Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Poovar Island Resort: Kerala

We are just back from visiting this beautiful place. Our plan was only to have a nice peaceful holiday in Poovar Island Resort,  but since, Trivandram and Kanyakumari were so close by, we decided to visit them also, for we may not be coming this far to see these places again.
We landed in Trivandram, and we were immediately whisked away in a taxi arranged by the Resort to their Jetty. From there we were transported to Poovar Island Resort in a motor boat. It is a 15 minutes ride and it was very beautiful and relaxing.
There are 3 resorts on Poovar Island - 1. The Poovar Island Resort 2. Isola de Coco 3. Estuary Island Resort.  All the 3 resorts have their own boat services from the Jetty. If you have a reservation at any of the resorts the boat rides are free. Even if you do not have a reservation, you can go to the resort for a meal or a day trip, and use the boat services to the resort for a fee. All the trips taken by the people booked in any of the resorts are free. Of course there are set timings for the rides, if you are not  on time you would have to wait at the jetty where there are comfortable sofas and fan to make you feel totally relaxed.
(Please click on the pictures to see the enlarged version )
          Everyday we would take this 15 minutes ride reach the Resort or to go somewhere from the                                      Resort
                                                           The Floating cottages
All the beauties of Nature can be found in this one unique place: the river Neyyar empties into the sea here, and the estuary has the unique distinction of bringing together the river, the sea, the backwaters, a beach, all at one place. And the place is absolutely awesome with no disturbances from anyone, the place is all yours to enjoy.  The beach is just across the estuary, not even a minute away by boat ( but you have to take the boat). Spend the mornings and the evenings by the beach, watching the waves hit the shore with full force, sun bathe on the beach for as long as you like, or wait for the sunset as the evening sets in. We heard that Kovalam beach had become too crowded, where as this beach was absolutely peaceful. You can take the backwater cruise if you feel like and watch the sunrise.
However, Poovar is best known for its beautiful sunsets which can be seen from the resort itself, and for a different view you  nothing can beat the sunset by the sea.
                                                      the amazing sunsets
                                                   The ever crashing  waves
                                                 Or view the beautiful cloud formations
 
The staff at the resort are very friendly and helpful, The Breakfast is very good with lots variety thrown in to suit everybody. The resort is beautifully landscaped with  park benches, hammocks, swings, placed strategically, to watch the sunset, to enjoy nature in all its beauty.  They have free Yoga sessions in the mornings.  Other than that, they also have Aryurveda treatments and the usual spa etc,which are all very expensive.  There are quite a few floating cottages too, having breath taking views, however, I feel it would be very hot (although they are air conditioned) and always noisy with the motor boats taking people to and fro to the Jetty or to the beach close by. Also, these cottages don't really look so attractive when seen from close quarters, they definitely don't look as enticing as the ones seen  in Maldives/ Mauritius or any of the the five star resorts. I suppose when you pay good money you get good classy floating cottages too. But the ones available here it is not all that good. Husband says, all the floating cottages would look a little tacky only, and not to go by pictures, for they are mostly enhanced by using photo shop, and maybe there is some truth in what he says. Good thing we did not stay in one of them.
                                       The sunset seen  from the Resort near the floating cottages



sunset from the resort
                                                                     From the beach



                         
                                    The swimming pool. The hammocks to relax and admire the beauty around


                                          

                              It was wonderful to see the sunset throwing different colors on different days  
                                         

                                                The tree behind me is a lovely fig tree.
                                             
                            
I went alone to the beach and had to take a self photograph, not so good but okay with the sea and the sunset behind me, two of my favorite things.
 I hope I have not bored you people by posting so many sunset photographs.






44 rivers, a vast network of lakes, 1500 kms of labyrinthine canals, snake boat races, over 300 species of birds, floating markets... showcasing the magnificence of Kerala backwaters: travelers and nature lovers from across the world. do make it a point to visit Kerala. Here are some more pictures for you from Kerala Tourism::
















I would be covering Trivandram and Kanyakumari later on.




