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A 2000-year-old Vishnu temple perched on a cliff near Varkala's Papanasam Beach, known for its ancestral rites and Dravidian architecture.
The Janardhana Swamy Temple is an ancient Vishnu shrine located on a cliff overlooking Papanasam Beach in Varkala. Believed to be around 2,000 years old, it is a significant pilgrimage site often referred to as 'Dakshin Kashi' or the Kashi of the South. The temple is constructed in the classic Dravidian architectural style, with a circular inner sanctum, a copper-plated roof, and a grand entrance tower. A defining feature is the flight of steps leading from the temple down to the beach, where devotees perform ancestral rites, believing the waters can wash away sins.
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Janardhana Swamy Temple Road, Varkala, Kerala 695141, Near Varkala Beach, Varkala, Kerala, India
Air
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport, located about 45 km away. A taxi from the airport to Varkala takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Train
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK) is the closest station, just 3 km from the temple. It is well-connected by trains from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and other major Indian cities. Auto-rickshaws are readily available at the station.
Road
Varkala is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala like Thiruvananthapuram (45 km) and Kollam (35 km). KSRTC and private buses operate regular services. You can also drive or hire a cab.
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws are the primary mode of local transport and are easily available. Rental scooters and bikes are also popular among tourists for getting around Varkala.
Nearby restaurants near Janardhana Swamy Temple
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