Poovar Island is located between the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River. It is one of the most underrated travel destinations located in Kerala. This island located just 30 km from Trivandrum offers beautiful beaches to amazing backwaters as well. This is one of those rare places where rivers, sea and lake meet but do not merge.
Poovar Island Travel Guide, Things To Do In Poovar Island & Itinerary
This Island also offers you a peek into their cultural richness and eco-tourism. There are multiple wellness retreats available here as well. Despite all this, this Island remains far from being on the list of backpackers and travellers. In this article, I’m going to explain in detail about the Poovar travel guide.
How to Reach Poovar Island
By Air:
Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to this Island. It is located around 30 km away. Being an international airport, Trivandrum Airport is well connected to all the major airports in India and a few international airports as well. Once you land at the airport, you can either hire a taxi or board a local bus. After you reach Poovar Town, you can take a short boat ride to reach the Island.
By Train:
The nearest railway station from Poovar Island is Trivandrum Railway Station. It is located around 27 km away. This railway station is well connected to all major cities in India like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Delhi. Once you reach the station, you can either hire a taxi or board a local bus. After you reach Poovar Town, you can take a short boat ride to reach the Island.
By Road:
Poovar Island is connected to Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam and nearby towns. There is National Highway 66 that connects Poovar to the nearby towns. Once you reach Poovar, you can take a short boat ride to reach the Island.
By Water:
What is a better way than reaching a tourist destination through water? Poovar Island is surrounded by a network of Canals and backwaters. After you reach Poovar Town, you can take a short boat ride to reach the Island.
Best Time to Visit Poovar Island
You can visit Poovar Island throughout the year. However, if you want to witness the beauty of the Island in its full form, then you need to visit at a certain time of the year.
Winter season (October to March)
This is the best time to visit Poovar Island. Temperature during this season will range between 19 c to 33 c making it the perfect weather to either relax or do any outdoor activities.
Monsoon season (June to September)
Just like the rest of Kerala, Poovar Island also receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. While you can simply relax and enjoy nature with no issue, the rains may interrupt your outdoor plans. The surrounding landscapes of Poovar Island are filled with lush greenery because of the rains. This is the best time if you want to witness the monsoon magic of Kerala.
Summer season( April to May)
Summers in Poovar Island can be quite hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35c at its peak. While this will not be a problem if you are visiting the island just for the sake of relaxation and to avoid the city’s busy life, then you can visit during the summer season. However, if you want to explore any outdoor activities, then it can be tiresome in this hot temperature. One advantage you can get while visiting here in summer is the low price of the hotels because of the off-season.
Things to do in Poovar Island
There are multiple things to do in and around Poovar Island. Below is the list of them
Backwater Cruises
Poovar Island is known for its backwater cruises. You can take a boat ride and explore the backwaters that are surrounded by mangroves and coconut trees. The point where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea is such a joy to witness and is one of the main attractions of these backwaters. Hop on to the boat, forget everything and dive into the beauty of nature and the local culture.
Poovar Beach
If you are someone who loves solitude and serenity, then visiting Poovar Beach is all you need. This beach is practically untouched and far from busy compared to the beaches of Varkala and Kovalam. This is the perfect place for long walks, sunbathing and relaxation. However, it is not recommended for swimming as the tidal waves here are strong.
Poovar Estuary
The Poovar Estuary is the point where the Neyyar River, the Arabian Sea and the Poovar Lake meet. The meeting point feels like something out of this world because the water from all these bodies does not merge, creating the contrast of the blue waters of the sea and the brown river. This point is also home to multiple species of birds, fishes and various plants.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are a wildlife lover, then visiting Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must. This sanctuary is located a little further away from Poovar. This place is home to multiple elephants, sloth bears and tigers. You can take a guided tour of the sanctuary and enjoy the sight of the wildlife. You can also visit the Neyyar Dam located nearby.
Ayurvedic Wellness and Spa Retreats
Poovar Island is famous for its Ayurvedic wellness and Spa Retreats. You can get the Kerala traditional ayurvedic treatments here. These retreats also offer massages, yoga and meditation which can be quite relaxing for the mind and body.
Visit Fishing villages
If you want to know about the culture of fishing people here, then you have to visit these villages. You can have a glimpse into the life of the local people and get to know about their methods of fishing, different nets used and boats. Don’t forget to taste the fresh seafood when you are here.
Accommodation
There are multiple resorts and hotels in Poovar Island depending on your budget and comfort. If you have no budget issues and want the utmost comfort, then you can opt for the Luxury resorts. They provide world-class amenities like breathtaking views of the backwaters, Ayurvedic treatments, boat cruises and water sports. Poovar Island Resort provides floating cottages as well. It is an interesting experience to live in those cottages. Another luxury resort is Estuary Island Resort.
If you want something that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket, then you can opt for mid-range hotels. They offer well-maintained rooms and personalized food options. Havelia Island Resort and Isola Di Cocco Beach Resort are two of the best mid-range hotels here.
Conclusion
Poovar Island is the perfect holiday destination for people who want to witness the authentic Kerala experience. With the breathtaking views, backwaters and lush greens, this place offers a sense of peace to the visitors. With the crowd being on the lesser side, you can enjoy the solitude as well. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and visit this Island soon. Hope I’ve covered everything about Poovar Island. If you have any queries regarding the article or the place, then please let us know in the comments below. I will get back to you with the best possible solution as soon as possible.
