Thursday, February 8, 2024
Earning a significant accolade for Kerala‘s dynamic beach tourism, Papanasham Beach in Varkala has been honored with a spot among the top 100 beaches globally, as highlighted in Lonely Planet’s esteemed guide, “Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches.” Situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district, this beach is a gem along the Arabian Sea, renowned for its pristine sandy shores and tranquil atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for visitors.
Surrounded by coconut palms, blessed with endless blue waters, and known for its peaceful environment, Papanasham Beach is celebrated as a haven for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. It offers spa treatments that draw on the natural healing properties found in the cliffs’ laterite formations.
Moreover, Papanasham Beach holds spiritual significance as a pilgrimage site, where it’s believed that bathing in its waters can cleanse one’s sins. It is also a tradition to immerse the ashes of the deceased here, supporting the belief in achieving eternal salvation for the departed.
Unique to southern Kerala, the beach is distinguished by its adjacent cliffs along the Arabian Sea, recognized as a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India.
Expressing happiness, Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riya said, “Featuring into the list
of best beaches in the world is a remarkable recognition for Varkala Beach. Lonely Planet
travel book has a global readership among travel enthusiasts, and the recognition accorded
by it will further reinforce the reputation of the beach as an attractive destination.”
Recent initiatives have introduced a floating bridge and adventure tourism activities, such as parasailing, scuba diving, and paragliding, to boost the beach’s appeal. A 100-meter-long floating bridge now offers a spacious platform for over 100 guests, integrating into a broader tourism and marketing strategy.
Additionally, Kerala Tourism is organizing the International Surfing Festival at Varkala, set to take place from March 29 to 31, attracting surfers from around the world and India. This event aims to position Kerala, and specifically Varkala, as a leading surf destination, both nationally and internationally.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
