Poovar is a virgin unexplored estuary in South Kerala that is a window into Gods Own Country. There are multiple Things to Do in Poovar-which is a unique Estuary in Kerala as it is encircled by the most tranquil backwaters and a lake which opens out to the Arabian Sea and a dreamy golden sand beach. The island is in the Thiruvananthapuram district and is at the southernmost point of Kerala near Tamil Nadu.
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Poovar is unique because it is the only Estuary in Kerala where backwaters, sea, lake and beach comes together with its beautiful canals and rivers. The island, which appeared in historical records under a variety of titles, received its current name from “poo” and “aar” which means Flowers and Water in Malayalam underlining the fact that the place had a lot of flowers in thee riverbeds in ancient times. In ancient times Poovar was a busy port attracting traders from all across the world. Modern Poovar is a quiet fishing village and is frequented by nature lovers, beach aficionados and those seeking peaceful escape from the city.
Top 10 Things to do in Poovar
1. Enjoy the Day Boating in Poovar
Poovar is known for eco-friendly boat rides in houseboats and canoes and is among the few places where you can do boating in backwaters and the lake. You can take advantage of boating along the backwaters of Poovar as you admire the scenery and can also visit the point where Neyyar river merges with Arabian Sea. Usually the boating is for 1 hour and you can also eat from floating restaurant in the area. A boat ride is always fun for kids of all ages, wherever it is. On this ride, you can see beautiful beaches, mangroves, estuaries and much more.
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2. Visit the Poovar Village
Poovar village is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Trivandrum and it is heartening to see local fishermen casting their nets to sea with multi-coloured boats in the background. While on family vacations Poovar is an ideal spot to teach your kids about the native Keralite culture. Trip to Poovar will captivate the guests as they will usually see individuals fishing with traditional fishing instruments or constructing sturdy boats. Under the close supervision of local experts, the older and more brave guests might even attempt climbing up a coconut tree.
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3. Stay in a Floating Cottage
Floating cottages is one of the specialties in Poovar and it is among the few places in India where construction of floating cottages above water is permitted which is why this tops the list of things to do in Poovar. The resort is accessible only in the boat and you need to travel in the boat for 30 minutes to reach the resorts with floating cottages like Poovar Island Resort and Isola Di Cocco.
4. Relax in the Poovar Beach
Poovar has a unique beach which has golden sands on one side and backwaters and lake on the other side. This blend of earthern hues and verdant plants make it unique in itself. It is one of the rare beaches in Kerala where you will see swaying coconut palms on the sea shore providing respite from hot sun in the beaches.
Poovar Beach’s breathtaking views make it one of the most popular beaches in the area. It is nestled between the sea and backwater and is a gorgeous sandbank. When it rains heavily, you will be mesmerized to see the lakes and sea merging, and the sandbank gets submerged in water as the water level rises.
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Poovar is well-known destination for bird watching along Kerala Tourism routes. The variety and vibrancy of the region’s flora and animals are absolutely amazing. Birding enthusiasts that visit this location to observe both migrating and local birds find it to be a delight. When it is not raining, you can sunbathe on the beach and sock in the view.
5. Visit Vizhinjam
You will have many opportunities on the island to unwind and savor the delectable Keralan cuisine. However, a wonderful natural harbor by the name of Vizhinjam is located just 14 kilometers from Poovar Island. You can go to the cave temple to see the exceptional beauty of the 18th-century rock-cut statues.
Vizhinjam is located extremely close to Thirvananthapuram’s international shipping terminal. The Vizhinjam Harbour is noteworthy historically as a prominent natural harbor teeming with mariners. The distance between Kovalam and this breathtaking harbor is roughly three kilometers.
Here you can find Kerala’s cave temples. Located in Tirunandikara, Vizhinjam, Tuvarankad, and Bhutapandi are well-known cave temples. Lord Shiva is the main deity in almost all cave temples. Numerous devotees visit the temple during major festivals.
6. Visit Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
The Vizhinjam Maritime Aquarium promises to provide visitors with a unique experience. It was previously called Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium. The aquarium is 2 km from Kovalam beach.
The aquarium has a unique Image Pearl Technique where you can witness the formation of pearls. Shell cement is used to make brand new pearls.
Visitors can see exotic marine creatures like sea horses, cowfish, and angelfish. A large tank with several colorful corals is one of the most popular exhibits. The aquarium is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
7. Enjoy Kovalam Surf Club
Kovalam Surf Club is especially meant for adventure enthusiasts and people who love water sports. If you enjoy surfing, the Kovalam Surf Club sports club is a must-visit. The surf club collaborates closely with the neighborhood police and lifeguards. It assists with basic surfing lessons and provides travelers with surfing gear.
The lads and girls who make up the Kovalam Surf Club are all natives of Kovalam and come from nearby villages. The surf club’s professionals will advise you on the proper surfing techniques and safety precautions to adopt. Before you go surfing in the waves, check how much the experience will cost you, and the cost of the essential gear, and also get some basic instructions.
8. Visit Palaces, Museums and Art Galleries
The Krishna Menon Museum is a must-visit and houses his personal effects. There are art galleries on the same campus. You can view some magnificent paintings by Raja Ravi Varma there. Another popular art gallery worth a visit is the Pazhassiraja Museum, dedicated to the famous freedom fighter Pazhassiraja. There are also multiple palaces near Poovar like The Kanakakunnu Palace and Koyikkal Palace.
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11. Day Trip to Kovalam
Lighthouse beach is lively and vibrant. The beaches are surrounded by tall coconut trees, the waves crashing on the rocky coast, and the fishermen out in the sea in brightly colored boats and fishing nets. The scenery will surely soothe your senses.
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Kovalam beach is one of the best-known beaches in Kerala. It is best known for its unique cresent-shaped beaches. The rocky headland has created a naturally stunning bay of tranquil water that is perfect for bathing. Remember to be cautious while dipping into the sea.
Entering the beach in the monsoon is prohibited. You can still enjoy the delicious local seafood, sunbathe, and get rejuvenating massage. You can also participate in various water sports.
The lighthouse beach is extremely beach. The lighthouse is the beach’s star attraction. You can climb up to the lighthouse stairs and soak in the breathtaking view. The vantage point offers a breathtaking view of Southern Kerala in all its beauty. Photography enthusiasts can take some beautiful pictures. It is best to confirm if pictures are permitted inside the lighthouse since the policies are subject to change.
How to get to the Poovar island?
Thiruvananthapuram international airport is roughly 1 hour from Poovar island. The airport is well connected to major cities in the country. Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station is located at a distance of 27 km from Poovar. It is a critical junction and is connected to most major cities in the country. From the station, you can take a cab or local transport. If you are traveling with your family, a cab is definitely more convenient.
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Best time to visit Poovar Island
Poovar is a beach town located in southern India. The best time to visit Poovar is between October and March when the weather is cool and dry. During this time of year, the average temperatures range from 21 to 32 degrees Celsius. This is an ideal time to enjoy the town’s beach and water sports. However, it should be noted that Poovar can be quite crowded during these months, so it is advisable to book accommodations in advance. April and May are usually considered the off-season in Poovar, as the weather becomes hot and humid. However, this can still be a good time to visit if you are looking for deals on accommodations and activities.
