Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach is known for its purifying powers to wash away sins. The beach is also a major Ayurvedic treatment centre. The Varkala Formation on the beach is a geological monument as these sedimentary formations are a rare presence on an otherwise plain Kerala coast. There is another beach called Tiruvambadi Beach in Varkala. Kappil Lake, located 4 kilometres north of Varkala, is an estuary passing through dense coconut plantation finally merging into the Arabian Sea. It is the best place to capture the scenic backwaters of the region. Samudra Beach, Kovalam Beach, Hawah Beach, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary all in Thiruvananthapuram and Back Waters in Paravur, are other prominent natural spots in the region.