49 comments:

  1. WOW! We were there too in the water villas. It is an amazing place.

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    1. Thanks Shanthi, good to know you have also been there.

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  2. Super! Will help so much when somebody tries to book a trip. Most people just put in a million photos and no information about the actual place and how it really was. Thanks

    My3

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    1. Thanks Mytri. Right now it is still a peaceful location for a holiday,don't know whether it wold remain like this future too. One must visit these places before they start looking like the regular tourist places of India. I remember visiting Munnar in Kerala many times before it became popular, and lost its beauty.

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  3. Nice vacation, Rama, thanks for taking us with you!

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  4. Wow..this is gorgeous Rama...there is not a think like "too many sunset pics" . We should plan a vacation like this on our next trip to India.

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    1. Sure Nayana, there are many such places in India, where you can relax without the crowd.

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  5. Not at all, Rama! It is such a peaceful, beautiful place. A like those little floating cottages. Some relaxation days there are truly worth all the effort.
    I am glad, Rama, that you had such a good time! The sunsets are beautiful:)

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    1. I am glad you liked reading about this place. Thanks for appreciating the sunset pictures.

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  6. The island looks really great from your picture, and the sunset is stunning, Definitely a perfect place to spend holidays...

    Tourist Visa Australia

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  7. Beautiful pics especially the sunset captured from the beach has varying shades. yes, like you said the cottages look nice from afar. Had experienced at Alapuzha.

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    1. The cottages are alright, but the place where are floating does not look so clean. I think the resort should maintain, and not leave any room for criticism, if they want to popularize them. Also we felt we had gone when it was pretty warm, so taking a floating cottage means more heat, though they are all air conditioned.
      The pictures are always very deceptive.

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  8. Ummm that must have been a good get away. Though it may have been sultry at this time of the year. November to Jan , I guess is the ideal time.
    I have been and stayed in this resort, and I could only discount the difference between a five star in Maldives and this which may be a four star retreat. Not bad Rama as you may have felt in comparison. I once stayed in a resort in Maldives and shelled out USD 300 per night ( the cottage was placed well into the sea) so must have been a five star and the difference is in the grades. Male is indeed an unspoiled almost virgin place so that also makes the difference.

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    1. It is a 4 star resort, no doubt about that. I only felt they could see certain things for themselves and correct them, for if they want people to come and really enjoy the place, they have make some effort. Just putting enhanced pictures is not the solution.
      Actually we are members of Mahindra resorts, which are very good, but since their resort is still not complete in povaar,they have some arrangement with this resort people for their member's stay.
      Also when a 5 star hotel in India or abroad puts up pictures of their resorts you can be sure it would just the way they are in the pictures.
      Thanks Anil for sharing your views here.

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  9. Rama, your sunset pics are mind blowing, I would never ever get bored with this miracle of the universe. Enjoyed your narration, I would like to try this out sometime, seems like a great break one can enjoy. Look forward to the other trip details soon!

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    1. Thanks Padmaja. I am glad you liked the pictures. Yes it is indeed a miracle to everyday watch the sunrise and the sunset, for one can never know,what beauty is waiting there for us.

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  10. This place looks enticing, Rama! I love sea and the sunrise and sunsets! I will never get bored of them. You look good with the beautiful back drops!

    Have saved this to my 'to visit' list, thank you!

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    1. Thank you Sandhya, for the lovely comment. I am sure you would love this place.

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  11. you are looking gorgeous in hammock:)..like floating cottages,there are shikaras in kashmir, but they are good enough to stay...In India resorts normally charge too much..thought the same can be said for hotels too...In Europe and US i have stayed in many good hotels for 100 $/ night but here all the resorts charge around 15000/night..

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    1. The charges are not too much, because we are members of the Mahindra Resorts. Certain treatments, spa etc would be a little expensive, but since we are there only for short holiday it is not of much concern to us, and the foreigners who mostly make use of all these facilities, are there for a longer period of time, and also they can easily afford them, for in their country they would never be able to afford these things even if they are there, for they would have to shell out a lot.
      Thanks for the compliment Renu.

