Janardhana Temple

Varkala is a temple town and the Janardhana Temple is the main event. Devoted to Vishnu as Janardana, it draws pilgrims from across Kerala. It is believed to date in one shape or another from the 13th century. While only Hindus are permitted to enter the main shrine, the grounds are open to everyone from around 4am to noon and 5pm to 7pm. From the temple tank on Beach Rd, slip off footwear and climb the steep staircase to wander beneath an ancient banyan tree. A granite-built Tamil-style mandapa (pillared pavilion) leads to the central shrine and several smaller shrines devoted to other Hindus deities, including Hanuman and Shiva.