Beautiful Varkala hills play host to one of the holiest sites in God’s Own Country – the Sivagiri Mutt! The Samadhi or the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru – the saint and social reformer of Kerala is located in the 200 acres of the Sivagiri Mutt. Sree Narayana Guru was a famous saint who worked for the upliftment of the backward classes. It’s believed that this is where Sree Narayana Guru became enlightened. People from all walks of life arrive at the Sivagiri Mutt to pay tribute at the Guru’s Mahasamadhi at the hill summit. From the hilltop, the Guru’s humble residence can be viewed, which still has some of his old belongings on display.
The headquarters of the SNDP (Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam), is also on the same premises.
The Sivagiri Mutt is a highly popular Varkala sightseeing place and experiences a steady flow of devotees. During the Sivagiri Pilgrimage on December 30th-January 1st, there is a phenomenal increase in the number of tourists to the Sivagiri Mutt. In the pilgrimage, different rituals are observed which are different from other religious pilgrimages. Devotees to Sivagiri Mutt follow the principles of Buddha – purity of mind, body, food word & deed!