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  12. Wow..looks like you had a lovely holiday! I love beaches too..Thanks for the write-up ..This place is in my to-go list now

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  13. Looks like you had a lovely holiday,Rama..Thanks for the write-up..This place is in my go-to list now..

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  14. Beautiful... thank you for taking us on the trip with you..always wanted to go to Kerala once..these days the list is just increasing..donno when I will visit all these places though :) Looks like you you are having a good trip, have lots of fun :)

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    1. Yes Latha it was a good trip, and I really enjoyed it. Yes so many place in the list, one life time may not be enough.
      Thanks.

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  15. Wowwww wat a beautiful holiday destination!!!!

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  16. What a beautiful place this is!! Would love to visit this place for a quiet and peaceful holiday! Amazing pictures...loved all the sunset pics especially the sunset from the resort!

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  17. Thanks Shilpa. Our country is really so beautiful, wish it was possible to visit every nook and corner of this wonderful country.

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  18. Wonderful pictures, Rama. Hope you had a great time :)

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  19. This is a lovely place and I too have visited it, so I second what you wrote, Rama! The pictures were just perfect and brought back memories of this awesome place!

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  20. Wow, I love Kerala and this seems like such a lovely place. I can never get tired of sunsets and beaches. Loved your pics too, Rama!

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    1. If you not been to this place then you should go there before more people become aware of it and turn it into garbage dumping ground.
      Thanks for liking the pictures. I am totally addicted to sunsets, clouds and sea, and they do seem to make a good combination.

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  21. Superb photos, especially the sunset ones and an informative write up. Nice to meet another travel blogger. Infact I too had blogged about Estuary Island resorts in my travel blog (http://subups.blogspot.in) . Good to see that it is still in good condition.

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  22. Welcome to my blogs,subu,ps. Whenever I come across a travel blog, I cannot leave without posting a comment. Yes this place is hassle free, and also all those games organising, boring stuffs are not there. You are left alone to do things, the way you want. The best part is the beach is practically your own, which i liked very much. Thank God it has not turned out like Goa with para sailing and all that stuff.

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  23. Seems to be a beautiful place. Unfortunately I never had an opportunity of visiting the sea front at Trivandrum.

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  24. Beautiful photographs.Nice description.

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  25. Thanks rudraprayga, I am glad you liked it

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  26. Wow, seems like a nice, relaxed getaway that you enjoyed immensely Rama.Loved the photos, sun, sea and he sky, what more can one ask for a quiet time with your loved ones.Informative too, your husband is right, one cannot judge the place by the websites, they are most often classy to dupe gullible tourists...

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  27. Some lovely photographs, especially the ones of the sunset. Have not been much to these places (extreme south) except once to the Kovalam beach. Must make it a point to visit this place. Sounds (and looks) interesting.

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  28. Thanks Haddock. Yes you must visit this place

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  29. "I hope I have not bored you people by posting so many sunset photographs."

    Not at all! You know I just enlarged your photographs and just kept thinking of how beautiful these pics are! :D Thanks for sharing these.
    _________________________________
    lake resorts in kerala

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  30. All fascinating pics .awesome feeling relax.hey I m planning to visit this place in feb .kinldly mail me some key lication nearby poovar.nileshrt@gmail.com

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  31. Nice post and lovely pictures. Its a luxurious getaway amidst coconut groves, serene backwaters and golden sandy beaches. Explore more about Mannarasala temple, a very ancient temple dedicated to serpent gods.

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  32. Wow Grt thanks for beautiful explanation

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  33. I am a proud malayalee in chennai managing my own business, im going to tell about the people who live outside our state. For Tamil Peoples everyone is chetta, here most of our malayalee people has own tea stall and they are well. Chetta tea is the common word in tea stalls here. my friend told me that these malayalee people are very gentle and suttle we can approach them easily for help and can talk friendly without any hesitation. I felt very proud, I also want to know how foreign people react to our malayalee people. My brother is living in saudi., i miss him very much always Im reading the Latest Kerala News malayalam

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