Papanasham beach is located near the small town of Varkala which is at a distance of 41 kilo meters from the capital of Kerala State, the city of Trivandrum. The journey through the narrow roads passing through green paddy fields from Varkala to the Papanasham beach is a very beautiful experience. The quiet beach at the end of this beautiful journey adds on to the very pleasant and serene experience awaiting the travelers. The beach is a favorite spot for tourists with its very picturesque view of sun set with the sky and the sands bleached golden or orange-pink.

The name Papanasham literally means destroying the sins. This beach is very important for the Hindus as it believed that taking a bath in the sea water here will remove all the sins from the soul. Another important feature of the beach is the presence of Janardhana Swamy Temple which is more than 800 years old. Often, travelers will be able to sight the holy elephants being taken to and from the temple for the holy rituals.

The beach is lined with small hillocks through which many streams flow down to the sea. It is claimed that the waters of these streams pass through grounds covered in medicinal plants and therefore the sea near the beach is believed to have medicinal qualities.

Comfortable hotels and restaurants are available near the beach for those who wish to stay for a while enjoying the nature. The beach also has spas and Ayurvedic centers that provide with massages and rejuvenation treatments to the tourists.