Poovar is a serene beach village located in the southern part of Kerala, near Thiruvananthapuram. Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, lies on the west coast in Maharashtra. Many travelers journey from Mumbai to Poovar to enjoy its peaceful backwaters and pristine beaches.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Mumbai to Poovar, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will find practical tips on travel times, fares, and local transport to help you plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Mumbai to Poovar – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance journey. Mumbai has several major railway stations with frequent trains to Kerala, but reaching Poovar requires a combination of train and local transport.

• The main departure stations in Mumbai are Mumbai CST, Dadar, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, offering trains to Thiruvananthapuram Central, the nearest major station to Poovar, about 30 km away.

• Train travel time ranges from 30 to 36 hours depending on the train, with fares between INR 800 to 2500 for sleeper and AC classes, booked via IRCTC or authorized agents.

• Popular trains include the Netravati Express and Kerala Express, which run daily or several times a week, but booking early is essential due to high demand, especially during festival seasons.

• From Thiruvananthapuram Central, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Poovar; taxis take about 45 minutes and cost around INR 600 to 900, while buses are cheaper but less frequent and slower.

• Train routes pass through scenic Western Ghats but may face delays during monsoon months (June to September) due to heavy rains and track maintenance.

Bus

Bus travel is less common for the full Mumbai to Poovar route due to the long distance but can be used for parts of the journey. It is suitable for budget travelers comfortable with long road trips.

• MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) operates buses from Mumbai to Pune or Kolhapur, where you can change buses towards Kerala, but there is no direct Mumbai-Poovar bus service.

• Long-distance private or state buses run from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram, taking approximately 40 to 45 hours, with fares ranging from INR 1500 to 2500 depending on bus type and operator.

• From Thiruvananthapuram bus station, local Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses or private taxis can be taken to Poovar, about 30 km away.

• Bus travel can be tiring and crowded, especially during holiday seasons; night buses are available but may lack comfort compared to trains or flights.

• Road conditions on National Highways NH 66 and NH 48 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Poovar offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes. It is suitable for experienced drivers comfortable with long-distance Indian road travel.

• The distance by road is about 1,600 km and takes approximately 30 to 35 hours of driving via NH 48 and NH 66, passing through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.

• Major toll plazas on this route include those near Pune, Kolhapur, and Mangalore; toll charges can add up to INR 800 to 1200 one way.

• Frequent rest stops and dhabas are available along the highway for food and refreshments, with popular stops near Goa and Udupi offering local cuisine.

• Driving through the Western Ghats offers beautiful views but requires caution during monsoon months due to slippery roads and landslides.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai, but ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and carry necessary documents like a valid driving license and vehicle insurance.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach near Poovar from Mumbai. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 25 km from Poovar.

• Direct flights from Mumbai to Trivandrum take around 2.5 to 3 hours, with multiple daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

• Airfares range from INR 2500 to 6000 depending on booking time and season; booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance can secure better prices.

• From Trivandrum airport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available to Poovar, costing around INR 700 to 1000 and taking 40 to 60 minutes.

• Flight delays can occur during monsoon season due to heavy rains and low visibility, so plan buffer time if connecting with other transport.

• Airport facilities include ATMs, food outlets, and car rental counters, making arrival convenient for travelers.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Mumbai to Poovar. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early via IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and get better fares, especially during peak travel seasons like Christmas and Onam.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as long journeys can have limited food options and charging points.

• If traveling by train, reach the station at least 45 minutes before departure to navigate crowds and find your platform easily.

• On arrival at Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum airport, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel to Poovar.

• Carry some cash in Indian Rupees, as smaller vendors and local buses may not accept digital payments, especially in rural areas near Poovar.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, particularly during monsoon months, to anticipate possible delays and pack rain gear if needed.

Practical Travel Tips

• Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially at crowded railway stations and bus terminals in Mumbai and Kerala.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid stomach issues common among travelers in India.

• Use official websites like IRCTC for train bookings and trusted apps like RedBus for bus tickets to avoid scams and fake tickets.

• For local transport in Poovar, autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common; agree on fares beforehand or insist on meter usage to prevent overcharging.

• Pack light luggage with easy-to-carry bags, as last-mile transport from stations or airports may involve walking or small vehicles with limited space.

• During monsoon, carry an umbrella or raincoat and check for any travel advisories related to flooding or roadblocks on NH 66 and NH 48.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Poovar is during the dry season from October to February when weather is pleasant and roads are safe. Avoid the monsoon months for smoother travel.

Peak travel periods like Christmas, New Year, and Onam festivals see heavy crowds on trains and flights, so book well in advance or consider traveling on weekdays.

• Avoid traveling during June to September due to heavy monsoon rains causing delays and slippery roads, especially in the Western Ghats region.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at stations or airports.

• Night trains and flights can save daytime for sightseeing but be prepared for limited food options and higher security vigilance.

• Festivals in Kerala may increase local transport demand; plan your last-mile travel accordingly to avoid waiting times.

Arrival at Poovar & What to Expect

Poovar is a small village with limited public transport options. Upon arrival at Thiruvananthapuram station or airport, you will find prepaid taxis and app-based cabs for the onward journey to Poovar.

Local buses are available but infrequent and may not be comfortable for travelers with luggage. Most visitors prefer taxis or renting scooters for local travel. Accommodation options are mostly beach resorts and homestays near the estuary and backwaters.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Poovar is best done by flight for speed and convenience, followed by train for budget-conscious travelers who enjoy scenic routes. Road travel by car offers flexibility but requires careful planning due to the long distance.

Booking tickets early, preparing for seasonal weather, and arranging reliable local transport will ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Poovar and enjoy its tranquil beauty without travel stress.