Varkala Let’s do paragliding from the cliff

“Papanasam is endowed with such natural beauty. The tourism department should think of introducing activities such as water scooters. What I find most appealing here is the cliff, and of course, the helipad, which we don’t find anywhere else. The helipad can be used for further promoting tourism activities. What about a short helicopter trip, lasting 10 minutes or so, taking the tourists around the sea and back? It will be an exhilarating experience for tourists who will be able to enjoy the sea and cliff from up in the sky.”

These words by Bosky Christopher, a Mumbai-settled Keralite, about Varkala sum up the untapped potential of this internationally renowned tourism destination.

What makes Varkala distinguishable from other tourist destinations in Kerala is the long cliff facing the Arabian Sea. This geographical rarity, termed by geologists as Varkala Formation, is one of the prime distinctive factors that has put the Papanasham beach, also called Varkala beach, at the top of the world’s tourism map, attracting travellers from across the world. The Geological Survey of India is planning to declare it as the 27th geological monument of India.

Varkala is also home to Sivagiri Mutt, and the two-thousand-year-old Janardana Swami Temple, a significant Vaishnavaite shrine in South India, which is located next to the Papanasham beach. One of the highlights of the temple is an ancient bell from a shipwreck. Legend has it that it was gifted to the temple by the captain of a Dutch ship that sank in the waters near Varkala.

Tourists from far and wide keep flocking to this laid-back coastal town to relish the serenity of the sandy beach; and of course, the bird’s eye view of the sprawling ocean is a special memory they go back with. It indeed is a visual treat to savour the panoramic beauty of the sea standing atop the majestic cliff, especially when the sky is azured by the sun on a bright-lit day. This idyllic piece of land, nestled among the greenery-covered red cliffs and blue-hued seas, beckons tourists from everywhere with its unspoiled charm, salubrious weather, and a friendly and hospitable people.

Paragliding and other activities

What is noteworthy about Papanasam is that the destination still holds great potential for further development from a tourism point of view. For example, the majestic cliff offers immense potential for paragliding. As of now, only Munnar and Vagmon offer paragliding opportunities in the state.

Paragliding often conjures up images of flying high in the mountains. What about doing it in a beach town? It can be a memorable experience for those who have that adrenaline rush inside. After all, who doesn’t like to float in the sky, like a bird navigating through the wafting clouds?

What can be done to make activities like paragliding more popular in Varkala? Aurélien Schots, a French citizen who used to undertake paragliding in Varkala, says that Varkala is an ideal place for paragliding. According to Schots, the possibilities are many, but it depends on so many things.

“Before thinking about what new sports or activities to do in Varkala, it is better to think about how to organise the current activities on the cliff. I think it’s better to work on the quality of the services offered and the authorities must ensure that professionals running the activities are qualified and trained enough to ensure the safety of the clients,” Schots says.

He feels that the government should create a system of training centres to make real future professionals in different sports.

Schots says that the challenge is to sustainably develop all these new sports, especially adventure sports, in the Indian tourist market.

“This would make it possible to limit the risks thanks to the competence of real professionals who measure their discipline as well as the risks incurred. A professional is a person who has learned a sport and who then trains to supervise and transmit his knowledge. An amateur is a person who has learned a sport and practices it as a hobby. Mistakes by amateurs should not affect the course of professional adventure tourism activities. Currently, the example of paragliding in Kerala has propelled local pilots into a professional position. It took more than 10 years and it is with these few people that the government can consider developing this sport in a sustainable way,” says Aurélien Schots.

Mistakes by amateurs should not affect the course of professional adventure tourism activities. Currently, the example of paragliding in Kerala has propelled local pilots into a professional position.

A lot more can be done

“Varkala receives all kinds of tourists from within and outside India. Hence, the possibilities are unlimited. The authorities should think of introducing paragliding as a permanent tourist attraction in Varkala. There is also potential for introducing Jet Ski or water scooters like we find in Goa,” says Riza, who has been in the tourism industry for a long time, says Mohamed Riza, a member of the Varkala Tourism Development Association.

According to him, the peculiar geography of Varkala Papanasam makes it the ideal destination for conducting paragliding activities.

Proposing a novel tourism idea, Riza says: “The Jatayu Earth Centre at Chadayamangalam has got a helipad. Varkala Papanasam also got one. Why not a helicopter service connecting the two places? There is great potential here. This can attract domestic tourists in large numbers who will be thrilled to take a helicopter ride.”

Tourists also feel the same about the unexplored tourism potential of Varkala. They feel that the Papanasham beach offers the potential for more activity-based tourism.

Aman Dubey, a tourist from Delhi who was in Varkala for a weeklong holiday with his friend, also feels that Varkala beach is ideal for water-based activities. He is greatly enamoured by the sedate pace of this coastal region.

“I am visiting this part of Kerala for the first time. Papanasham is wonderful. This is one of the best beaches I have seen. “says Dubey

The newly established Centre for Performing Arts is the latest addition to the tourist attractions of Varkala. It is an abode of artists and art buffs from all over the world to converge.

“The Centre is situated at a sprawling two-acre land. It can be developed further. The authorities can think of setting up a gymnasium, swimming pool, and badminton or tennis court here. It can further give a boost to the tourism prospects of Varkala,” says Riza.

The adjoining areas

The adjoining coastal regions of Varkala, such as Edava and Kappil, also beckon tourists and travellers with their bucolic beauty. These sleepy hamlets with their rustic charm attract tourists and travellers, both domestic and foreign. Kappil, with its turquoise backwaters that lay parallel to the sea, is already popular with domestic travellers who head to the beach during weekend evenings to unwind with families and relish the spectacle of the sun sinking in the sea.