<div><i>"I am the eagle, I live in the high country, in rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky; I am the hawk and there`s blood on my feathers, but time is still turning they soon will be dry; All those who see me, and all who believe in me, share in the freedom I feel when I fly.".</i>..........-- John Denver (American Singer and Song Writer)</div><div><br></div><div>Vembanad Bird Sanctuary is located at a distance of 16 km west of Kottayam in Kumarakom. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, known for its varied avian population. Also known as the ornithologist`s paradise, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most favorite hubs of migratory birds. The region was once the site for the rubber plantation and is a haunt for a variety of domestic and migratory birds. Some of the birds flock here from the Himalayas, and even some birds come from the snow-kissed hills of Siberia. During the rainy season, some of India`s most spectacular avians gather in their optimum haunts to court their mates and nest in huge colonies in the trees that line the paths of the sanctuary.</div><div><br></div><div>October to February is the time for traveling birds, such as the garganey teal, osprey, marsh harrier and stepped eagle, while May to July is the breeding season for local species, such as the Indian shag, pond herons, egrets, and darters. Early morning is the best viewing time. The best option to visit the sanctuary is by foot by a one and half km long walking track. Most of the species of the birds are spotted on the track. One can also opt to take a boat ride, which brings you, closer to waders like waterfowl and ducks and some fliers like parrots, larks, and flycatchers.</div><div><br></div><div>The sanctuary turns into a transit point during the months of November to February for the migratory birds. The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. The sanctuary contentedly hosts more than a few hundred varieties of local birds. Apart from the local birds every year, over 60 species of migratory birds flock here in large numbers. A large variety of fish, mussels, and crabs is also found in the Sanctuary. One can also see a variety of species of butterflies and moths quiver by. There is also a variety of species of mudskippers, crabs, and turtles found on the shoreline. One can also find fish and even crocodiles deeper in the water.</div><div><br></div><div>Along with the birds, the animals which are found in the sanctuary include Bears, Elephants, civet cats, lion-tailed macaque, Deer, monkeys, Tigers, Neelgai Tahr, Wild Pigs, Leopards, Deer, squirrels including the Malabar giant squirrel. A wide variety of snakes like Python, Cobra, Cipher, Rat Snake, and Iguana are also seen in the park. One should plan a visit to Kumarakom, to enjoy the incalculable show of avian acrobats.</div>

<div>Kerala is bestowed with some ancient traditional art forms that are still today performed with the same zeal and enthusiasm. We discuss here two art forms.&nbsp;<br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Kathakali</b></div><div>The art form of Kathakali is the oldest form in the world, which crystallized at around the same time as Shakespeare was scribbling the plays, though elements of it stem from 2nd-century temple rituals. The Kathakali performance is the dramatized presentation of a play, usually based on the Hindu epics the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas. All the great themes are covered – righteousness and evil, frailty and courage, poverty and prosperity, war and peace. Drummers and singers accompany the actors, who narrate the story through their precise movements, particularly mudras (hand gestures) and facial expressions. Traditionally, performances took place in temple grounds and went from 8 pm until dawn, now shorter performances in other open-air locales, as well as indoor halls are also popular.</div><div><br></div><div>Preparation for the performance is lengthy and disciplined. Paint, fantastic costumes, highly decorated headpieces, and meditation transform the actors both physically and mentally into the gods, heroes, and demons they are about to play. You can see cut down performances in tourist hot spots all over the state and there are kathakali schools that encourage the visitors. Many temples festivals across the state feature all-night Kathakali Shows.</div><div><br></div><div>The performances in Kochi are accompanied by instrumental as well as vocal aids. The expressions are suggested by the delicate hand movements and are complemented by the movements of the face, particularly, the eyes. The dance form is believed to have originated from the dance drama called Ramanattam. At Kochi, the Kathakali dance has a significant part in the socio-cultural sector of the entire state of Kerala. Important Kathakali centers in Cochin are:&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>India Foundation | Showtime : Daily 06:45 PM</div><div><br></div><div>Cochin Cultural Center | Showtime : Daily 07:00 PM</div><div><br></div><div>Kerala Kathakali Center Fort Cochin&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>Kalariyappayat</b></div><div>Kalariyappayat is an ancient tradition of martial training and discipline. Still taught throughout Kerala, Some believe it is the forerunner of all martial arts. Its roots can be traced back to the 12th century when skirmishes among the many feudal principalities in the region were common. Masters of Kalariyappayat, called Gurukkal, teach their craft inside a special arena called a Kalari. The Kalari is a part gymnasium, part school, and part temple. Its construction follows traditional principles: its rectangular design is always aligned east – west and Hindu deities are represented in each corner.</div><div>Kalariyappayat movements - the foundation of choreography that uses the actor’s bodies and gestures as the primary tools of expression – can be traced in Kerala’s performing arts, such as Kathakali and Kootiattam (traditional Sanskrit drama), and in ritual arts such as Theyyam</div>

