Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s enchanting coastal haven, Papanasham Beach in Thiruvananthapuram, has secured a prestigious position among the “100 Best Beaches in the World,” as listed by the renowned travel guide Lonely Planet.
Known locally as Varkala Beach and located approximately 40 kilometers from the state capital along the Arabian Sea, Papanasham Beach has become a sought-after tourist destination due to its shimmering sandy expanses and tranquil ambiance. Its inclusion in Lonely Planet’s “Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches” guidebook underscores its global appeal.
Framed by swaying coconut palms and surrounded by endless blue waters, the beach has earned acclaim as a traveler’s haven and a rejuvenating retreat featuring spas with therapeutic offerings set against the backdrop of the surrounding laterite cliff.
Beyond its tourist allure, Papanasham Beach holds religious significance, believed to cleanse visitors of sins (papam) with a ritualistic dip in its waters, hence its name. The beach is also a sacred site for pilgrims, where ashes from cremation grounds are immersed, symbolizing the purification of the departed soul towards eternal salvation (moksha).
A distinctive feature of this beach is the adjacency of cliffs to the Arabian Sea, making it the only location in southern Kerala with such geological formations, acknowledged by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as a geological monument.
Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas expressed delight at Varkala Beach’s global recognition and emphasized that being featured in Lonely Planet’s travel book would enhance the destination’s allure among travel enthusiasts worldwide. The government is committed to expediting the destination development project for Varkala, transforming it into a world-class tourism destination.
The comprehensive project includes preserving the Varkala Cliff, exploring eco-friendly transportation options like buggies and electric autos, improving infrastructure and safety measures, and implementing measures to reduce plastic usage and other pollutants.
In a move to elevate the beach experience, Kerala Tourism recently inaugurated a floating bridge and introduced various adventure tourism activities. The 100-meter-long and three-meter-wide floating bridge serves as a spacious viewing platform for over 100 visitors simultaneously.
Taking another stride toward prominence, Kerala Tourism will host the International Surfing Festival at Varkala from March 29 to 31. The event is expected to attract surfing athletes from overseas and India’s coastal cities, showcasing various categories of surfing competitions.
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