Visit to Varkala beach in Kerala

One is writing this from the air-conditioned comfort of one's garden facing room at the homely
yet modern Panchavadi Beach Resort at Varkala. Varkala is a paradise for all those who love
the sun, the sea, the sand and the surf. Panchavadi is a short walk away from the Varkala
beach, one of the many beaches that dot the coastal highway from Kanniyakumari to
Kozhikode. Varkala is one of several tourist attractions at Kerala. One can find old wooden
houses and narrow streets with antique shops and several traditional Keralite restaurants
overlooking the bay.
As one walks along the mud road that leads to the beach, one can meet tourists from all over
Europe, bargaining with the vendors at the colourful kiosks that dot Varkala beach. One can
find several shops selling handicrafts, sarongs and Bermudas along the street corners.
Panchavadi Beach Resort is a quaint little resort, tucked away in the quietest corner of Varkala,
and located 75 metres away from Varkala beach. One can reach Varkala beach from the resort
after a leisurely five minute stroll.
As one heads towards Varkala beach, one walks under the canopy of giant trees that surround
my cottage. One passes several ancient tile-roofed houses along the way. Kerala is dotted with
several beautiful beaches and the colour of the sea is turquoise. Several coral islands are
scattered around the coast and are easily accessible by boats. The beach at Panchavadi is a
relatively quiet beach which is called Papanasam beach by the locals. The sea is calm and the
greenery starts where the beach ends! Papanasam means destroyer of sins and locals believe
that a dip in the sea at sunset helps one destroy one's sins for the day. As one walks into
Panchavadi, one can hear the giant roar of the surf laden waves landing on the giant rocks that
flank both sides of the beach. The view from the beach is exceptional. You can see a rust
coloured beach to your left, which ends where the coal black rocks start. The unique feature of
Panchavadi beach resort is its proximity to the sea and its strategic location overlooking the
beach as well as the rocky shore.
The turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea stretch from horizon to horizon and the snow white
clouds suspended above the water offer a picturesque sight. The light blue sky, offers a stark
contrast to the waters. The crimson sunset streaks the clouds with a golden hue. Watching the
sun set over the waters is a memorable experience. Capturing this elusive moment on your
digital camera is a challenge!
There are several beautiful beaches near Kerala but the most beautiful of them is at Varkala.
This beach boasts of gentle waves, clear transparent waters and a magnificent view of the
verdant hills that surround this oasis of tranquility.
The view from Panchavadi resort is soothing to the eyes. Rust coloured sands, stretch for
kilometers on end. One enjoys soaking in the warm waters of the sea, feeling the gentle waves
lapping at your feet.
Varkala is a beautiful beach which is ideal for relaxation. One can have a wonderful view of the
sunset, while enjoying the cool ocean breeze and sway to the gurgle of the sea. One can close
one's eyes and relax to the sights and sounds of nature, Once the novelty of the water wears
off, one can explore the beach which is full of rocks. A few stalls selling souvenirs, coconutwater and snacks surround the beach. The view from Varkala beach is picturesque. One can
see the silvery sands, the wide arced bay, the swaying palms and the green treetops. The
ocean breeze is cool and rejuvenating. Meditating here is a divine experience. Sitting on the
rocks and creatively visualising one's goals at dusk is a powerful experience. Varkala is an ideal
setting for powerful self-affirmations termed auto-suggestion in ZeNLP.
Varkala lets you to be with just the sky the sun, the beach and the roar of the ocean. One
exists in the present and all worries, tensions and stress seems to dissolve into thin air. After
swimming in the crystal clear blue waters, one enjoys the warm water in the afternoon and
returns to one's resort to sip coconut water under the canopy of giant trees that dot
Panchavadi Beach Resort.
It is difficult to believe that a short drive from Varkala station, will bring one to an almost
secluded cove surrounded by pristine pure waters, rust coloured sand and colourful corals. In a
region as lush as Kerala's coast one would expect to see a rain-cloud or two at certain times of
the year. There is a rainy season but not day-long torrential rain, but a few isolated showers
towards the evening. Kerala is a year round destination where beaches are open regardless of
the season. The beach at Varkala is a rust-coloured flat beach and is ideal for meditation. One

