Poovar Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Backwaters & Boating Tips

Poovar is a quiet coastal village at the southern tip of Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district, where the Neyyar river, its backwaters and the Arabian Sea all meet. Here is what to see, when to go and how to make the most of a boat ride.

Places to visit in Poovar

Most of Poovar's highlights are on the water, so a boat ride is the easiest way to see them in a single trip.

Golden sand beach and the estuary

Poovar's best-known sight is the golden sand beach, a narrow sandbar where the Neyyar river meets the Arabian Sea. From the boat you can see calm backwaters on one side and breaking waves on the other. Boats stop here so you can walk on the beach.

Mangrove forests

Dense mangroves line the river and form small islands in the backwaters. Boats slow down here and pass through narrow green channels, and this is where you are most likely to see birds.

Bird watching on the backwaters

Kingfishers, Brahminy kites, herons and seabirds are common along Poovar's waterways. Early morning is the best time, when the water is calm and birds are most active.

Floating cottages, Elephant Rock and the Mother Mary statue

The motor boat tour also passes the floating cottages on the backwaters, Elephant Rock and the Mother Mary statue, all well-known landmarks on the route.

Poovar island and the canals

Coconut and banana groves, spice plants and small fishing settlements line the palm-shaded canals around Poovar island. An island round is the most relaxed way to see village life from the water.

Best time to visit Poovar

Boating in Poovar runs through the year. October to March is the most pleasant season, with drier weather and cooler mornings. The monsoon months (roughly June to September) bring heavy rain but very green scenery. Whatever the season, go early in the morning for birds and calm water, or in the late afternoon for the sunset over the sea.

How to reach Poovar

• From Kovalam: about 15 km south along the coast by taxi, auto-rickshaw or bus.
• From Trivandrum city: about 30 km by taxi or KSRTC bus.
• By air: Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport.
• By rail: Neyyattinkara is the closest station; Thiruvananthapuram Central has more connections.

Our boarding point is near Attupuram Checkpost, Poovar. Call us and we'll send you the location pin.

Tips for your Poovar boat ride

• Carry sunscreen, a hat and water, especially for midday trips.
• Wear clothes and footwear you don't mind getting a little wet or sandy at the beach stop.
• Keep phones and cameras in a pouch or bag; the estuary can be breezy.
• Wear the life jacket provided for the whole ride.
• Book ahead on weekends and holidays, and ask about combining the ride with a seafood lunch, Ayurveda or a stay.