If you’re enchanted by backwater cruises, high-tide beaches, wandering through lush green gardens, stargazing, and feeling deeply connected with nature, here’s a perfect romantic weekend getaway idea. Recently, my husband and I, along with a friend and his wife, visited Poovar Island Resort in Trivandrum for a truly romantic escape. The resort offers superior land cottages and unique floating cottages that rest on the backwaters, facing the sea. Accessible only by a scenic boat ride on the river, this serene retreat is ideal for couples seeking a peaceful getaway.
How to Spend a Weekend in Poovar, Kerala?
A weekend (2 days and 1 night) at Poovar Island Resort, Trivandrum, may feel too short—but it’s certainly better than missing out on this peaceful gem in Kerala!
Whether you want to soak in the weather or escape to a backwater island, this romantic trip is the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved one. As one of the most serene and charming weekend getaways in Kerala, it’s an ideal way to unwind and relieve the stress of long working hours.
You’ll find honeymooners, families, and anyone seeking a break from the hustle of city life. A weekend at Poovar Island Resort will give you plenty of reasons to fall in love with this destination—making it the perfect retreat for couples!
How Do We Get to Poovar from Chennai?
Poovar Distance and Travel Tips
There is no direct flight or train from Chennai to Poovar. The nearest airport is Trivandrum (TRV), located approximately 629.97 km away by air.For those traveling by road, the distance between Chennai and Poovar is around 748.3 km. Alternatively, you can take a train from Chennai (MS) to Trivandrum Central (TVC), covering a distance of 798 km. The train journey takes a minimum of 14 hours and 50 minutes.
Once you arrive at Trivandrum airport or railway station, you can easily hire a cab to reach Poovar.
How to Reach Poovar Island?
The Nearest Railway Stations- Trivandrum Central (TVC) is 30.4 Km
- Neyyattinkara (NYY) is 13.2 KM
- Parassala (PASA) is 13.2 KM
We took the Ananthapuri Express from Chennai to Neyyattinkara, the closest railway station to Poovar. From there, we hired a cab to reach the Poovar Island Resort boat service—just under an hour’s drive.
Along the way, we passed through the charming town of Pozhiyoor, which marks the coastal border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The drive was incredibly refreshing, especially for city dwellers, with lush green landscapes, rivers, and streams offering a perfect escape into nature!
The Train Tickets in 3-Tire AC cost: 1113.25 INR Per PersonThe Cab from Neyyathinkara to Poovar Resort cost: RS 600 INR (per trip/ 4 Pax / Non-AC Indica)
Upon reaching Poovar Island Resort’s boat service, we were greeted by an unexpected downpour! Let’s face it—we thought—this was nature’s little surprise. And honestly, what better way to embrace the rain than on the nth honeymoon trip? (LOL!)
What is the Weather in Poovar, Kerala?
Winter (November to February) is the best time to visit Poovar, with pleasant weather perfect for exploring and relaxing.
Summer (March to May) can be quite warm, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 37°C.
The monsoon season begins in June and lasts until September, bringing periodic rains and a cool breeze—offering much-needed relief from the summer heat. Be prepared for surprise showers during the monsoon, but trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Where to Stay in Poovar?
We chose Poovar Island Resort, a venture by Floatels India Private Limited. The resort offers accommodations at various price points to suit all budgets. You can choose from superior and premium land cottages or opt for the most impressive floating cottages for a truly unique experience.Poovar Island Resort Cost
Check the Poovar island resort floating cottage tariff on MakeMyTrip or TripAdvisor. We booked cottages on MakeMyTrip and paid 3287 INR (inclusive of taxes) for one cottage.Getting Around Poovar Island Resort
The waiting time for the boat service was longer than expected. They paused the service due to rain and strong winds and didn’t resume immediately, even after the weather improved. Despite the delay and a bit of chaos, the boat ride to the resort was absolutely worth it! Life jackets are mandatory for all passengers.
By noon, we finally arrived at this stunning resort, nestled between the backwaters and the sea. It’s best to walk around as much as you can to soak in the lush greenery. My personal favorites? The hammocks and swings scattered under the coconut trees—pure bliss!
Day 1 of A Weekend in Poovar Resort (Saturday)
In the Afternoon
After check-in, we refreshed in our room and headed to Tiffin’s Restaurant for lunch. It’s a multi-cuisine restaurant offering both buffet and à la carte options. Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the garden, soaking in the beauty of the trees, vibrant flowers, and picturesque backwaters.
