Poovar

At a distance of 18 km from Kovalam and 27 km from Trivandrum, Poovar is a small coastal town at the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. Encompassed by a beautiful beach on one side and the backwaters on the other, it is one of the major Kovalam places to visit.

Situated close to the Neyyar River estuary, Poovar is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea, and Beach meet the land. Poovar is a lovely island with long stretches of glowing sand, serene surroundings, and a refreshing gentle breeze. Poovar has been a trading center and port in ancient times where timber, sandalwood, ivory, and spices were traded. According to legends the port Ophir where King Solomon's trading ships landed is said to be Poovar. Another legend describes this as the place where Maharaja Marthanda Varma was given protection from his enemies by the powerful merchant, Moosa Marikkar.

Poovar is widely identified for its lovely beach which serves as a major attraction for tourists. Poovar Beach is situated at a short distance from Kovalam Beach separating the River Neyyar from the Arabian Sea and is quite breathtaking. It is an ideal destination for relaxing and cherishing the exotic beauty of the beach as part of Kovalam sightseeing packages. Swimming is allowed from October to May. The beach is not idle for any activities from June to August due to the monsoon and heavy currents. The boat is the only medium to reach Poovar Beach.

The Poovar Island is surrounded by small canals and the Neyyar River. The river and backwaters are rich in flora and fauna. While cruising through the Poovar backwaters one can easily spot water birds like Kingfisher, Brahminy Kite, Night Heron, Sea Egret, Black Darter, Indian Cormorant eagle, and many more.