South India is never really cool, but pleasantly warm in winter. So, tourists usually visit Varkala beach during the month of October, as it is cool and secluded. Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam.

Varkala beach is famous for mineral springs and a fantastic massage, so don't forget to bring aromatherapy massage oil and sun protection. The mineral springs here are said to have curative properties. The massage technique has been a closely guarded secret for thousands of years, but for many tourists it's a welcome revival from the toils of the road.

Varkala is an important Hindu pilgrim center. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Center are the two main attractions of Varkala Beach. A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to pure the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' (destroyer of sin) for this shore.

At the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace.