Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasham Beach is a beach in Varkala municipality of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, along the Arabian Sea, part of the Indian Ocean. The word Papanasham means wash away sins. It is believed that a dip in the waters of Papanasham Beach washes away all the sins in one's life. Varkala beach is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea.These cliffs are of tertiary sedimentary formation, and named by geologists as Varkala Formation. They are a geological monument as recorded by the Geological Survey of India. Water spouts and spas are on the sides of these cliffs. Sivagiri Mutt is another attraction, located atop the Sivagiri hill. Varkala railway station is known by the name of Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station. Varkala beach has adventure and leisure activities such as boat riding, parasailing, jetting and horse-riding. There are also restaurants and cafes; alcohol is not served.