Neyyar River · Poovar · Kerala

Poovar Boat Ride & Backwater Safari

Cruise the Neyyar river through mangrove forests, bird-filled canals and coconut groves to the golden sand beach where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea. One of Poovar's trusted boat tour providers, just south of Kovalam.

  • 1000+ happy guests
  • Safe boats with life jackets
  • Sunrise to sunset trips
Speed boat cruising the Poovar backwaters on the Neyyar river, lined with coconut palms
Up to 50% offon selected packages
About Poovar

A porthole into paradise at Kerala's southern tip

Poovar is a small coastal village in the Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) district of Kerala, almost at the southern tip of the state. Here the Neyyar river winds through backwaters and mangroves before meeting the Arabian Sea at a strip of golden sand – one of the few places where you can see river, lake, sea and beach in a single boat ride.

The area is rich in well-preserved local plants, with hundreds of species of spices, birds and exotic flowers among banana and coconut groves. We run boating through the Neyyar lake and the village's picturesque canals every day.

  • Mangrove forest
  • Forest island
  • Estuary point
  • Elephant Rock
  • Floating cottages
  • Mother Mary statue
  • Golden sand beach

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Kingfisher diving for fish in the Poovar backwaters Family enjoying a pedal boat ride in Poovar Child on a horse ride at Poovar golden sand beach
Poovar Boating Packages

Choose your backwater experience

Every package can be tailored to your group size and timing. Call or WhatsApp for today's rates.

Up to 50% off on selected packages
White-throated kingfisher perched on a palm leaf during a Poovar motor boat tour

Motor Boating Tour

Our most complete trip: mangroves, bird watching, the forest island, estuary point, Elephant Rock, the floating cottages and the Mother Mary statue.

Brahminy kite perched on a post beside the Poovar backwaters

Bird Watching Cruise

Poovar's clean, quiet waterways are home to kingfishers, kites, herons and seabirds. A slow early-morning cruise gives you the best sightings and photographs.

Sunset over the sea at Poovar beach seen from a boat

Sunrise & Sunset Cruise

Watch the sun rise over the backwaters or set over the Arabian Sea from Poovar beach – a calm, unhurried ride that's perfect for couples and photographers.

Coconut-palm covered Poovar island surrounded by backwaters

Poovar Island Round

Circle Poovar island through narrow, palm-shaded canals and open lake water, passing fishing villages and the floating cottages along the way.

Visitors on Poovar golden sand beach at the river estuary

Golden Sand Beach Round

Ride out to the golden sand beach, the narrow sandbar where the Neyyar river meets the sea. Step off, walk the beach and enjoy the views on both sides.

Guests enjoying a seafood meal at a floating restaurant in Poovar

Floating Restaurant & Seafood

Pair your boat ride with a fresh Kerala seafood meal at a floating restaurant on the backwaters. Ask us to add lunch to any package.

More to do in Poovar

Adventures, Ayurveda & stays

Make a day of it. We arrange safe, good-value extras around your boat ride – just ask when you book.

Red ATV quad bike parked among palm trees in Poovar

ATV & Adventure Activities

Quad-bike rides, horse rides on the beach and pedal boating for the kids.

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Traditional Ayurvedic herbal massage in Poovar, Kerala

Ayurveda Treatment

Poovar is well known for Ayurvedic massage. We arrange authentic treatments for relaxation and health concerns.

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Island view cottage with swimming pool in Poovar at night

Island View Cottages & Home Stay

Stay near the backwaters at very reasonable prices. Book in advance and we'll combine it with your boat ride.

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Getting here

How to reach Poovar for boating

Poovar sits at the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district, an easy drive from Kovalam and Trivandrum city. Our boarding point is near Attupuram Checkpost, Poovar.

~15 km

From Kovalam

Head south along the coast road by taxi, auto-rickshaw or bus. A popular half-day trip from Kovalam beach.

~30 km

From Trivandrum city

Taxis and KSRTC buses run from Thampanoor / East Fort towards Poovar.

Air

Trivandrum Airport

Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport; take a taxi straight to Poovar.

Rail

Nearest stations

Neyyattinkara is the closest station; Thiruvananthapuram Central has the most trains.

Get directions on Google Maps

Read our Poovar travel guide: places to visit, best time & tips →
Good to know

Poovar boating FAQ

Can't find your answer? Call us on +91 75939 13362.

Where does the Poovar boat ride start?

Our boats start near Attupuram Checkpost, Poovar, in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Call +91 75939 13362 and we will share the exact location pin.

What will I see on a Poovar backwater boat ride?

The motor boat tour covers the mangrove forests, a forest island, the estuary where the Neyyar river meets the Arabian Sea, Elephant Rock, the floating cottages, the Mother Mary statue and the golden sand beach. Kingfishers, kites and other water birds are common along the way.

How far is Poovar from Kovalam and Trivandrum?

Poovar is near the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district, roughly 30 km from Trivandrum city and about 15 km south of Kovalam, so it is an easy half-day trip.

How do I reach Poovar for the boat ride?

Poovar is reachable by road from Trivandrum and Kovalam by taxi, auto-rickshaw or KSRTC bus. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport and the nearest large railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central; Neyyattinkara station is closer. Call us and we will guide you to the boarding point near Attupuram Checkpost.

What is the best time for boating in Poovar?

Early morning is best for bird watching and calm water, and late afternoon for the sunset cruise. Boating runs through the year; October to March is the most pleasant season.

How much does Poovar boating cost?

The price depends on the package, the boat and the number of guests. Call or WhatsApp +91 75939 13362 for today's rates and current offers.

Can you arrange a stay or Ayurveda treatment along with the boat ride?

Yes. We arrange island-view cottages and home stays at reasonable prices, Ayurvedic massages and treatments, ATV rides and seafood lunches on a floating restaurant. Book in advance by phone.

Contact & booking

Book your Poovar boat ride

Call, WhatsApp or email us with any questions. We'll help you choose the right trip.

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