Poovar Backwater Cruise — Attraction in Kerala

The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both man made and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.

The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and sometimes compared to the American Bayou.[1] In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises.[2] National Waterway 3 from Kollam to Kottapuram, covers a distance of 205 km and runs almost parallel to the coastline of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism.[3] The important rivers from north to south are the Valapattanam river (110 km.), Chaliar (69 km.), Kadalundipuzha (130 km.), Bharathapuzha (209 km.), Chalakudy river (130 km.), Periyar (244 km), Pamba (176 km), Achancoil (128 km.) and Kalladayar (121 km.). Other than these, there are 35 more small rivers and rivulets flowing down from the Ghats. Most of these rivers are navigable up to the midland region, in country crafts.

The kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 2000 kettuvallams ply the backwaters.[6] The Kerala government has classified the tourist houseboats as platinum, gold and silver.

The kettuvallams were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 100 feet (30 m) in length, provided protection from the elements. At some point in time the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Most tourists spend the night on a houseboat. Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff – mostly having a flavour of Kerala. The houseboats are of various patterns and can be hired as per the size of the family or visiting group. The living-dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a grand view of the surroundings, including other boats, throughout the day when it is on the move. It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night. After sunset, the boat crew provide burning coils to drive away mosquitoes. Ketuvallams are motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel. All ketuvallams have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. At times, as per demand of...

When someone things about the Thiruvananthapuram trip, first thing comes in mind is Padmanabha Swamy temple. After that the next thing comes in mind is Poovar back water boating without which the trip will not complete. It is recently explored, spectacular and picturesque island surrounded by Sea, Neyyar River, Lake and backwaters. The Boat journey will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to cover backwater trip, which accommodate 6-8 members/ Average cost of these private operated boat is 3000 INR for one boat. Rates will fluctuate based on Season and Demand.

Poovar island is surrounded by a river called Neyyar. Poovar is a blissfully isolated paradise, perfect for a relax holiday. Once known as Pokkumoosapuram, this island was later named as Poovar by Marthanda Varma. Poovar meaning is "Stream of Flowers".

When you use the Poovar back water Cruise for your holiday destination, they will take you to the round trip in which following destination will be covered. Boating through Mangrove Forest: Boating starting point to Beach Point and then return journey beach point to End point, one can see lot of Mangrove trees and most of the patch you will feel that you are inside the dense Mangrove Forest. its lifetime experience. Birds Watch and Photography: While Enjoying boating inside Mangrove forest you can see lot of Birds and if you are good photographer then its perfect destination for you. Elephant Rock: There is special Rock inside water which looks like someone who sculptured the stone. Mother Mary Shrine: Mother Mary Shrine is there which is beautiful location inside the back water. Boat operator will take you very near to the Shrine and you can click photos from there. Floating Restaurants: During boating on the way they will take us to the floating restaurants which are near Beach. its very nice experience that having snacks and food in middle of the water. River Joining Point: The main attraction of Poovar back water cruise is Neyyar river and Arabian sea joining point. originates from Agastyarkoodam hills near Trivandrum and after 56 kms of flowing its journey ends at the Arabian Sea. Neyyar river which ends its flow at the Arabian Sea, becomes wider and it appears to be a Lake. Poovar beach starts where the backwater ends. Neyyar river Golden Beach: This is the halt destination in the overall Cruise trip and then your return journey will start in opposite direction. Here you will get 30 minutes halt to relax with Beach games, and Beach side street food enjoy. The best part of this beach is its golden...

I wonder how people have rated it the best resort in poovar. My Experience is horrible in poovar island resort.

They are just living with old recognition. They were used to be excellent back in 2014. But the story is different.

I really suggest everyone don't book this resort. Below are the reasons

When I checked in no one greets you, no warmth. Everyone is dull here.

Lobby manager dinesh made me sit at lobby and made me wait ( I checked in at 6pm). After I raised my voice he sent someone to show the room

As per the guest manual there is complimentary mineral water everyday. But they provided purified RO water. When I complain they denied. After lot of arguments they apologized and provided Aquafina. And for every guest they provide only purified water. God knows why. Please check the guest manual which I uploaded

Pathetic room, bed is full of dust. Room is maintained very bad. Old ,and dull bed with dust around all corner of bed. Refer to pictures

Breakfast buffet was another turn off. Patheichi buffet.i spend 15 days in kerala and poovar was my last destination. I never knew it will be a blunder. God knows how people say food is good here, for me the worst food in kerala

Only positive thing is greenery

Pool is dirty, overcrowded. I wonder if people have seen swimming Pool earlier. When you see huge crowd in pool side you should manage it so that everyone can use it. But forget it because pool is dirty

I don't see any positive aspects of spending 6k per night for the worst hospitality

My simple suggestion is please renovate your property , please clean up rooms properly, maintain your furnitures, beds and washroom

Washroom is dirty , flush not working, jet is extremely slow.

The worst experience in poovar, honestly I reàlly suggest everyone don't book this property. Please checkout the details properly.

Advice to hotel management: you have just ruined the image of hospitality in kerala. Visited 7 resorts in last 15 days but never had such bad experience. Train your employees, receptionist, staffs, attendant about the tourism etiquette. How to treat , how to greet and how to win customer's heart. I find none of the staff friendly. Lobby manager dinesh was the worst person in the resort.

For me the rating as below Stay: 3/10 Ambience: 7/10 Cleanliness: 1/10 Food : 0/10

Value for money: 1/10

Strictly Don't book this property guys , not atall worth. I have wasted 12k rupees...