South India’s Backpacker Beach Pilgrimage-Varkala

Enjoying another spectacular sunset on Varkala Beach, otherwise known as Papanasum Beach a holy Hindu site and Kerala’s number one backpacker destination

I am really enjoying discovering the treasures of Kerala, one of five states that makes up the region of South India.

On my latest journey through the state I have been traveling down the coast visiting some of the beach resorts many adventurous travellers have been making sun-seeking winter pilgrimages to for some time now.

Kerala is famous for it’s coastline and beautiful backwaters. So renowned for it’s beauty that National Geographic Traveller included it on their list of top 10 paradises in the world.

My latest stop on this leg of my trip was Varkala Beach, or Papanasum Beach as most locals know it.

At first glance Varkala looks like your typical backpacker “hippy” destination with loads of yoga centers, shops selling beads and “hippy wear”, think lots of baggy clothing, and cafes with the standard trance music soundtrack.

But make no mistake this is actually a true spiritual center with famous temples, Hindu priests that sit on the beach waiting to bless families that have recently lost loved ones and waters that are believed to have the power to wash away the sins of a lifetime with one dip.

Join me for an introduction to Varkala Beach, Kerala-South India, the latest On The Road with Far East Adventure Travel.