can be alone with the elements and enjoy peace,tranquility,serenity and calmness while
relaxing on the edges of the water.
At six-monthly intervals, there is a gentle swing in the winds from the south-west to the southeast. Thus, if one beach faces the wind and breakers, another is blessed by calm waters and
soft breezes. Almost all afternoon drizzles are followed by strong cooling breezes from the
ocean. Kovalam is the popular beach after Varkala and Shanmugham. Beach children love the
surfy waters of this paradise on earth!
The other tourist attractions around Varkala include boat cruise at Kadakkavur, day trip to
Golden Island and trekking up Varkala cliff. Local handicrafts, sarongs, pottery and traditional
clothes are sold at the night-bazaars of Kerala.

How to get there?

By air:
The nearest international airport to reach Varkala is at Thiruvananthapuram. There are several
options for Indian tourists to get to Varkala from Thiruvananthapuram.
By bus:
The easiest and way to get to Varkala from Thiruvananthapuram is by bus. This 55 km. trip
takes 90 minutes by KSRTC bus. Buses leave KSRTC Bus Station located near the railway
station every 30 minutes.
By taxi
Taxis charge Rs. 2000/- from Thiruvananthapuram to Panchavadi Beach Resort and can be
arranged on request by the resort.
By train:
There are several trains available to Thiruvananthapuram from all major cities of India.
Panchavadi Beach Resort is a 3 km. drive from Varkala station and Varkala beach is located 75
metres away from Panchavadi Beach Resort. Almost all trains going to Thiruvananthapuram
via Ernakulam stop at Varkala station.
Where to stay?
Panchavadi Beach Resort Resort is an affordable place to stay. They are extremely affordable
by Indian standards even during October to March which is the high season. A standard
double-room costs approximately. Rs.2500+taxes (inclusive of breakfast) during the high
season. Budget conscious Indian tourists frequent this eco-friendly resort throughout the year.
The rooms are spacious and can comfortably accommodate a family of four (with extra beds).
The bathrooms are comfortable with hot water showers. Panchavadi offers a special discount
between April to August. (Rs. 1800 + taxes).
Where to eat?
Lots of small restaurants serving Malayalee vegetarian cuisine dot Varkala. Freshly steamed
vegetables with spices, cooked in coconut milk, with hot freshly steamed idlis are available at
most roadside dhabas. The food at the high profile hotels is only for the gastronomically
adventurous who like greasy food. Vegans can opt for fresh tropical fruits including watermelons, papayas, tender coconuts, pineapples which are available at the local market.

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Murli Menon, is a travel writer, stress management consultant and
author based at Ahmedabad, India. He is the author of "ZeNLPLearning through stories" published by The Written Word Publications,

"ZeNLP-the power to succeed" published by Sage publications and

ZeNLP-the power to relax by New Dawn Press. He can be reached at
ceo@tips4ceos.com
________________________________________________________________________
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Murli Menon
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Khanpur
Ahmedabad-380001
Phone:079-25600269
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The following article and photographs are copyrighted and all rights
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by emailing us at ceo@tips4ceos.com
________________________________________________________________________
Courier payments/published magazine author copies to:
Murli Menon
E/503, Borsali Apt;
Khanpur
Ahmedabad-380001
Phone:079-25600269
________________________________________________________________________
High resolution digital photographs attached with caption.
________________________________________________________________________

Sunset at Varkala Beach

A guest inside his room at Panchavadi Beach Resort

View of Varkala beach from the Summit of Varkala Cliff

The surf laden waves of the Arabian Sea
Another spectacular view of Varkala Beach