What's the best place to stay in Varkala?

Question

I'd like somewhere nice, friendly, clean and quiet. I'll only be there for 3 nights so am willing to pay a bit more than I would normally. I could even splash out a bit if it was somewhere really nice! Cheers.

Answer 1

A famous beach resort, Varkala is also famous for its 2,000 year old Janardanaswamy temple, which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the south). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.

Another major landmark in Varkala is the Sivagiri Mutt, established by the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The hill-top mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru, also located there, is one of the most famous buildings in Kerala. The adjacent hills house the East-West University of Brahmavidya and Sree Narayana Gurukulam, both organizations belong the late Nataraja Guru, a split-away disciple of Sree Narayana Guru and his famous disciples Muni Narayana Prasad and Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati.

The District Ayurvedic Hospital is also located in Varkala, which is now almost completely been renovated.

The landmark hill-top mausoleum of Narayana GuruAnother important feature of Varkala is the now dilapidated Varkala Tunnel, through which passes the TS Canal, which was an all-important waterway during pre-independence times.

The town has excellent telecommunication facilities, round-the-clock power, an average-rated water supply system, firestation, several post offices and police station. The town boasts a government-run hospital in addition to nearly 10 private hospitals and some dental clinics. Several elementary and senior-secondary schools, both government-run and private are also functioning. In addition to an Arts and Science college named after Sree Narayana Guru, there are several private professional institutions offering courses like nursing and teaching. A dental college is under construction.

Almost all consumer goods are available in the town. Varkala has several shopping complexes, and 4 not-so-good moviehouses. Over 10 banks have branches in Varkala, most of them have ATMs too.

Varkala has a railway station, with most trains having halts. The station has computerized railway reservation facility, and it is the second most-important railhead in the district of Thiruvanthapuram, after the Thiruvananthapuram Central Station. Varkala is an important hub for neighbouring places like Attingal, Kadakkavur, Edava, Kallambalam and Kappil.

Answer 2

These are the besy hotels in Varkala:

1. Rajapark Beach Resort
2. Hill View Beach Resort
3. Kadaltheeram Beach Resort and Ayurvedic Spa
4. Kerala Bamboo House
5. Santa Claus All Seasons Village
6. Taj Garden Retreat - Varkala
7. Fragrant Nature Resort
8. Hindustan Beach Retreat
9. Samudra Garden Resort
10. Zion Villa

Answer 3

When i went to Varkala I stayed at a place called Villa Jacaranda. It's run by Ajay and Wesley, who 'escaped the London rat race to build the villa'.
It's a beautiful, friendly place, with only about 4 rooms. It's at the more expensive end of accommodation (for India) but worth every penny. (I think we paid about £30 a night)
you can email them on: [e-mail]

Answer 4

Please check the following websites:

http://www.webindia123.com/tourism/beach/varkala.htm

http://www.indiatravelite.com/accommodations/tajgardenretreatverkala.htm

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g297639-Varkala_Kerala-Hotels.html