Varkala, a coastal town, is situated around 50 km north of Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km south of Kollam. Varkala is a calm and quiet hamlet that has several places of tourist interests, the prominent ones being the Papanasam Beach, the Sivagiri Mutt and the Vishnu shrine dedicated to Lord Janardhana.

According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (the bark of tree which the mythical sages used to wear) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption came to be known as the Papanasam Beach.

Varkala is a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre, being the eternal resting place of the eminent social reformer and philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is also a beautiful sea side resort with mineral water springs. A dip in the holy waters of the Papanasam Beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for the tourists and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many ayurvedic massage centres.