Tourism has transformed Kerala. While it has bolstered its economy, it has also created a certain chaos in its quiet beauty. Visit any of Kerala’s popular crowd-pullers, Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, or Thekkady and you’ll realize they are no longer the away-from-it-all destinations they once were. Don’t worry, Kerala hasn’t completely lost its retro, bohemian backpacker vibe just yet. It still exists in the charming seaside town of Varkala. So, dear travelers, here are four reasons why you should visit one of the best offbeat places in Kerala.
Kappil Lake
© tourmyindia.com
An estuary located to the north of Varkala, Kappil Lake is one of Varkala’s most picturesque spots. Surrounded by the tall coconut trees, the tourists can enjoy leisurely boating in the lake. Once you reach the lake, you’ll forget about the mundanities of life; the tranquility the lake emanates instantly calms you down.
Beaches
Varkala’s most prominent attraction are its beaches, and most popular of them is Varkala Beach. This beach distinctly stands out from other beaches in Kerala thanks to its laterite cliffs. In fact, this is the only place in Kerala where you can find cliffs by the Arabian Sea. The famous Janardhana Swamy Temple is located close to this beach. Pilgrims who visit the temple make it a point to explore the beach. Apart from the devotees, you can see several tourists from around the world relaxing on the shores of the beach. This beach is also called as the Papanasam beach. Locals believe that, once a person takes a dip in the waters of this beach, they would be relieved of all their sins. If you want more seclusion, head to Kappil Beach where the sea and backwaters meet or Thiruvambadi Beach, one of the rare black sand beaches in India.
Backwaters
Unlike the Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters, Varkala backwaters are less touristy and more tranquil. Located near Varkala and Kappil Beach, a houseboat cruise in the backwaters is without a doubt the best way to experience the backwaters. As your houseboat gently glides, the peace and harmony of the backwaters takes over making you feel like you’re in your own little world. Occasionally, peep out to see some exotic birds.
Ponnumthuruthu Island
© keralatourism.org
Surrounded by the Anjengo backwaters, this isle is uninhabited and can be reached by boat from a makeshift jetty at Nedunganda village. Literally translating to Golden Island, legend goes that the queens of the Travancore Royal Family used to hide their gold and ornaments on this island for safety. Today, all that remains on the island is a 100-year-old Shiva Parvati temple called ‘Thuruthu Kshethram’. Set in the midst of a lush coconut grove and surrounded by the backwaters, the temple seems to be straight out of a postcard. The island comes alive with festivities and is lit with lamps on Shivarathri.
So pack your bags with your super cute beach wear and off you go to this land of sunshine.
Book flights to Kochi on EMI with Mihuru Splitfare and don’t miss the opportunity to explore God’s own country.
