Varkala Beach, also known as the Papanasam Beach, is located in the Varkala town of Thiruvananthapuram District. The beach is an ideal location for sunbathing and swimming. Surrounded by lush green areas and golden sands, the beach lies in South Kerala at the north-end border of the district. Renowned for its small shops and flea markets, the beach also attracts people for its beautiful views of dusk and dawn. It is also known for a fresh water spring, which is located at a cliff. People take a holy dip in this water as it is believed that it helps in cleansing away the sins. Besides all this, some sections of the beach are also used by the local people for scattering the mortal remains of their relatives and friends into the sea. It is believed that the holy properties of the sea water will help the souls to reach heaven.