The latest hot-spot destination in Kerala, Varkala is an important Hindu pilgrim center. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Center are the two main attractions of Varkala Beach. A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to pure the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' (destroyer of sin) for this shore. Varkala is must for those who prefer to do absolutely nothing while holidaying. Due to a spillover resulting from the over saturation of Kovalam, Varkala is a favourite with tourists who travel to Kerala. At the Varkala platform, there is no indication that this town is on many a tourist itinerary.

At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by.The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology:"one caste, one religion and one god",in a society torn by the taboos of caste system.