<div>Thumbod a tiny village lying just outside the state capital of Trivandrum and otherwise is like any other <i>Kerala village </i>with swaying palms and lush green vegetation has shown the world the door to a more natural lifestyle. Ayurvastra the name given to a whole new concept of natural clothing has the fabric yarns infused with plant extracts and herbs. Developed under the aegis of <i>The Handloom Weavers Development Society</i> a nonprofit organization, Ayurvastra claims to rid people of many diseases by regular use of these clothes.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Ayurvastra goes through a dyeing process that is 100 % natural and free of any toxicity of chemical dyes. The process is in tune with the age-old Ayurvedic principles.</div><div>The process is something like this. The raw yarn is first thoroughly cleaned. Then the raw yarn is coated with a natural gum. After coating the yarn is immersed in the medicinal dyes. The medicinal dyes are prepared using pomegranate, turmeric, and indigo, among a host of other herbs.</div><div><br></div><div>The claims of the manufacturers were corroborated by clinical trials undertaken by the health ministry. According to these trials conducted at the Trivandrum’s Government Ayurveda College, the fabrics indeed worked. Patients with problems of eczema, psoriasis, allergies rheumatism were given bedding, rugs, and towels made from Ayurvastra. They used these items for a month and there was a marked improvement in their health. Along with the clothing ceilings, walls, floors were lined with Ayurveda coir mats. All these showed positive results in the health of the diseased.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the manufacturers of Ayurvastra, for maximum benefits, these clothing should be ideally worn during sleeping or meditating in a sense when the body is at rest. As this is the time when the body heals itself naturally.</div><div><br></div><div>Not only people with skin disorders, stressed-out executives or workers in the IT sector are also benefiting with the clothing infused with traditional Indian medicines. Along with the more traditional Kurtas, Tunics and Saris to cater to the youth Jeans are also dyed using natural colors.</div><div><br></div><div>The success of the Ayurvastra means not only the incomparable health benefits along with that it also offers the traditional weavers a good source of sustenance. This clothing also offers a good opportunity to catch the western markets where Ayurveda is a fad among health-conscious people.</div><div><br></div>

