Varkala is a laidback coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram district. Varkala beach is serene and beautiful and attracts tourists in large numbers. Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. The 2000-year-old Vishnu Temple in Varkala, Janardana Swami Temple, is an important place Hindu devotees; the temple is also known as Dakshina Kashi. Sivari Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformist Sree Narayana Guru, is another favorite place of pilgrims.
