Papanasam Beach Home > Kerala > Attractions > Beaches > Papanasam Beach

Papanasam Beach

It is a famous destination in Kerala. The Papanasam beach is also known as Varkala beach. This beautiful beach provides you with a peaceful atmosphere. You will find a long cliff, which is  bordered by shops, tall coconut palms, resorts, guest houses and hotels. It is mainly famous for beautiful sunsets.

The beach is divided in two parts. In the southern area of beach, most of the Hindus come to perform the rites, after the death of their close ones. Northern area of beach is the tourist part. The Papanasam beach is also known as a religious destination in Kerala. It is believed that holy water from this beach has curative properties and it washes away the impurities in the body.

It is a great place to refresh and relax with family and friends. This place offers great accommodation facilities as well. Numerous people visit this place every year to enjoy the pristine beauty.

Location

  • The Papanasam beach is 10 km away from Varkala town.
  • It is 51 km away from Thiruvananthapuram in north direction.
  • It is 37 km away from south of Kollam.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is Trivandrum International airport, which is 55 km away.

By Rail

Varkala Sivagiri railway station is the closest railway station, which is 3 km away from this beach. Trains from other major cities in India are well connected to this station.

By Road

Varkala is 11 km away from NH 47. It is accessible by KSRTC buses and private buses.

Weather

Climate in Varkala is humid and tropical. From June to August and October to December, this place receives rain from the Northeast and Southwest monsoon. So the best time to visit this beach is from late December to March. In this duration, temperature is 30 degrees and climate is sunny and dry.

Beach Attractions

Tourists enjoy the swimming and sunbathing at the clean beach here. It is one of the most visited destinations in Kerala. View of sunset is worth watching. Lots of shop, restaurants and resorts are near the beach. Indians scatter the ashes of their dead relatives in the water, with a belief that religious water extends to their souls. Mineral Springs is one of the attractions for the tourists. Mineral water from the hills is considered to have some medicinal properties. The number of spas and water spouts are there. It is also believed that bathing in the Papanasam beach will wash away the sins.

Nearby Attractions

  • Paravur - This town is situated near Varkala, surrounded by lakes and backwaters. It is 13 km away from Varkala. Paravur lake is also the tourist attraction point.
  • Anjengo Fort - It is located near Varkala. There is a Muthalapuzhi lake on the fort.
  • Varkala Tunnel - 924 ft long tunnel is a tourist attraction, which is built in 1867.
  • Kappil Lake - It is situated 4 km away from Varkala town. Backwater is seen from the bridge over the Kappil lake. Through boating, one can browse the waterway.
  • Sarkara devi temple - Sarkara Devi is an old temple at Chirayinkeezhu near Varkala. Kaliyoot  festival  celebrated in this temple is famous .
  • Janardana swami temple - Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple. Many devotees take a bath in the Papanasam beach with a belief that water wash away their sins. It is also called as Dakshin Kashi. Ayurveda treatment center is also there.
  • Sivagiri Mutt - It is a popular ashram situated on the Sivagiri hill in Varkala. Many devotees visit this place every year.
  • Kaduvayil Juma Masjid - It is a famous Sunni pilgrimage, situated on NH 47.

Food Corners

You will get special Kerlite food in hotels, small shops and resorts near the beach. Restaurants offer multi cuisine food, which is a delicious treat for your taste buds.