<div>The Thrissur’s Pooram Festival is associated with the caparisoned elephants that symbolize Kerala. Pooram is an annual festival held after the summer harvest. The legend has that in the 18th century AD there was a quarrel among 10 temples about participation in the festival held at Arratupuzha. To finish this dispute, the king (raja) Rama Varma decided to unite these temples and decreed them into one temple festival. Since 1798, it became the largest Pooram festival. The grand Pooram festival was born where participants from 10 temples of Kerala, accompanied by the idols of respective deities, carry the processions on the golden caparisoned elephants.</div><div><br></div><div>The Pooram day commences with the wave of joy and excitement at Thrissur Maidan. Eleven Elephants stand in each row and with the sudden beat of the Kobum, Chendas, and elathalams fills the air. Kobums are the wind trumpets and Chendas and Elethalams are the drums, cymbals, etc. With the rigorous and regular beating of the hands of the instruments are moved up and down. 50 selected elephants create an electrifying wave in the silent ambiance. 400, 000 lakh people throng to mark their presence in this humongous ceremony. The roar of millions of people bandies the air. The participants in the procession move there feet with great energy. They tap their feet and bang their heads with immense force. The festivity becomes grander when with the medley of sounds, the priests or leaders or escorts from the 10 villages move the thread chiseled fans in a consecutive manner. The elephants swirl their ears and nose with pride. Approximately 200 meters away from the maidan, the huge clump of 400,000 lakh people could be noticed entering the Vadakkumnathan (Shiva) temple. Madathil Varavu (temple entry) looks&nbsp; completely packed. The rampant hum of the crowd can be heard while Vedic chants are recited in the temple. The procession of 10 temples deities (idols)are carried into the Vadakkumnathan temple(Shiva temple). All together, this ceremony is named Madathil Varavu(temple entry ceremony), as mentioned in the above lines.</div><div><br></div><div>In the trail of successive events, the evening in celebrated with Kuda Mattom, or Umbrella swapping. One row of elephants stands in front row and the other row of elephant’s cramp on the other side. The action begins when the participants a top on the elephants back, exchange the multicolored parasols. The men in their traditional attires lower down their parasols swap them and then raise them in alternative manner. This action is repeated many times, whenever the parasols are moved, the visitors can hear the echoing voice of 4 lakh people. The row of multi colored parasols begins to resemble a Jugalbandi between the exhilarating crowd and the parasols swappers. One team raises a parasol carrying the Lord Krishna idol; the other team repeats the similar activity by raising the idol of Bhagwathi, followed by Ganesha and Shiva respectively. With the sunset, crowd starts easing off. The villagers start doing preparation for the final event and wait keenly till mid night when crackers are going to enlighten the sky.</div><div><br></div><div>The final event of the Thrissur Pooram is the fireworks display, the vedikettu at 3am. The crackers bursting ceremony is organized at Swaraj round, the area surrounding the Thekkikandu maidan is spread in a restricted ambit of 1 meter and during the festivity; it brims up to the road end. The visitors at this time should ensure complete safety of their valuables. Besides this, ceremony starting at 3:00 AM fills the air with enthusiasm. The ceremony commences with a sudden boomerang sound, the flower of exploding fire works in the sky can be appraised and the element of excitement is assured to over ride the mind. The whole night fades out amidst the presence of fireworks, pounding sounds and clusters of noise. With every pause, the deep lull exudes the air, surprisingly, the crackers are exploded again. Perhaps, this kind of chain is carried in the loop. By 5:00 AM, as the sun coasts out with its light rays, the fire works are stopped and every one goes back to their normal routine. The whole festivity is carried for 36 hours and finally, ends up in the morning. The travelers are advised to make an advance booking at hotels in Thrissur, as during the peak season all accommodations are booked. To avoid any chaos, Kiomoi offers also offers an advance online booking at best price tags. So move ahead and make your religious tour a memorable experience by making an advance online booking.</div>

