artifacts leaves you impressed. Not to mention, you will also find typical beach jewelry made of shells and craft made of oysters.

You will also come across some very beautiful, one-off conch shell handicraft. Pretty trinkets and bric-a-brac come in a great assortment at this beach bazaar, and make a thoughtful souvenir for your friends back home. Round up your shopping expedition with a few pouches of exotic and aromatic spices, vanilla, tea and coffee, for which Kerala is known. If your bags are not full yet, try the Tibetan shops, buy a traditional attire or some pieces of local jewelry. Besides, there are shops selling semi-precious stone jewelry from Rajasthan and Kashmir. At all times, it is imperative to put up a good bargain as the prices quoted by the local shopkeepers to tourists especially foreigners are high. And it is important to remember that Varkala is not a place to look for brands!

Communications

Phones :Cell phone rates are one of the cheapest in the world.
There are four GSM service providers:
* BSNL [20] GSM Triband
* Airtel [21] GSM Triband
* Vodafone [22] GSM Triband
* Idea [23]GSM Triband
CDMA service providers are
* Reliance Communications[24]
* Tata Indicom[25]
Internet: There are several internet cafes / Cyber Cafes from where you can access the Internet for sending email or uploading your digital photos.
* Reliance world offers you broadband connectivity at many locations across the city.
* Sify iway also offers broadband connectivity at different locations spread all over the city.

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