KOVALAM BEACH

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Had enough of Kovalam beach? Try Varkala, with its winning topography and pristine beaches.

WHEN TO GO

Like Kovalam the season extends from October to March. Though the beach is idyllic strong undertows preclude serious swimming. Monsoon is best avoided, as the sea turns quite rough.

GETTING THERE

Road: Scenic roads connect Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram (55 km) and Quilon (35 km).

Train: Almost all trains from Thiruvananthapuram halt at Varkala.

Air: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram.

TOURIST INFORMATION

Tourist facilitation centre on the heli pad cliff is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Government guest house information counter (Ph:0471-2602227) provides free of cost road maps, tourist brochures, private accommodation options, list of restaurants and approved Ayurvedic and yoga centers and booklets with lists of government guest houses in the State.

Tourist information counters at the railway station, Ph: 0471-2602126.

PLACES TO STAY

Most of the accommodations is strewn across the higher (heli pad) and lower (Papanasam beach) cliff tops. The heli pad cliff boasts the maximum numbers but teems with tourists. The lower cliff is much less crowded and more peaceful. The downtown Taj Garden Retreat (Ph: 0470-2603000) is 4-star while the government guest house just opposite offers spacious rooms at down-to-earth rates. For bookings, Contact Protocol Officer, General Admin Dept., Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram.
Ph: 2327377. Fax: 2325682
Sea Pearl Chalets (Ph: 0470-260875) and Vila Jacaranda (Ph: 0470-2610296) on the south cliff provide peace and value for money.

This information is read from a news paper