Kerala offers a tourist a variety of things. There are hill stations, beaches, temple towns and backwater retreats. The most famous beach destination in Kerala is Kovalam. There are other smaller beach destinations that are slowing developing into tourist destinations.

Poovar is an unexplored island near Kovalam engulfed in backwaters on one side and opening out to the Arabian Sea on the other side. It is located on the Southern tip of Thiruvanandapuram. It is a fifteen minute boat ride from the state capital. Poovar is famous for its pristine beach with waters of the Arabian Sea lapping its shores, rural fishing lifestyle of the people, coconut groves and serene backwaters The beauty of this place is accentuated by the presence of banana plantations, lakes, canals and deltas, lagoons and estuaries. The beauty of the backwaters can be enjoyed to the maximum at Poovar.

Poovar beach is the main attraction in this place. A walk through on the golden beach sands is very rejuvenating. The beach is sandwiched between the scenic Neyyar River and the Arabian Sea. The beach is fringed with coconut palms and is accessible through water taxis. This is a distinct feature of this place. It is interesting to see the local fishing community use traditional methods for fishing. Because of the presence of fishing activities, beach sports are not allowed in this place. All the same, place is alluring for the tourist who loves a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The best way to enjoy this place is to relax in a hammock between two coconut trees, bask in the sun and enjoy a walk on the golden sands of the beach. The is round the year although the South-West monsoon during the months June-October is a dampener.

Beyond the beauty of the beach, there are other attractions and activities for the tourist. A fishing village near Poovar is a must-see place. There are a number of Ayurvedic resorts in and around Poovar that attracts tourists from all over the country. Poovar assures a tourist the most relaxing and rejuvenating holiday.

SPAM!!

Poovar,..... ???? I gotta love that name.

That alone would be enough to keep me away.

Is Poovar short for Poontang Variety?

Originally Posted by senojekips

Poovar,..... ???? I gotta love that name.

LOL, my thoughts exactly. Just looked it up. Actually it doesn't look so bad.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=e...-8&sa=N&tab=wi

Originally Posted by Lunatik

LOL, my thoughts exactly. Just looked it up. Actually it doesn't look so bad.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=e...-8&sa=N&tab=wi

Actually its not all that bad, was lucky enough to see the place last year and it is very nice, however for New Zealand and Australia Tahiti offers very similar facilities and scenery without the huge flight.

Maybe the facilities there could be a bit cheaper than the ones in Tahiti? But anyway, the extra cost of the longer flight would probably offset any difference there may be.

Hard to say, its possible although we can get 6 days accommodation in a very nice hotel plus airfares and transfers for around $800 and the flight is around half the time.

The one offset is the cost of living as by comparison to India Tahiti is relatively expensive but I am not sure that is enough given that Tahiti is for us pretty much a weekend getaway location, while India would be considered a vacation.