Varkala, is located 40 kms north-west of the state’s capital city Trivandrum. Varkala is a beautiful city which features one the most distinct city in terms of geography and well as history. It was often regarded as the Varanasi of the South (Dakshin Benaras), because of the Janardhana Swami Temple (Lord Vishnu Temple), which is believed to be around 2000 years old. Other than that, Varkala is famous for its Beach which is surrounded by red cliffs and coconut trees.
Varkala is also the famous for the resting place of the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru is a popular spot among tourists. The Sivagiri Mutt was also found by him and is still visited by thousands of devotees every year. Sree Narayana Guru, who propagated the ideology of “One Caste, One religion and one God”.
