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Poovar Kerala Poovar

Poovar is an unexplored destination engulfed by the unruffled backwaters opening out into the azure expanse of the Arabian Sea. Located at the southern tip of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, this island paradise is an ideal venue to experience the pulse of bucolic coastal Kerala in all its pristine glory. Poovar is famous for its gorgeous beach, lush exotic greenery, coconut groves, banana plantations and emerald backwaters. The beauty of this island is further accentuated by a labyrinthine network of lakes, canals, deltas, lagoons, estuaries and rivers crisscrossing its terrain. During the high tide the island is linked to the sea by means of an estuary.

Poovar Island is counted amongst the most beautiful natural delights in the whole of peninsular India. The picturesque landscape of Poovar had once captured the heart of the erstwhile king of Travancore - Marthanda Varma. Legend has it that the place was named “poo-aar”, meaning a stream of flowers, by the king himself. The island is an ideal spot for those who love tranquility and solitude away from the buzz and clamor of towns. Relax and unwind in the unmatched peace and silence of this secluded paradise.


Air Road Rail

How to Reach: Air
The Trivandrum International Airport lies at a distance of 38 km from Poovar

Moving Around

Poovar is easily accessible from Trivandrum by a fifteen-minute boat ride. Water- taxis are an excellent way to travel around the place. You can also avail the services of a house-boat, country boat, canoe or motor boat depending on your convenience and need.

Top Attractions
Places To See

Poovar Beach:
Poovar Beach is a gorgeous strip of golden sand lying sandwiched between the scenic River Neyyar and the Arabian Sea. This picture-postcard beach, fringed with coconut palms, is accessible via water-taxis alone. Due to the presence of an active fishing population and strong currents, beach activities are not so developed here. In spite of it, the beach lures visitors with its serenity and beauty – an ideal ambience for relaxing and unwinding.

Kovalam Beach:
Kovalam is one of the prime beach destinations in India. Kovalam beach, ideal for indulging in water sports, sun-bathing and swimming, is located at a few kilometers distance from Poovar. There are three beautiful crescent-shaped beaches in Kovalam videlicet the Lighthouse Beach, Hawwah Beach and the Samudra Beach. The most famous and popular of the three is the Lighthouse Beach with a sheltered bay and endowed with stunning beauty. 

The Fishing Village:
The village near Poovar is largely inhabited by fisher-folk. The fishermen here make a living by fishing in the old-traditional ways.  They live a unique water-based lifestyle completely relying on the river and sea for everything from their daily livelihood to transportation. The village is ideal to experience the real-taste of a typical Kerala coastal village and their unique ways of living.

Vizhinjam:
Vizhinjam, located close to the Kovalam Beach, has a small sea port. There are a multitude of internationally acclaimed beach resorts and Ayurvedic treatment centers in and around Vizhinjam. The place also served as the imperial capital of the Ay rulers, who ruled Southern Kerala till the 10th century AD. A cave atop a boulder houses unfinished reliefs of Siva, Parvati and Kirata Murti bearing witness to ancient Pallava connections.

Things To Do

Cruises:

A cruise to the neighboring fishing village is a must-do activity here. This also gives one an opportunity to understand the lives of the fisher-folks. You can interact with the fishermen and get first hand information on the various fishing tactics. The fisher-folk here uses a wide range of traditional fishing tactics including using the Chinese fishing nets. For the adventurous sort you can try out fishing yourself or better still participate in a fishing expedition. Another option is to visit a century-old martial arts village to learn about the ancient martial art form of Kerala – Kalaripayattu.
Another not-to-be-missed activity is enjoying a houseboat cruise along the serene backwaters of Poovar. In addition, for couples we recommend a romantic sunset or sunrise cruise. Other popular activities here include water sports and water rafting.  
 
Boat Races:
Kerala is famous for its high-adrenaline packed Snake Boat Races. These boat races turn the otherwise serene backwaters into an exhilarating venue packed with action and adventure. The atmosphere is further charged-up by the festive and enthusiastic mood of the spectators. Poovar is the site of many local boat races and one should not miss an opportunity to be a part of this exciting action-packed event.

Crocodile-watching Expeditions:
Embark on an exciting crocodile watching expedition – a popular crowd-puller here. Watching the amphibians at a close range is sure to enthrall spectators. On a bright sunny day one can view crocodiles basking in the sun.

Ayurveda:
Opportunities galore for those who like to reap the benefits of Ayurveda. The place offers a number of avenues and the perfect ambience to enjoy and get the benefits of a variety of Ayurvedic treatments.  

Thiruvananthapuram:
The city of Thiruvananthapuram lies in close proximity to Poovar. The city offers a number of attractions for tourists.

Festivals

The Great Elephant Race:
The Great Elephant Race organized by the Tourism Department of Kerala is a colorful extravaganza starting on January 17th and lasting for a period of four days. In this race around 101 fully caparisoned elephants are marched from Thrissur to Kovalam. This grand march concludes at the Kovalam beach amidst a lot of fervor and festivities.

The Village Fair:
An exciting village fair is conducted in Kovalam during mid-January every year. The fair recreates the bucolic simplicity and rustic charms, offering visitors a glimpse of the rich heritage of Kerala’s bygone past.  An entire traditional Kerala village is re-created showcasing the real essence of Kerala’s culture and heritage.

Food Festival:
The annual food festival organized in Kovalam showcases a wide range of ethnic Indian and Kerala cuisines offering one an opportunity to savor the lip smacking delicacies of the region. This culinary extravaganza conducted by the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology attracts a number of connoisseurs of fine food. 

Feast of Christ the King:
The feast of Christ the king is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm at the ‘Madre De Deus’ Church near the city of Trivandrum. The festival is celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year. On the feast day the image of Christ the king is taken out in a colorful procession followed by a traditional High Mass, Eucharistic procession and benediction.

Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival:
The annual Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival is held from February 22nd to 27th at the Kanakakannu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram. The palace once served as the cultural venue for the erstwhile Maharajas of Thiruvananthapuram. Ethnic dance and music performances by artists from all over India are held during the festival.

Quick Facts
Location
Poovar is located at a short distance from Thiruvananthapuram city; Kovalam lies at a distance of 3 km.
Climate
Pleasant tropical climate with temperate summers and mild winters.
Best Time To Visit
All year destination.
Eateries

There are a number of eating-out options available here. Do make it a point to savor the mouthwatering sea-food delights here. At Kovalam there are a number of beachside restaurants serving excellent sea-food including lobster and shrimp delicacies.

Shopping

At Kovalam make it a point to check-out some of the excellent beachside shacks selling exquisite handicrafts, antiques, modern jewellery and cloths. At Poovar you can buy an exciting range of footwear, carpets, dhurries and attractive jewellery.