If relaxation is on your mind, indulge in a quick massage or Ayurvedic therapy at the resort’s spa (available at an extra cost). For some fun, head to the indoor activity area and enjoy games like chess, carrom, table tennis, hand football, and Ludo.
Book lovers will be delighted to find a cozy reading corner with a small collection of fiction and non-fiction titles—a perfect spot to unwind!
In the Evening
Spend some time at the super-clean swimming pool for a refreshing dip. Afterward, head back to your room and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea while gazing at the serene backwaters from your balcony. Each room has a hammock outside—perfect for relaxing. Lay back on the swing, listen to your favorite music, and simply unwind.
Stay just long enough to catch the breathtaking sunset. End the day with a romantic candlelight dinner (available at an extra cost) in the garden, surrounded by nature’s tranquility.
Day 2 of A Weekend in Poovar Resort (Sunday)
In the Morning
Start your day with an early morning walk around the resort, taking in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings. You can avail of the boat service to visit the nearby beach, but note that swimming is not allowed due to high tides.
Join the complimentary meditation and yoga session for a refreshing start to your day. Afterward, head to Tiffin’s Restaurant for a delicious complimentary breakfast to fuel up for the rest of your adventure.
In the Afternoon
Get active with a game of cricket, volleyball, or tennis. Before sitting down for lunch, take a swim and work up an appetite!
Don’t forget to visit the gift shop, though it’s a bit on the pricey side. They offer an interesting collection of antiques, fragrances, stoles, idols, spices, and other essentials.
Check out from the resort around 12:00 noon, marking the end of a wonderful weekend at Poovar Island Resort.
Since our train was scheduled for 16:36, we spent some time at the resort after check-out. We had lunch, relaxed by the poolside, and clicked a few pictures to capture the memories before heading back.
What are the Top USPs of Poovar Island Resort?
- Floating cottage
- Peaceful Ambience
- Eco-friendly surroundings
- Super Clean Swimming Pool
What are the Top Amenities (Facilities) at Poovar Island Resort?
- In-room, Tea/Coffee
- Writing table and stationery
- Safe
- Laundry service
- Lounge Chair
- Hammock
- Toiletries
- And the other usual stuff…
My Experience, Feedback, and Rating
Swimming Pool: 5/5
It was super clean, fresh and well-maintained.Room: 3/5
The room was spacious, but we expected it to be cleaner. Unfortunately, it wasn’t up to the mark—there were cobwebs, some dust, and the room freshener didn’t work. The outdoor private space was also dirty, with dusty furniture. Even the electric kettle needed a proper cleaning.Room Service: 4/5
Very slow. Expected a shorter wait time but it took more than 40 minutes for a cup of coffee.Food Taste: 3.5/5
The food taste was average. Definitely recommendable! Breakfast (buffet) was excellent.Food Service: 2/5
The service at the restaurant was disappointing. We opted for à la carte, but the staff seemed disinterested and unsure about portion sizes. The service was painfully slow and chaotic, with longer-than-expected wait times.Activities: 4.5/5
Had a good range of activities for kids and adults. DJ night could have been a better add on!Hospitality: 3.5/5
Long wait time during check-in and check-out. The hospitality could have been better.Worth for Money: 4.5/5
Definitely, a better place to spend your weekend. With many activities, comfortable rooms and lovely greenery around.Overall Experience: 4/5
Apart from the unwanted long wait time, unclean rooms and food service, the overall experience was good.Finally,
We took the boat service back to the Poovar Island Resort parking lot, where our cab driver was waiting. Before heading home, we did a bit of shopping in the nearby town, picking up some local treats like chips and cookies. Later, we caught our train from Neyyattinkara back to Chennai.
A break from the regular routines of work and responsibilities can significantly boost life satisfaction. Weekends are the perfect opportunity to travel with friends, meet fellow travelers, and connect with your partner in a refreshing new environment. Travel helps rekindle the ‘spark’ in relationships and creates lasting memories.
And here’s a little extra motivation: research shows that traveling together strengthens family bonds. For couples looking to add a bit of excitement to their relationship, a romantic weekend getaway to Poovar Island Resort is definitely worth considering!
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