<div>As August draws near, there is excitement in the air on Punnamada Lake in Kuttanadu, near Alapuzha, in Kerala. The D- Day falls on the second Saturday of August, when the polished boats are readied for the renowned Nehru Boat Race – The most awaited boat race of the year...<br></div><div><br></div><div>The race is known as Nehru Boat race in memory of India’s first prime minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was so enthralled by the boat races of Kerala, that in December 1952, he donated a silver trophy – a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus to the winners. The trophy bears the following inscription above his signature: “to the winners of the boat race, which is a unique feature of the community life in Travancore Cochin” The trophy later became the Nehru trophy, with a grand race being organized every year in his memory. In Kuttanad, boat racing is both a religion and a passion. Every village wants to win the trophy and participates with vigor and intense preparation. Due to its abundance of lakes and rivers, Kuttanad is an appropriate place for a water sport of such magnitude like boat racing. It is a one of its kind race, as no other sport has so many members in a single team. The players need to perform in a disciplined manner and each one of them is supposed to have sound knowledge of the sport.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>A strong snake boat costs around six lakh rupees and money is raised be a committee to build one. The Vellankulangar snake boat, which is 140 ft long, has beaten 135 ft long Nedumbhagom snake boat, which holds the Guinness Book of world records for the longest race boat. The longer the boat, the better for a snake boat, as more rowers can be accommodated for more speed.</div><div>The glided sterns of the ebony – black snake boats and the colorful, beaded umbrellas on each boat appear like a beautiful painting against the back drop of the lake. The race boats are followed by other boats displaying the rich culture of Kerala, with artists performing traditional dance and music forms like Kathakali, Theyyam, Panchvadyam and Padayani.</div><div><br></div><div>The day of the race sees an estimated two lakh spectators thronging the lake to enjoy the event. The event is so popular, that apart from the locals, there is a sizeable presence of foreign tourists as well. During the race, the boats look like huge serpents moving at great speed in the lake.</div><div>Soon the snake boats are ready for the race and line up at the starting point. As the flag goes up, the race starts with a furor. There is the thumping of drums and rowing with the rhythm, the players steering with all their might and the crowds screaming. The lake transforms into an area filled with the roars hitting the water 100 – 120 times per minute.</div><div>Measuring over 100ft in length, the boats have a capacity for around 120 rowers. They are usually made from Anjali wood, but sometimes teak and Kadamb are also used.</div><div>The length of the racecourse is around 1370 m and it is divided into different tracks. The boats appear like fast – moving snakes when racing through the tracks, and are a magnificent sight to watch. The splashing of the oars, in unison with the rhythmic chants and drumbeats, make it an experience of a lifetime.</div>

Darjeeling Cafe

InDa Cafe

Chilakoor Beach

Arattu Festival in Janardhanaswamy Temple

Sarkara Devi Temple

Saint Sebastian's Pilgrim Church Moongode

Varkala Tunnel

Kappil Beach

Asparagus

Varkala Aquarium

Papanasam Beach

Kappil Lake

Varkala Lighthouse

Kaduvayil Juma Masjid

Vishnu Temple

Varkala Cliff

Janardhanaswamy Temple

Anjengo or Anchuthengu Fort 

Sivagiri Mutt

Ponnumthuruthu

Varkala Tour Packages Starting @ Rs.<PRICE>

Varkala

Kanyakumari

Kochi

Munnar

Thiruvananthapuram

Alleppey

Kumarakom

<div>Varkala Beach, beautification of tranquillity and solitude, straddles unending against ruffling ocean and is crowned with laterite red cliffs. Varkala, also known as the Dakshina Kashi, is a famous Hindu pilgrimage, where thousands of Hindus visit to wash their sins in the waters of Papanasham Beach and pay reverence to the Samadhi of Shri Narayan Guru, located on the clifftop. The beach-wet spirit of Varkala appeals pilgrims and ardent travelers, alike. Contrastingly, on one side where it is a venerated Hindu pilgrimage, on the other it is populated by hip hep hippies lazing on the sea-shore, showcasing the verisimilitude that Varkala is.</div><div>A handful of nature, a bag filled with handicrafts and mind smeared with quietude Varkala is an experience. Visit this season.</div>

Find complete information about varkala tourism including attractions, things to do, weather, festivals, how to reach and much more on our Varkala Travel Guide. 

