The Varkala Tunnel, also known as the Varkala Canal or Varkala Thurapp in local dialect, is a system of tunnels situated in the municipality of Varkala of Trivandrum, Kerala, India. It is one of the region's most important historic sites and architectural marvels. This site was constructed by the Travancore Kingdom to establish a continuous inland waterway across Thiruvithamkoor as TS Canal, which was meant to serve as a trade route. The construction of the two long tunnels was started in 1867 and work on the first was finished in 1877, while the second was completed in 1880.
With a length of 1,069.848 metres (0.664773 mi), the two tunnels played a vital role in transferring ferry goods and people from the capital city of Trivandrum to Kollam during the pre-independence era. The tunnel is located under the main cliff of the region and represents the architectural excellence of the workers and engineers of that era. Built under the supervision of T. Madhava Rao, the Dewan of the Travancore Kingdom, the tunnel also makes up the Varkala stretch of Thiruvananthapuram–Shoranur canal, which passes through the delicate structure.
Today, the Varkala Tunnel is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The tunnel is a fascinating example of 19th century engineering and offers a unique glimpse into the history of Kerala.
Here are some tips for visiting Varkala Tunnel:
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful architecture.
- Be patient as the tunnel can get crowded, especially on weekends.
- Do not touch the walls or put your fingers in the water.
- Respect the history and the environment.
Varkala Tunnel is a great place to learn about the history of Kerala and to have a fun day out with the family.
Here are some additional details about Varkala Tunnel:
- Location: Varkala Tunnel is located near the Varkala Beach in Varkala.
- Timings: The tunnel is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Entry fee: The entry fee is ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children.
- Things to do: See the tunnel, learn about its history, take photos, have a picnic.
I hope this helps!