8 Relaxing Weekend Escapes From Varkala For Peace Seekers
1. Varkala Beach
A visit to this beach, known as Varkala, makes a trip to Varkala complete. It's a breathtaking place where you can relax and enjoy various activities on towering cliffs over the sea. Either lying on the beach, swimming in clear waters, or merely watching mesmerizing sunsets, this beach ought to capture one's heart.
2. Sivagiri Mutt
For a taste of spirituality and culture, make your way up to Sivagiri Mutt, a well-known ashram perched atop a picturesque hilltop. This spiritual refuge was founded by eminent philosopher and social reformer Sri Narayana Guru; it attracts both devotees and tourists alike. Enjoy peaceful surroundings, take a look at the Samadhi (burial ground) of Sree Narayana Guru, and participate in daily rituals held at the ashram for complete satisfaction.
3. Kappil Beach
Kappil Beach is hidden from the tourist masses; hence, it provides an exclusive getaway for those who are after relaxation only. Dotted with tall palm trees placed against squeaky white sands, this small wonderland offers leisurely walks, picnics, and sunbathing experiences. Moreover, you can also choose to go on peaceful boat rides through Kappil Lake's backwaters while enjoying the scenic view around you.
4. Anjengo Fort
History addicts and fans of architecture will be thrilled by the visit to Anjengo Fort, which is a historical stronghold with lots of stories. Originally constructed by the Dutch East India Company in the 1600s, this grand old fortress has seen centuries of seafaring trade and military conquests. Spend your time exploring the well-preserved ramparts, bastions, and cannons or just looking at the panoramic view of the sea from its top.
5. Janardhana Swamy Temple
In order to fully indulge yourself in Varkala's spiritual atmosphere, make a point of visiting Janardhana Swamy Temple, an ancient Hindu place reserved for the worship of Lord Vishnu. This holy place, which is believed to be more than 2 millennia old, is cherished by believers and travelers alike. Gaze at amazing architectural work with sculptures and carvings all over it and participate in ceremonies that take place within these sacred walls.
6. Ponnumthuruthu Island
Take a peaceful trip around Ponnumthuruthu Island (Golden Island), found along Varkala's peaceful backwaters. It is surrounded by water that is only reachable by boat. The beautiful green surroundings offer peace and quietness on this island full of vegetation. Casual walking along winding pathways, observing different types of plants and animals, and seeing the ancient Shiva Parvathi Temple located among coconut palm trees are some activities one can do here.
7. Edava Beach
Get away from tourists and see untouched beauty on Edava Beach; it is a narrow stretch that borders palms with white sands being washed off by blue crystal clear waters. Whether you want to have fun through surfing or parasailing or just resting under shade trees while reading a book, Edava beach provides a cool environment for easy weekend holidaying.
8. Ayurvedic Retreats:
Rejuvenate your spirit, mind and body with pleasant relaxation at some well-known Ayurvedic resorts and wellness centers in Varkala. Take part in the traditional healing process, as performed by accomplished practitioners that offer tailor-made therapies to suit your individual requirements. Pamper yourself with rejuvenating massages, herbal treatments, yoga classes or meditation sessions all aimed at total tranquility leaving you fully refreshed.
In Conclusion:
The town of Varkala is one of those destinations which have attracted numerous tourists through its preserved beaches and spiritual sites where people are able to find peace not only within themselves but also nature itself. When looking forward to spending a good weekend away from home there are places that offer something for every person making them best getaways in Varkala for any type of a tourist who might be interested in adventure, meditation or just relaxations from the daily hustles of life. Therefore, pack your bags and escape mediocrity so as to come and see how beautiful this coastal place can be.
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It's okay to support the kanwariyas but creating inconvenience for others is where it gets tricky. Spare a thought about the ordeal of those living in almost curfew like situations. Going to school becomes a challenge. Businesses and government offices along the way come to a standstill for a fortnight. Even nights don't offer any respite. Loud music played by kanwariya boom boxes creates intense noise disturbing citizens, pets and wildlife alike. Residences along the Kanwar pilgrimage routes with elderly people in need of a good night's sleep bear the brunt of this loud and very public display of devotion. Newborns and toddlers are subjected to intense stress. The traffic jams caused by the large movement of people is a veritable nightmare for the hospital goers and those running to meet a deadline. Religion means peace and well being, not cacophony and chaos. During the past two weeks, I asked many people and found them to be favourably disposed towards the Kanwar pilgrimage. But they were uncomfortable with the growing new trends around this time of the year. The Supreme Court orders are clear that loud music should stop at 11 pm. But these processions seem above the law of the land. Anyone wanting to lodge a complaint is flummoxed whom to approach as senior police officers in uniform are seen attending and pampering the kanwariyas. Such politicisation of the bureaucracy is dangerous. The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, who has gone the extra mile to make the Kanwar pilgrimage more comfortable and safe, is aware of the deterioration creeping in to the age-old tradition. It's no surprise that he warned miscreants hiding behind the kanwariyas, insisting that everyone's CCTV footage was available. He said those who are trying to malign the Kanwar yatra will be exposed and their posters pasted everywhere. We should remember that apart from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Kanwar yatras are organised in other parts of the country. But these places don't witness such hooliganism. Not only the Kanwar yatra, many religious processions are organised throughout the country on different occasions round the year. Millions attend them but rarely do we witness such chaos and mess. I am reminded of France where once I got a chance to witness a religious procession. I saw thousands of people moving quietly in single files. It set a beautiful example that religion and spiritual peace are complementary. There's no place for noise and nuisance. At that time I thought the oldest religion in the world should also reflect maximum discipline. But why is it lacking? Hinduism and thousands of years of our Hindustaniat (Indian identity) are testimony to the fact that we always deal with our weaknesses and emerge stronger and better. I have firm belief we'll pause, reflect, and recalibrate our approach for restoring the pristine glory of the pilgrimage for present and future generations. Shashi Shekhar is the editor-in-chief, Hindustan. The views expressed are personal.