Varkala Travel Guide | Varkala Tourism - Kiomoi

<div>Shopping makes up a favorite time pass and a way to explore real Varkala. The main bazaar and markets are located on the beachside which appears more resilient in the evening with merrier crowd emerging from all sides. Colour filled stalls of all sizes, selling an abundance of handicrafts, align the beach expanse. There are souvenir shops, old bookstalls and handloom products in all colors. Painted with hues of setting sun, the beach emerges even more beautiful with shops and eating joints on scaled all along. The beach and its shops provide a resplendent sight for tourists.&nbsp;<br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Specialty:</span>&nbsp;Varkala is one place to fill your bags with local traditional handicrafts, artifacts, beach crafts, trinkets, and knick knackers. Don’t forget to pick up the conch shells, interiors and souvenirs. A specialty of the beachside shops are horn-carved decorative piece that can be found in the whole of Kerala. As the beach is quite popular for coconut trees, coconut shell items can be found in abundance. Another item of purchase is utilities made of coir. Besides the regular items of purchase, one can shop from Tibetian shops, traditional attire and local jewelry. Artificial ornaments and jewelry from Rajasthan and Kashmir sweep the jewelry stall.</div><div>Moving ahead toward the city market you can lay your hand on of aromatic spices, tea or coffee.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Shopping Tips at Varkala</span></div><div>Varkala is not a place to look for brands.</div><div>Bargaining is allowed but depends on the individual.</div><div>Fetch and try your hand more at seaside restaurants and shops.</div><div>It is always better to buy local goods and handicrafts.</div><div>Language can be a problem to converse with the locals, so better is to give in sign language.</div><div><br></div><div><div>Trying out local dishes is always a traveller’s uncharted itinerary, inescapably. Moreover, eating your heart out fits the bill when touring southern cities of India. And why not, you wake up to the world’s best breakfast!!! Varkala being a foodies’ paradise, serves excellent sea side (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) food such as s marlin, teamed or coconut-curried freshly caught shark, fresh fish thali plates or butterfish, as well as pasta, pizza and. Many and most of the restaurants in Varkala are located on North Cliff; few good ones can be spotted on the South Cliff too. As a speciality, all the restaurants are sea-facing and serve South Indian, though scarce, Italian, French and Continental. Gauge your pick from the list of restaurants and hotels to gorge on the most delicious food you ever had.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Budget Vegetarian Restaurants</span></div><div><br></div><div>JA Tourist Hotel: The restaurant is famous for rooftop location and serves excellent food, including Chinese and Italian.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Cafe Italiano: Masters Italian food: pizza, spaghetti and bread. Mama Chompos Pizzeria specializes in pizza, pasta and breads, alongside local gourmet.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Oottupura Vegetarian Restaurant is a decent enough place for mouth-watering vegetarian food. It serves breakfast (puttu), dinner and lunch.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Anandan Tourist Home, just across the railway terminal has an excellent variety of South Indian delicacy.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Shri Padman, situated next to the temple tank, it has too good food and comparatively cheap food. Juice Shack: Pocket-sized juice bar which has all kinds of juices.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Non-Vegetarian Restaurants</span>&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Sea Rock Cafe (Non-Budget Class): Serves both, Kerala and Italian Food.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Kerala Coffee House offers scrumptious Italian Sea Food; Cocktails; Pizzas.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Seaview Beach Resort serves all kinds of decent Chinese, Kerala and Italian cuisine.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Trattoria: A Tibetian Restaurant which well-prepares western food.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Cape Comorin Restaurant (Taj Garden Retreat)</span></div><div>A fabulous restaurant, it is only the stylish restaurant in Varkala proffering an excellent view from the top of the hotel which gives an added edge to the hotel. Highlights constitute of local Kerala dishes from drumstick theeyal to beef ullarthiyathu; ‘Bar’ – Snacks and Refreshments; ‘Sunken Bar’ – Cocktail bar with great views; ‘Sunset Lounge’ – Snacks and drinks bar by the sea-side.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Note:</span>&nbsp;Sample out the seafood in Varkala, taste and try the South Indian Cuisine, hunting for north Indian delicacies chances to be rare. Cafe Restaurants near beach are opened till midnight; catch it during the pricking silence of the night.</div></div>

Read about the things to do in Varkala that you should must do on your trip. Do not miss these best activities in Varkala in 2024.

