About 35 km from Trivandrum, the state
Capital of Gods owns country Kerala, is one such wonder offering a feast to the
eyes through nature’s munificence.
One of the main highlights of Kerala is the
backwaters, a vast network of waterways and islands surrounded by dense
vegetation and coconut palms.
A blue sky, an island, a sandy beach, a river, an estuary, a
stretch of coconut trees, a lone boat and the blue-green backwaters. And of
course, birds, fish, the boatman and we.This is Poovar for you, lost somewhere
near the tip of South India.
The
Poovar backwaters where the Neyyar River flowing down the Agasthyamalai Hills
is joined by the Poovar and Viraly lakes before merging with the Arabian Sea.
The
river becomes wider and wider and flows slowly to the ocean. The place is
famous for its pristine beaches, beautiful estuaries and exotic resorts and a
biodiversity that leaves you passion for more.
History
of Poovar
As per Wikipedia—Poovar was a trading
Centre of timber, sandalwood, ivory and spices. It is believed that the trading
ships of King Solomon landed in a port called ‘Ophir’, which is figured out as
Poovar.
There were a merchant named Pokku Moosa
Maraikkar who lived in Poovar during the 18th century in a house called
Kallaraickal Tharavad, which many times gave shelter to Marthanda Varma
(1706–58), king of Travancore from his enemies.
The story
goes that Ettuveetil Pillamar, had proclaimed Marthanda Varma as his successor
and the former’s sons declared war. The Maharaja had to flee from his land and
he landed in Poovar with the help of one Moosa Marikar, a merchant who also
helped him regain power.
The Raja was fascinated by the sight of red
flowers, chipped out from the Kovala trees growing along the Neyyar River,
which floated in the river as a red carpet on water. The legend is that the
stream was named as “POOVAR” as the Raja described the river as “POO-AAR”
(meaning a stream of flowers).
This Journey Stared from Kanyakumari to Poovar Backwaters By a Taxi.
We were heading to Backwaters of Poovar from
Kanyakumari, at a distance of 75 Km.
It was a
fresh sunny day. Number of huge windmills were spread across both sides of
road. Overall landscape was amazing. Coconut, banana orchards were visible on
the roadside. Tall mountain ranges were in sight in the distant horizon.
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| Wind mills on way from Kanyakumari to Poovar Backwaters |
On Way taxi driver stopped at a Vegetarian
restaurant for lunch. Food was served on banana leaf. Menu included 4 types of
vegetables, dal, rice, sambar, rasam, sour curry, papadam, chutney, pickle,
banana, banana chips, payasam and curd.
Eating on banana leaves is a custom that
dates back thousands of years; however its benefits are still relevant today.
Padmanabhapuram
Palace
After a short Lunch break, taxi driver
stopped us at Padmanabhapuram Palace in between Kanyakumari and Poovar. Taxi
driver was also our tour guide.
Entry
tickets were priced at Rs. 25 each for adults. Still cameras were allowed inside
when we went and an additional Rs. 25 per camera was charged. Entry was
restricted without shoes.
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| Padmanabhapuram Palace |
The Padmanabhapuram Palace was constructed
in the 16th century by Travancore King, Marthanda Varma. Even though the Palace
looks small from outside. It was huge.In fact so huge we felt like we were
lost. The antique interiors were replete with intricate rosewood carvings and
sculptured décor. The palace also contains 17th and 18th century murals.
We halted for a little chai break out side
Padmanabhapuram Palace complex, before we drove to our magical destination
Poovar Backwaters.
Poovar
Backwaters
This
is Poovar for you, lost somewhere near the tip of South India, tucked in Gods
own country, Kerala.
After running few more Km, taxi turned to a
narrow road and stopped at shore of huge waterbody. Here we saw dozen of Boat
stands offering cruzing to backwaters.
