Today, many tourists prefer Varkala to Kovalam, the internationally renowned beach. Varkala is less crowded with less number of shops, beach sellers and still lesser amount of commercialization. The development we see today in Varkala happened only in a period less than two years. The raw and unused stretch of beach is a loner’s delight where one could swim, play cricket or volley ball and even manage to practise yoga. If you are lucky, you also get sight of a naughty dolphin.

Papanasam 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. The 500-metre stretch is right below a cliff. Papanasom is important for Hindus in another way too. It is in the Papanasom Sea that many Hindus 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 considered a sacred act by the Hindus.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is 55 km from Varkala, reachable by car in a period of 2 hrs. Chartered flights operate from France and Britain during the season. Or you can board a train heading towards north, ideally going to Kollam or Kochi and get down at Varkala. However, one needs to check if the particular train has a stop at Varkala.
The beach is 2 km from the beach; journey by autorickshaw will cost around Rs 25. If you are coming from Ernakulam or Kollam, you can take a bus from any of the KSRTC bus stands or board a train headed for Thiruvananthapuram. It would take 1 hour from Kollam and 4 hours from Kochi by road or train.

Varkala beach is bordered by high cliffs. If you want a cheap holiday, Varkala is the place to be. In the off season, the area is mellow and relaxed and hotel rates drop to a couple of hundred rupees. In November, the season starts and prices soar. The season continues till March-April. During the monsoon, Varkala beach disappears almost entirely to gradually emerge during the tourist season.

Varkala has remained a Hindu pilgrimage centre since the 12th century. The Janardhana temple was built around this period. The main beach and the tourist area are located at the cliff top, just 10 minutes walk from the temple. That is where all the hotels and restaurants are located.

It is better to buy films and other necessary items from Varkala town than from the beach. It is also advised to drink only mineral water. Try to avoid drinking tap water. Internet browsing centres are plenty on the cliff. You can bargain and fix the rates before you start using. The rates vary from Re 1 to Rs 2 per minute.

The post office is to the south of the restaurants near the helipad. A police aid post also exists near to this. A tourist helping centre is located on the beach at the end of the beach road. It is friendly and organises elephant rides, backwater trips and other such activities. It also arranges overnight trips. Be careful of shady dealers who claim to give you a good deal for backwater trips.

Manali's cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. It is famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. It also offers hot springs, spectacular religious shrines and temples, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and trekking in the surrounding mountains...

Naggar Fort south of Manali is a reminder of the 1500 year old Pal Dynasty. Made from rocks, stones, and elaborate wood carvings, it is an ensemble of the rich and elegant artworks of Himachal. The castle was later converted to a rest house and luxury hotel. Tourists often stop at the castle to see the small shrine located in the building's courtyard, a fine example of architecture and design from the Pal Dynasty.

By Air : Nearest airport is Bhuntar - 50 km.

By Rail :Nearest railhead is Chandigarh - 272 km.

By Road : Jogindarnagar - 166 km, Shimla - 240 km, Delhi - 611 km.