Get a Slice of Maldives Right Here in India at These Gorgeous Floating Cottages

Serene Backwaters, Crimson sunsets, crashing beach waves, a floating cottage on backwaters overlooking the river, beach and sea all in one glance, my stay at Poovar Island Resorts was nothing short of magical moments. Poovar Island is tucked away on a small island and is a perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of city life.

Sunsets at Poovar islands are a sight to behold.

Ideal for:

Poovar island is an ideal remote getaway away from urban life in a quiet spectacular natural surroundings. Couples, family or friends, this little slice of heaven is perfect for anyone who enjoys everything in the lap of nature. Also, it works perfectly for people who want to break their packed itinerary for a day or two.

Photo of Get a Slice of Maldives Right Here in India at These Gorgeous Floating Cottages! 1/8 by Swati Chaturvedi — Glistening mornings at Poovar island. Don't mind getting used to living a slow life here

About the property:

Poovar island resort is in Poovar island, which is a small coastal town tucked amidst swaying coconut palms and endless views. The car drops at a parking lot from where one has to take a 10 mins boat provided by the resort. Islands in Poovar can only be accessed by a boat.

The resort is built on 25 acres of lush green coconut gardens alongside the beach. It comprises of a different kind of staying options, from floating cottages facing the sea to Deluxe cottages built on a natural lily pond to Ayurveda floating and deluxe cottages. The property also has gym, sports centre, swimming pool and huge gardens to take leisurely strolls.

Photo of Get a Slice of Maldives Right Here in India at These Gorgeous Floating Cottages! 2/8 by Swati Chaturvedi — Calm mornings and orange hues

Photo of Get a Slice of Maldives Right Here in India at These Gorgeous Floating Cottages! 3/8 by Swati Chaturvedi — Views from balcony are worth spending endless hours

What to do around the property?

Poovar island is ideally situated, its neither too far nor to close and one can enjoy many things around.

1. Golden sand beach

This beach is right in front of the property and can be accessed by a shuttle boat provided by the resort.

2. Backwaters cruise

There are many motorboat tours that one can take around the property. The famous ones are the backwaters cruise or sunset cruise

3. Kovalam

Kovalam is only 20 kms away from Poovar. We took a half day trip to explore Kovalam beach and Vijhinjam light house which offers bird's eye view of the beaches and the vast Arabian sea.

4. Kanyakumari

Visiting Kanyakumari the southernmost tip of India is also very feasible since its only three hours drive. But make sure you have permit beforehand as it's in another state. (I stayed in kanyakumari for one night after checking out from Poovar).

Spent morning on a hammock

Photo of Get a Slice of Maldives Right Here in India at These Gorgeous Floating Cottages! 4/8 by Swati Chaturvedi — Soothing fragrant flowers everywhere

Cost:

We booked two rooms since we were 5 people. One was a floating cottage costs INR. 8000 Per night and the other one was a deluxe room costs INR. 6000 (rate fluctuates as per the season).

Photo of Get a Slice of Maldives Right Here in India at These Gorgeous Floating Cottages! 5/8 by Swati Chaturvedi — Swimming pool with a bar

Photo of Get a Slice of Maldives Right Here in India at These Gorgeous Floating Cottages! 6/8 by Swati Chaturvedi — Relaxing Ayurvedic wellness centre

Food:

Poovar Resort has three restaurants and two bars. The food varies from regular Indian, Continental, Chinese delicacies to special diet food as well. I especially loved their morning buffet Breakfast which inclined more towards South Indian cuisine. My favourite was the ghee roast dosa.

Photo of Get a Slice of Maldives Right Here in India at These Gorgeous Floating Cottages! 7/8 by Swati Chaturvedi — Superior cottages on a natural lily pond

Photo of Get a Slice of Maldives Right Here in India at These Gorgeous Floating Cottages! 8/8 by Swati Chaturvedi — Surroundings at Poovar

Afternoon on a swing

And evenings in a balcony

How to get there:

By Air: The closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram Airport and is 30 km away.

By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station is the nearest railhead, which is 27 Km away from Poovar Island.

Best time to go:

October to February are the best months to visit Poovar as these are the cooler months/winters season and the weather remains comfortable throughout the day. Summers are very hot and humid.

Check out the vlog of my stay at Poovar islands and exploring Kovalam.