Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, House No.12/132 (1),”POOJA”, Behind Marthoma Church Road, Near Varkala Railway Station, Cherukunnam.P.O.Varkala-695141 Mobile No: 8547871170, 6238028881 Email: visionvarkala22@gmail.com
A slew of projects to augment the tourism potential of Varkala are currently on. It is in this backdrop that Vision Varkala 2020 launched by Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (VIVID), a special purpose vehicle promoted by Kerala Government gains significance. A bali mandapam on the Papanasam beach, the first of the project under Vision Varkala 2020 has already been commissioned. This is meant for people coming from across the country to perform rituals and offer prayers in memory of departed souls on the day of vavu bali. The proposed National Centre for Performing Arts as part of Vision Varkala 2020 is meant for popularizing culture, heritage and tourism. This will be developed as a centre of international standards having tie-ups with the Association of Asia-Pacific Performing Arts Centre, Singapore for cultural and technology transfers across the globe. Two acres of land in the Government guest-house premises (Varkala) has been identified for the purpose and Rs.100 million allocated for the first phase of the project. Vision Varkala 2020 will also have a Sea Life Leisure Park as part of the water sports complex, which is first of its kind in the country, coming up on a 50-acre land. Implemented in PPP mode and aimed at increasing the tourist inflow to Varkala by five times, the park will serve as home to around 100 sea animals and five dolphins that will be used for entertainment and educational purposes. Rs.10,000 million has been allocated for the realization of this project. A pre-feasibility studey is also envisaged with the help of CMFRI. The Global Ayurveda Village is another major project as part of Vision Varkala 2020 for the development of Ayurveda in Varkala (developed by Kerala’s mentor Sam Pitroda). The Ayurveda village will be set up in 63 acres of land at Elakamon Panchayat. The Rs.2000 million project aims to make Varkala the world capital of Ayurveda with facilities for research and development and high-end treatment facility backed by high-class infrastructure. Vision Varkala 2020 is bound to enhance the significance of Varkala as a travel destination, which is annually visited by around 50,000 foreign travellers and 1.60 lakh domestic travellers.
Independent Audit Report and Annexures Approved Accounts 2020-21
Projects /Activities undertaken by VIVID Corporation: Construction of Varkala Papanasam Balimandapam Centre for Performing Arts (CPA) Preparation of Master Plan for Varkala DPR Preparation for Waste Management Protection of Varkala Cliff Establishment of UNESCO Geo Park Establishment of Geo Park Museum Erection of National Geological Monument Board at Varkala Cliff area Skill Development Institute Geo-Spatial Information System Destination Development Location Areas of operation : Varkala Municipality Vettoor Grama Panchayat Chemmaruthy Grama Panchayat Navaikulam Grama Panchayat Madavoor Grama Panchayat Pallickal Grama Panchayat Elakamon Grama Panchayat Edava Grama Panchayat
Sri Pinarayi Vijayan Chief Minister of Kerala Chairman, VIVID Sri P A Mohammed Riyas Minister for Tourism Co-Chairman, VIVID Adv.V.Joy Hon’ble MLA, Varkala Constituency Vice Chairman, VIVID Dr. A. Jayathilak. IAS Chief Secretary Director, VIVID Smt. Anukumari . IAS District Collector Director, VIVID Shri. K.Biju.IAS Tourism Secretary Director, VIVID Dr. Veena.N. Madhavan IAS Special Secretary, Planning & Economic Affairs Dept. Director, VIVID Adv. Adoor Prakash Hon’ble MP, Attingal Director, VIVID Shri.M.G. Rajamanickam IAS Secretary, Revenue Department. Director, VIVID Smt. Tinku Biswal IAS LGSD Principal Secretary Director, VIVID Adv. D. Suresh Kumar District Panchayath President, Thiruvananthapuram. Director, VIVID Shri V Ramachandran Potty Managing Director, VIVID Secretary,Finance Department.
