The tourist atrractions include:the Papanasam beach, the Janardhana Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, Anjengo Fort, Yoga, Ayurveda, & Massage centres. If you want a cheap holiday, Varkala is the place to be in. During the off season, the area is mellow and relaxed and hotel rates drop to a couple of hundred rupees. In November, the tourist season picks up and prices soar. The season continues till March-April. Varkala is also considered a pilgrimage centre for the Hindus.

	The Papanasam beach
	Papanasam beach is a perfect place to watch the sunset or relax gazing at the horizon. The area is covered with coconut palms and small restaurants that mushroom during the season. This beach is bordered by high cliffs. Right below this cliff is the 500 -metre stretch beach. More pictures It is a quiet, clean and a secluded beach.The beach grew into prominence and caught the attention of tourists only recently. The long sandy beach, towering red laterite cliffs and soothing mineral springs have turned Varkala into a beautiful destination. Compared to other prominent beaches, Varkala is fortunate in that it is less crowded, has fewer number of shops and beach sellers and still lesser amount of commercialization. Here one could swim, play cricket, volley ball and even manage to practise yoga.And If you are that lucky, you get a rare chance to sight a naughty dolphin. Papanasom is important for the Hindus. They come to drain the mortal remains of their dead relatives. Consigning the mortal remains of the dead relatives in the waters of a pilgrim centre is a sacred act by the Hindus, a way for redemption from sins. This Hindu ritual also known as 'vavu bali' is performed on the beach on the new moon day of the month of Karkkidakam’ (Malayalam Era).
	Janardhana Temple
	Varkala has remained a Hindu pilgrimage centre since the 12th century.The 2000 years old temple which has a Vishnu shrine is at a distance of 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram city and 37 km from Kollam. What the legend says...... It is said that the original temple was engulfed and destroyed by tidal waves. Years later, a Pandyan king came to the site to do penance to Brahma for a sin he committed. The Lord pardoned the king and in return, asked the king to build another temple at the same site. The story goes that in a dream he was informed of the location of the original idol that was lying deep in the sea. With help of fishermen, the king reclaimed the idol and reinstalled it in the temple. The legend also says that brahma appeared and completed the rituals. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple, but are allowed to walk around the sanctum and stroll around the huge banyan tree. The festivals of the temple are colorful with noisy parades.
	Sivagiri Mutt
	Sivagiri is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust.This mutt is situated at an elavation, 3 km. east of the Janardhana temple. The ashram is devoted to Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), whose followers are the Ezhavas. Guru preached the doctrine, 'one caste, one religion, one god for humanity' and attracted a large following among the lower castes. Here Sree Gurudev underwent regular courses of indigenous and Ayurvedic treatments. Thousands of followers visit the Mutt each year. Every afternoon, ‘sadhya’ is served at the mutt for Rs 10. The Sivagiri Gurusamathi, Sivagiri Sarada Mutt & Sivagiri Vaidika Madom are the main buidings.
	Anjengo Fort
	Near to varkala is the site of the Dutch East India Company’s main garrison, Anjengo Fort. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fort protected their powerful position in the state.
	Kappil Lake
	Kappil boat club is a recent venture in the back water tourism in the area. Kappil is 6kms north of varkala. The people travelling in trains and buses through the area can enjoy the scenic beauty of the estuary in between Edava and Kappil . It is fascinating. Vettekkada, near kappil and varkala is a spectacular beach.
	Varkala Tunnel:
	The tale of varkala is incomplete without the great tunnel popularly known as ‘Varkala Turuthu’. The construction of the 924 ft long tunnel began in 1867 under the supervision of Divan sir. T Mahadeva Rao of Travancore. It was completed in 1880, at the time of Divan Sheshaya Sasthri. The tunnel was extensively used for ferrying of several kind of goods.
	Yoga, Ayurveda & Massage
	There are numerous centres for yoga and massage. Most of these centres are seasonal and of varying quality; most of the resorts in Varkala do provide these services. One-week to one-month programs are available at some of the resorts. The swamis of the Sivagiri Mutt do take meditation classes. There is also a nature cure centre near the beach.
	Light House
	The light house at Varkala.
	Ponnumthuruth (Golden Island)
	This beautiful Island can be reached by boat. The cruize to the the island is a memorable one. There is a temple dedicated to Sivan and Parvathy which is very famous.