Boatmen charge fare as per duration of
cruising time. The duration of the Poovar motor boat cruise is about 2
hours, with an option of one hour too. We hired for 2 hour cruising time with a
fare of Rs 4,000/=for 6 family members. Boatman provided us lifeguard jackets to
wear.
As we cruise along, we navigate through
narrow stretches where branches of huge trees on either side form an arch and
sounds of birds and leave rustling against the wind provide pleasant background
music.
A cormorant drying its wings is pointed out as the bird in a
“Titanic pose”, a colourful kingfisher, a crane in a meditative stance and a
tern gliding past add value to this idyllic haven of biodiversity.
As we move ahead we see a fisherman waiting
patiently for his catch lowering the net with practiced ease, an old man from a
nearby village bathing in the flowing water and traffic on a bridge with
inhabitants going about their daily chores.
Framed
against the azure blue sky was a perfect strip of golden sand that separated
the river from the sea with milky white waves rising up and receding in
synchronization. We got off here walking on the slipping sands and feeling the
waves lash our feet before retreating ever so quickly.
Those staying at the resorts can see the
beauty of the backwaters after sunset when the sky takes on a crimson hue and
the birds return to their nest.
The
sound of the sea changes rhythm but continues in the silence when all other
creatures are at rest. Fresh flowing river water, the mighty sea at a distance,
lush green vegetation dominated by coconut trees and a skyline that changes
hues – the Kerala backwaters are truly a nature lover’s delight. A retreat from
the humdrum world they can be replayed in the mind’s eye at will.
The river becomes wider and wider and flows
slowly to the ocean. The cruising started on a wide river way. The vegetation
around was very dense and green, with
plenty of coconut palm trees .River water was so fresh and soft that palm trees
on both side were reflecting as in mirror.
Elephant
Rock and Saint Mary Statue
Cruising through a couple of rocks tugged at
my attention. One of them is called Elephant Rock, named such because the rock
was shaped like an elephant’s back. The top of the rock had a holy cross placed
on it. The other rock that interested me was a giant one with a beautiful
sculpture of Saint Mary Statue showering her blessings.
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| Saint Mary Statue in Poovar |
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| Elephant Rock in Poovar |
As we continue to remain awestruck by the
visuals, the river now was making its way towards the sea, it’s final journey.
Poovar is one among
the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land.An
estuary where river meets the sea. River Neyyar with its fresh water flows to
meet here with the salty Arabian Sea water. The river becomes wider and wider
and flows slowly to the ocean.
It was a quite silent and relaxing drive,
except sound of motor boat, chirping of birds. Coconut lagoon, with a lush
expanse of green landscape, swaying palms and the smell of the ocean.
It entered
in river, and finally reached the estuary, the point where river Neyyar meets
the Arabia Sea. The scenic beauty of this place was simply awesome and beyond
words to write.
The boatman gave enough time to enjoy at the
golden sand beach and to look at high tides of the Arabian Sea. We stepped out
the boat for a walk on sand. Vendors were selling fruit, juice, tea and drinking
water. It was a great experience to step in cold waters of sea. We stayed at
golden sand overlooking the sea.
After
half an hour stay, the boatman hinted us to come back in boat for return journey
.On the way back we took again the side channels. The boat passed by an elephant
shaped rock, Mother Mary with Jesus idol, floating cottages and restaurants.
While returning we saw some local women
catching fish, washing clothes. Some were busy in gossip and chatting.
Motor boat dropped us on the same
location. Taxi driver sitting at boat stand was waiting for us. Here ends the
dream journey….Khawabon ka safar khatam huwa. Time to say goodbye Poovar.
Perhaps that was the same journey, for which
lyric of film “Madhumati”was composed..
“सुहाना सफ़र और ये मौसम हसीं
हमें डर है, हम खो ना जाए कहीं
वो आसमाँ झुक रहा है ज़मीं पर
ये मिलन हमने देखा यहीं पर
मेरी दुनिया, मेरे सपने मिलेंगे शायद यहीं ”
The End
