Estuary Island Resorts - The Jack of the Pack

If there is a contest for the best Island resorts of Kerala (or may be India) then Estuary Island Resort is easily going to bag the crown. Situated in a Island at Poovar very near to the Internationally famous Kovalam, this is created in perfect blend with nature and allows tourists to enjoy the calm and serene Neyyar river flowing towards the Arabian sea, a long sprawling beach devoid of any dense tourist population, and all the modern amenities like, swimming pool, health club, games etc.

Our trip to estuary was made by availing a day use package which includes morning snacks, lunch, evening snacks, boating in river, usage of all the facilities from morning till evening all this at a cost of around Rs.800 per person. Infact it is such day use packages which makes us think about going to these resorts. Otherwise we will never think of being at this resort since it is close to our home.

From Thiruvananthapuram we took the bypass to Kovalam. Just before Kovalam junction we took a left turn to Vizhinjam - Poovar road. The Vizhinjam aquarium is in this route.

It is known to have a good collection of marine population. But we did not check it out as it will eat our time to spend in the Estuary Island Resort.

After Poovar we have to take a right turn for which we took driving directions from some native people. After some distance, we saw some cars parked by near a big gate.

On passing the gate, there was a steep decline, with buses and cars parked on its sides.

This was the boat jetty from where we have to catch the boat to the island resort.

The Neyyar river was filled to the brim thanks to the recent rains.

Soon our boat arrived and the boat trip through the calm waters started. A sense of calmness sets in our minds when in the midst of such a calm environment. The greenery on both sides of the river is captivating and where ever we look we find some beauty and we seem to be gliding along.

The river began to open up further and after a boat ride of about 30 minutes we could see a small building at a distance which was the entrance to the resort.

As we were approaching the entry of the resort saw a big makeshift boat carrying a full load of tourists coming out the resort. The satisfaction of having enjoyed a good vacation was writ large on the faces of the travellers.

The calmness of the surroundings was broken only by the sound of the motor and the wakes. The Estuary Island Resorts boat jetty was nearing and we could sense that this place is gonna be a fantastic one.

As we got out of the boat and marched up the steps the first thing that we notice is the neatly paved tiles and the river facing seats

Just lie down on these seats where one could stay for an eternity watching the beautiful Neyyar river and the sea further ahead with the cool sea breeze keeping you cool all the time.

The thought that we are in here for just one day made us all jump up from these laid back seats and go inside to explore further. Just after the pavement near the river side there is a vast area completely sandy and full of coconut trees.

As we walk further inside neatly laid out lawns welcomes us with the beautiful greenery forming a perfect ally for the traditionally architectured Estuary Island Resorts Building in the backdrop.

The lawn was beautifully landscaped with beautiful plants and some small but well thought out craftwork in between. But nothing in this lawn was more attractive than this well maintained bullock cart.

This place no doubt is beautiful and surely eyecatching. The leisurely stroll towards the resort itself has started creating a nice impression in all of us. Close to the main building is a beautiful swimming pool with separate pool for kids and adults.

We went straight to the reception and the formalities were completed in pretty fast times thanks to efficient staff at the front office. The first activity was to have some tea followed by the indoor games. We were also give one room for freshening up and for keeping our belongings. The rooms contains all the basic amenities and are pretty neat.

But the USP for these rooms are the balconies which faces the neyyar river and the sea. Even now I can feel that cool sea winds while stayed put in those easy chairs in the balcony.

This is the view which we get from here.

We had a quick game of Table Tennis. Even though carrom boards, pool table and foosball were available we all opted to go out and have some fun.

While walking through the corridors this beautiful creature attracted my kids attention.

We went to the sprawling sand filled area ahead of the lawn where we could play some outdoor games. We started with volley ball and it sure lifted the spirits of all among us. Interestingly the fun was doubled when even our mothers took part in the game.

The cricket fever in us suddenly sprang up when we could see cricket kit in the sports room and immediately our attention was turned to playing a game a cricket. A metal plate was laid down in the pitching area and we had some real fun for an hour or so.

Time just flew past and it was already time for lunch. The games surely had taken a toll of our energy but being quite close to the sea we never feel exhausted.

The buffet lunch was excellent, and no one had any complaint about any of the dishes available. Infact it seemed to be better than the best of the eateries available elsewhere in trivandrum and it would not be an exageration if I say that it is good enough to take this day package just to enjoy this great lunch.

Immediately after lunch we went straight to the pool.

Luckily the day being a cloudy one, sun was not out and we had a pretty good relaxation at the pool. After taking a quick rest in the pool, we began to play some pool games too.

The stay in the pool was a quite prolonged one as we were not able to get out of the beautiful pool in such a prestine surroundings. It was after about 2 hours when we finally came out of the pool and decided to play some badminton.

There was an antique shop on the way to the badminton court. Needless to say the items on display seemed to be priced a little higher, but the small building and the showpieces was worth gazing at.

Watch where the badminton court is.

Perched in between the plethora of coconut trees who would not want to spent some time here. The refreshed feeling of a bath at the pool ensured that we had good energy levels to flex our muscles here too.

The kids had a good time at the nearby kids park.

One more item in the day package was remaining which was a boat ride through the Neyyar river to the sea shore. As it was close to 5pm we decided to make this journey too. Wonder how it became evening so soon. One of those days which just flies past.

We were again near the boat jetty of the island resort.

The beach could be seen on the other side of the river. Sun was playing hide and seek with the clouds and it was looking quite magnanimous behind those dark clouds.

Soon the boat arrived and we were ready for the sail. I simply fell in love with this place and at times was quite confused on whether I should be shooting down pictures or enjoying the facilities. I was shooting pics of the boat which itself seemed so beautiful in this setting while others were ready for the sail.

It took just five minutes to reach the beach. Oh I have no words to describe this beach. A very long sprawling beach just for us. It seemed as if we are the only ones in this beach. A perfect setting for that romantic holiday.

Behind us we could see the beautiful Island resort.

There were some floating cottages too. I am not sure whether they are the property of the Estuary Island resorts or another resort in the vicinity.

We started running around the beach, creating new interesting games, jumping over the lashing waves and it was a splendid experience.

It was getting darker and the boat driver told us that he has to return before 6 pm. Reluctanly we decided to return back to the island resort. While walking back I could see some activity at a distance where some local boys were playing. Surprisingly they had hidden one among them underneath the sand.

We were back at the resort and it was time for the evening tea which was served in those splendid lawns. All of us were discussing on how great a place it was. This little creature was giving us company right through our tea session.

It was time for our return, the bills were settled quickly, the manager and staff were really courteous and we set out to where our vehicle was parked in a boat.

Eventhough we have availed the day package facilities of Aquaserene (near the backwaters in Kollam), Ashtamudi resorts (Kollam), Punnamada resort (alappuzha), this was the most enterprising and the most flawless. The location, the facilities, and over above the attitude of staff has made us addicted to this location and we soon will be back here not just to use the day package but to spend atleast a day or two here even though it is so close to our home.