Poovar Island

Poovar Island is a peaceful seaside village located at the nearest distance to Thiruvananthapuram and at the southern tip of Kerala. It is well known for its charming natural beauty, where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea. It is surrounded by calm backwaters, lush green coconut groves and golden sandy beaches. All together makes Poovar a picturesque & peaceful environment and a unique rare natural meeting point of the river, lake, sea and beach in one place.

Poovar can be reached only by boat, adding to its charm. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stay in floating cottages and backwater cruises. Resorts and wellness centers around the island also promote eco-tourism and traditional Ayurvedic healing, making it not just a scenic spot but also a refreshing retreat.

Significance

This island holds cultural & historical importance as it is believed to have been an ancient port town used for trade in timber, spices and sandalwood. According to local legends, king Marthanda Varma of Travancore took shelter here during a war which adds a royal connection to its history.

The name "Poovar" is believed to have come from the words Poo means flower and Var means stream, derived from the gentle scene of petals floating down the Neyyar river into the sea. Today, Poovar stands out as a symbol of tourism & traditional Kerala living. The island has become a popular tourist destination not just for its beauty, but also for promoting wellness tourism and preserving the delicate ecosystem of Kerala's coastal region. 

How To Reach

Poovar Island is located at a distance of 270 m from Poovar bus stand and can be reached easily by walk. Else, you can take a direct bus from Trivandrum bus stand to Poovar bus stand. KSRTC Ordinary buses run frequently in this route and the first bus is at 4:30 AM. Trivandrum bus stand is around 27.6 KM away from the island.