Romance in Peaks
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.
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.
Tourists Attractions of Poovar
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.
What to Do in Poovar
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.