To Plan, Promote, Develop, Operate, Own, Maintain, all infrastructure facilities; Prepare project and feasibility reports; Implement projects and development of schemes; Monitor economic and social welfare activities, Render technical, financial and marketing supports and Undertake developmental projects and services of Government, Public, Private & Joint Sectors. To provide all infrastructure facilities for establishing or for facilitating the establishment of, manufacturing, processing or packaging industries; electronic, hi-tech or knowledge based industries; agro-based, food processing industries; tourism, leisure, recreation, adventure, health management industries/ services, logistics infrastructure and warehouses, and; To render consultancy and advisory services in connection with infrastructure projects of any nature.
A Special Purpose Vehicle was formed on 15th October 2011 for the comprehensive Infrastructure Development of Varkala. It has been registered as a Company namely, Vision Varkala Infrastructure Development (VIVID) Corporation Limited on 25th February 2013. The Corporation Implements various type of projects such as PPP, Joint Venture, Private and Public by mobilizing funds from Govt., NRIs, Financial Institutions etc… It is a fully Government owned Company formed under the Department of Planning & Economic Affairs under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Hon’ble MLA Varkala, Hon’ble MP Attingal, Government Secretaries, District Collector and other Top Officials from various Govt organizations are the other Director Board members of the Corporation.
The silvery stretches of sand and the calm ambience on the beaches are the highlights of Varkala as a tourist destination. ‘Papanasam’ is one of the main beaches here and it is not only an important tourist spot but it also has religious significance. It is believed that a dip in the waters here will wash away all the sins (papam) and hence the beach obtained its name. Hindus find it a very auspicious place and ashes collected from the cremation grounds are immersed at the sea here. They believe that the sins of the deceased will be washed away and the soul gets moksha or eternal salvation through this ritual. Papanasam beach is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. It is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kerala. The evening views of the sunset are worth lingering over. The cliff and the beach house a lot of resorts, restaurants and other shops. The cliff has a long stretch of small shops which goes on for over a kilometer. The black part of the sand on the Varkala Beach contains Thorium-oxide which is a radioactive substance. Thorium and Thorium-oxide and its isotopes are found all over Kerala and can be identified by its black colour. Ambience at the beach Adjacent to the white sandy beaches are the pink laterite cliffs, which stand there like sentinels guarding the sea. The cliffs surround the beach and it is the ideal getaway for anyone who wants to escape from the hullabaloo of the urban life. Bordered by coconut palms and blessed with an idyllic serenity, the beach has a laid back ambience and it is often a traveller’s pleasure and rejuvenation point. You can collect sea shells; take a stroll on the sand enjoying the unending stretch of blue waters or lie down on the laid back sun kissed beach. It is the ideal spot for a sunbath or for a perfect view of sunset. The golden orange on the sky after the sunset will surely make you bow before the greatest artist, Nature. The outline of the fishing boats that appear on the horizon in this golden yellow background will surely spur the artist in you. Cliffs – peculiarities Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where the cliffs guard the sea. According to geologists, these tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are unique geological features. It is a geology monument which is called `Varkala formation’ among geologists. The natural spring gushing out the laterite cliff is believed to have medicinal quality, as it contains various minerals. Its therapeutic effect draws a lot of visitors to the spot and people take a dip in this spring in order to get cured of various diseases. The cliff is extensive and it has a winding footpath atop lined with hotels, shops etc., and the wide plateau on top provides a panoramic view of the surroundings. Climb on the hilltop and you will feel like in the midst of a village festival. Numerous shops which sell beads, curios, Tibetan charms, books, Rajasthan dresses and curios can be seen here. You can get a tattoo done or relish a delicacy looking at the sea from an eating joint here. You can also visit the bamboo village or just stand at the edge of the cliff enjoying all the serenity that the area harbours. Adventure sports and shopping If you are a traveller looking for some adventure, the beach also provides some scope for it. You can indulge in a number of adventure sports like parasailing, scuba diving and paragliding. You can also try your hand at deep sea fishing or can shop at the stores on the beach and can collect some wonderful souvenirs or curios. A range of sea food delicacies are available at the restaurants, which are sure to tickle your taste buds.
Government of Kerala