Varakal is located toward the North west of Thiruvananthapuram and south west of Kollam. It is the second most important hub for neighbouring places like Attingal, Kadakkaur, Edava, Kallambam, Kappil, Parippally and Kili. Evening views of sunset exposes the marvellous beauty of the place. Its beach is famou...s for its natural spring’s beauty.

A two thousand-year-old shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach, a short distance away. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great religious 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.

Varakala offers excellent accommodation facilities for tourists and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres.