Landmarks in Poovar
- 01
Golden Sand Beach, Poovar
A strip of golden sand at the river mouth, backed by coconut palms and reached only by boat, which keeps it quieter than road-access beaches. Best for a walk and the light, not for swimming.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes as part of a cruise
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon; December to February
- Tickets
- There is no entry fee. Access is by boat, so the cost is the cost of your cruise; ask the operator whether the stop is included and how long the boat will wait.
- 02
Pozhikkara Estuary and Beach
The Pozhiyoor side of the Neyyar river mouth, at the Kerala end of the coast, where the river meets the sea at Pozhikkara beach. Quieter and more local than the Poovar jetty.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; December to February
- Tickets
- There is no entry fee. Facilities are minimal, so carry water and plan food and rest stops elsewhere.
Experiences in Poovar
- 03
Poovar Backwater Cruise
A slow boat ride from Poovar jetty through mangrove channels and coconut-fringed banks, ending at the point where the Neyyar river meets the sea. It is the reason most people come to Poovar.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours on the water; half a day including the drive from Kovalam or the city
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning for cooler air and birds; December to February for dry weather
- Tickets
- There is no entry fee for the area. Rides are sold by private operators and resorts in one- and two-hour formats in motor and country boats; confirm the route, duration and price before boarding and ask for life jackets.
Places of worship in Poovar
- 04
Poovar Mosque
A mosque on Poovar island that coverage describes as believed to be among Kerala's earliest, linked to the Arab trading settlements on this coast.
- Time needed
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Outside prayer times; morning
- Tickets
- No fee. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and women should cover their heads. Remove shoes. Photography rules differ; ask before taking pictures, and do not photograph worshippers.
Close enough to combine
Nearby places and day trips from Poovar
Azhimala Shiva TempleA sea-facing Shiva temple at Pulinkudi with a 58-foot Gangadhareshwara statue, listed by Kerala Tourism among Poovar's nearby attractions.1 hour plus travel · Walking: ModerateKovalam Lighthouse BeachKovalam's southern bay, with the red-and-white Vizhinjam Lighthouse above a promenade of cafes and shops, listed by Kerala Tourism among Poovar's nearby sights.2 to 3 hours · Walking: EasyVizhinjam Fishing HarbourA working natural harbour at Vizhinjam where boats land the catch, beside India's first deepwater transshipment port. Listed by Kerala Tourism among Poovar's nearby sights.45 minutes to 1 hour · Walking: Moderate