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Best Time to Visit Varkala | Best Season and Climate

<div>Varkala Beach, a long stretch of sand against the Arabian Sea, lies 54 km away from northwest of Thiruvananthpuram and 20 km south of Kollam beach in the state of Kerala. Known for its tempting beaches and serene aura, away from the plaudits and throngs of the city, it is commended for its sanctities of pilgrimage and emerald water lure. Hit in thousands by tourists all from across the globe, the beach has been modified with proposed plans for toning the infrastructure and connectivity up to Varkala. The arterial connection, linking the Varkala to other parts of India, lies 10 km away at Kallamballam Junction which is connected with NH-47. There is yet another way for transportation, i.e. Boat Ferry. An important transit point along the National Waterway No 3, linking Colachal (Tamil Nadu) in the south with Kottapuram in Kerala, Varkala is coming out a big way, easing and facilitating the journey for its tourists. Hit Varkala for a rendezvous with its seascape and composed air. Check here to choose your means of transportation.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Driving Direction</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div>Varkala town is located in Trivandrum district, Kerala, South India. It is a place where hills are located close to the sea. The revelers here can go for the adventure activities like paragliding and other sporting activities. Further more if the travelers are traversing to Varkala by road then they can make a visit to Varkala beach, Janardhana Swami Temple, Sivagiri Mutt and Vishnu temple. The Trivandrum airport is the nearest airport to Varkala. It is just 45 kilometers away from Varkala and can easily be reached by taxi or bus. The Varkala Rail Head is the nearest rail head and most of the trains coming from Kochi or Trivandrum stop at Vrakala railway station. The Kerala state transport buses also provide regular services up to Varkala. The people who are travelling Varkala by their own vehicle can take NH 47 road route link to reach Varkala.</div>

Get complete information on how to reach Varkala by Air, Road, and Train. Get complete guide to directions and routes to Varkala on our guide.

How to reach Varkala | Directions and Route

How To Reach Kerala by Air, Train, Road

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Things To Do in Kerala | Best Things To Do in Kerala

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Kerala Travel Guide, How to Reach, Places to Visit - Kiomoi

Kerala Tourism | Kerala Travel Guide in 2024

Varkala Travel Guide, How to Reach, Places to Visit - Kiomoi

Kerala is one of the most charming tourist destinations from Southern India. Surrounded by the vast Arabian Sea, this majestic state has a lot to offer to the vacationers on the platter. Kerala tourism gives tourists a chance to explore Kerala?s sprawling tea and spice gardens, astounding beaches, rare wildlife, serene hill stations, lip-smacking seafood, and intriguing culture. Kiomoi offers a variety of affordable Kerala <a href="https://www.kiomoi.com/holidays/" target="_blank">tour packages</a> that are unique from one another and provide a distinctive experience to one and all.
This 06 nights and 07 days tour package has been specially created for nature lovers who seek escape from their monotonous and stressful life. The destinations covered in this Kerala holiday package include Kumarkom, Alleppey, Kollam, Varkala, and Kovalam. Travelers can rejuvenate themselves by availing Kerala?s Ayurveda tourism packages at low prices. The itinerary has been planned in a way that is it couples, solo travelers or families, all can have an unforgettable holiday experience in Kerala. With Kerala?s honeymoon packages, newlyweds get a chance to explore those perfect beaches and enjoy cruise and boat rides, which are sure to ignite a fire in their romance. Kovalam is known as the beach town by the Arabian Sea and sightseeing at Kovalam include the most beautiful beaches- Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach. Varkala Beach is another highlight of this beach tour package as it is famous for sunbathing and swimming.
Kiomoi offers some of the best beach getaway packages where the holidaymakers can spend unlimited time walking on the sandy shores and enjoying the coastal cool breeze. 

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