Location & Accommodation
Our Location
Varkala
Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old Vishnu Temple and the Ashramam – Sivagiri Mutt a little distance from the beach.
The Papanasam beach (also called as Varkala beach), which is ten kilometers away from Varkala, is renowned for the natural spring. It is considered to have medicinal and curative properties. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the name ‘Papanasam beach’.
A two thousand year old shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple, a short distance away from the beach. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 – 1928) is also close by. The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days – 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology: “one caste, one religion and one god”, in a society torn by the taboos of caste system.
Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for tourists and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres.
Attractions: Beach, mineral water springs, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000-year- old Vishnu Temple.
Location: Lattitude: 8.740543, Longitude: 76.716785
Accomodation
During your retreat or training, you will stay in one of our two student residences, each offering a comfortable and welcoming environment for your yogic journey. We provide a variety of accommodation options, including private rooms, rooms for couples, and shared rooms. Both residences offer a peaceful atmosphere, with ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans and mosquito nets on the windows, to keep insects outside the rooms.
Shiva Rishi Yoga School offers private and couple rooms within the school itself, placing you just steps away from the dining hall and our beautiful rooftop Yogashala where daily classes take place. Every room has access to private balconies and guests also have access to a tea kitchen in the main yoga school, while the beach, restaurants, and shops are all within a short 2-minute walk.
Shiva Mandala Residence, located only a 2-minute walk from the school, provides spacious shared rooms with single beds, ideal for friends travelling together and accommodating up to three students sharing. The atmosphere is more quiet as the house is located on the backside of Lavender residency, away from the road facing a beautiful garden that hosts all kinds of birds and other animals that peacefully coexist with us.
Attractions in and
surrounding Varkala
Varkala Cliff
Rising dramatically above the Arabian Sea, Varkala Cliff is one of India’s most unique coastal landscapes and the only place along Kerala’s coastline where ancient sedimentary cliffs meet the sea. Stretching for several kilometers, the striking red laterite formations create breathtaking viewpoints and unforgettable sunset panoramas.
Recognized as a National Geological Monument and currently included on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List, the cliffs reveal millions of years of geological history through layers of sandstone, clay, laterite, and fossil-rich deposits. Natural springs emerge from the cliff face, adding to the area’s ecological and geological significance.
Today, the cliff walk is lined with charming cafés, boutiques, yoga studios, Ayurveda centers and scenic viewpoints. Whether enjoying a morning walk, watching fishermen below, or witnessing one of Kerala’s most spectacular sunsets, Varkala Cliff remains the heart and soul of the town.
Kappil Backwaters
Just a short drive north of Varkala lies one of Kerala’s hidden gems: the tranquil Kappil Backwaters. Here, the calm waters of the backwaters run parallel to the Arabian Sea, separated only by a narrow strip of golden sand and coconut palms, creating one of the most picturesque landscapes in the region.
Unlike some of Kerala’s busier backwater destinations, Kappil offers a peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere perfect for relaxation, photography, and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy (house) boat rides, kayaking excursions, or simply sit beneath the swaying palms and watch local fishermen navigate the waterways.
The area is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when the reflections on the water create a magical setting. For guests seeking a slower pace and a deeper connection with Kerala’s natural beauty, Kappil Backwaters is an unforgettable experience.
Our Retreat guests and Yoga teacher training students come to enjoy a serene boat ride through the backwaters and enjoy the beauty of the cliff, as the school is located only 2 walking minutes away from its breathtaking views and sunsets.
Janardhana Swamy Temple
One of Kerala’s oldest and most revered temples, the Janardhana Swamy Temple has been a spiritual landmark in Varkala for nearly 2,000 years. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Janardhana form, the temple sits atop a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea and the famous Papanasam Beach. The temple is often referred to as “Dakshina Kashi” (the Benares of the South) due to its importance as a pilgrimage site and its association with ancestral rites and spiritual purification.
Visitors are welcomed through a traditional Kerala-style entrance and broad stone steps leading to the temple complex. Inside, beautifully crafted shrines, ancient banyan trees, serpent deities, and intricate temple architecture create an atmosphere of serenity and devotion. The main deity, Lord Janardhana, is depicted with four arms holding the conch, discus, mace, and sacred vessel.
The temple remains an active center of worship throughout the year and hosts vibrant festivals, traditional performances, and special ceremonies. Whether you are drawn by spirituality, culture, or architecture, a visit to Janardhana Swamy Temple offers a unique glimpse into Kerala’s rich religious heritage.
Papanasam Beach
Located directly below Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach is famous for its golden sands, dramatic sunsets, and spiritual significance. According to local belief, bathing in these waters helps cleanse past sins, which is reflected in the beach’s name, “Papanasam,” meaning “destruction of sins.” The beach is ideal for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery.
Mangrove Kayaking at Kappil
One of the most memorable eco-tourism experiences around Varkala is kayaking through the mangrove-lined waterways of Kappil and Edava. Paddling through narrow channels surrounded by tropical vegetation offers a peaceful encounter with local birdlife and Kerala’s unique coastal ecosystem.
Sivagiri Mutt
Founded by the renowned social reformer and spiritual leader Sree Narayana Guru, Sivagiri Mutt is one of Kerala’s most important spiritual and cultural centers. Situated on a hill overlooking Varkala, the ashram offers peaceful surroundings, beautiful architecture, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors come here to learn about Narayana Guru’s teachings of unity, education, and social harmony.
Odayam Beach
For those seeking a quieter alternative to the main beach, Odayam Beach offers long stretches of peaceful shoreline, fewer crowds, and a more natural atmosphere. Popular among yoga practitioners, photographers, and travelers looking for solitude, it provides an authentic coastal experience away from the busy cliff promenade.
Anjengo (Anchuthengu) Fort & Lighthouse
Approximately 15 km from Varkala, Anchuthengu Fort is one of Kerala’s oldest colonial landmarks. Built by the British East India Company in the late 17th century, the fort offers fascinating insights into Kerala’s maritime history. Nearby, the historic lighthouse provides sweeping views of the coastline and surrounding villages, making it a worthwhile half-day excursion.
Accommodation at Shiva Rishi Yoga at Varkala North Cliff
Stay at the Heart of the School
Ganesha Palace
Located within Shiva Rishi Yoga School, Ganesha Palace offers the most connected and vibrant stay for students who wish to be at the center of the yogic experience. Here you are just steps away from the dining hall and our beautiful rooftop Yogashala, where daily classes take place with open views and peaceful energy.
Quiet Garden Living
Shiva Mandala
Just a gentle 2-minute walk from the school, Shiva Mandala offers a more peaceful and private atmosphere, ideal for guests seeking extra quiet, rest, and space. Surrounded by greenery and garden views, this house creates a calm sanctuary while still keeping you close to all classes and activities.