Escape to Paradise: Leela Backwaters Inn Awaits in Poovar, India
Escape to Paradise, or Maybe Just a Really Nice Nap: A Review of Leela Backwaters Inn, Poovar (SEO Overload!)
Okay, listen. I'm back from Poovar. And I need to spill the tea. Or, you know, the freshly squeezed mango juice they practically threw at me upon arrival at Leela Backwaters Inn. Let's be real, I went expecting paradise, butterflies, and maybe a friendly dolphin sighting. Did I get all that? Well… almost. But what I did get was a seriously chill vacation, and a whole lot to unpack. So, buckle up, buttercups, this is gonna be a long one. And yes, I’m absolutely going to drop SEO keywords like they're hot (because, hey, that's probably why you're reading this, right?).
Accessibility (and My Near-Disaster!)
Let's start with the nitty-gritty: Accessibility is, surprisingly, a big deal for me these days. I twisted my ankle right before the trip, so suddenly stairs were my nemesis. Leela says it has Facilities for disabled guests. Hmmm. Okay, the Elevator was a lifesaver (praise the gods!), and the staff were generally super helpful at getting me through the awkward limping phase. But the pathways to some of the restaurants were a bit… "adventurous." Let's just say, I owe a lot to the Staff trained in safety protocol who helped me navigate a particularly muddy patch. (And to the guy who caught me when I almost face-planted! Seriously, you deserve a medal.) Wheelchair accessible? Hmmm. Maybe not perfectly, but they definitely tried.
Cleanliness, Safety, and That Sanitizing Thing
Post-Covid, we're all obsessed with clean, right? Leela knows this. They're rocking the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and all that jazz. My room… oh, my room. They had some serious Room sanitization action going on, which, to be honest, felt a little clinical at first, but hey, I wasn't complaining. They even mentioned having Hygiene certification. They also had Hand sanitizer everywhere. I felt safer than I have in, well, a long time. And they took it seriously, which is absolutely vital. First aid kit? Check. Doctor/nurse on call? Yup. This is seriously important, especially if you, like me, are prone to ridiculous injuries.
Dining, Drinking, and the All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast… OH MY GOD.
Okay, this is where things get really interesting, and where I'm going to be honest. The Restaurants are… well, they’re a bit spread out. You walk a bit, and you have to have your bearings. But the food? Divine. Absolutely divine. Okay, confession: I have a food problem. Specifically, an eating-too-much-amazing-food problem. And the Breakfast [buffet]? Forget about it. It was a carnival of deliciousness. Asian breakfast options? Check. Western breakfast? Check. They even had… wait for it… freshly made dosas. I’m not even kidding, I think I gained five pounds just from the breakfast alone. They had Coffee/tea galore, and all the Essential condiments you needed. The A la carte in restaurant was great, but the buffet… it was a love affair. I could have absolutely stayed for a week just eating breakfast. There were Desserts in restaurant that were to die for and I actually liked the Soup in restaurant!
And then there was the Poolside bar. Because, vacation. The Poolside bar was brilliant because you could stumble, get a drink, and eat your lunch all by the pool. The only problem with the Poolside bar was that it was sometimes too effective. Let's just say there's a certain photo of me trying to balance a cocktail and a plate of… wait for it… salad that will forever be burned into my memory.
Things to Do (and Ways to Do Absolutely Nothing)
Let's talk Things to do! Leela has you covered. They’ve got an Outdoor swimming pool (glorious!), a Fitness center (I mostly looked at it), and a Spa (yes, yes, a thousand times yes!). I spent hours getting utterly pampered. The Massage was… sigh… life-changing. Seriously, if you're stressed, go get a massage. I got my Body scrub and Body wrap at the spa. I mean, just thinking about it makes me want to go back. Seriously. Plus, the Pool with view was just… wow. Seriously. I felt like I was at a spa with a view.
For the more active types, there's a gym. Me? I enjoyed the Sauna, the Steamroom, and especially the Foot bath. Okay, I mostly enjoyed lying by the Swimming pool [outdoor] with a book and pretending I was a character in a tropical novel. And at night… the Happy hour was a highlight. Did I mention the Poolside bar? (Me again)
Services and Conveniences (and the Perks You Didn’t Know You Needed)
Alright, so Leela isn't just about massages and buffets (though, let's be honest, that's a big part of it). They had all the usual stuff: 24-hour front desk, Daily housekeeping (bless those angels!), Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Room service [24-hour]. Oh, and Air conditioning! Essential! Seriously. I loved the air conditioning. The Concierge was super helpful with booking tours and whatnot, and I even used the Cash withdrawal service.
For the Kids (and Those of Us Who Are Still Big Kids)
I’m not traveling with kids, but it looked wonderfully Family/child friendly. They had Babysitting service and Kids meal options and everything!
The Room: My Little Tropical Bunker
My room, my little sanctuary, was actually quite good. A standard Non-smoking room with an Air conditioning which was a godsend in the crazy heat (as I’ve probably said before) and I loved that they had Blackout curtains so I could sleep in. The Bed was amazing – I think I slept for twelve hours one night! They had Free bottled water, Coffee/tea maker, a Refrigerator (essential for keeping my secret stash of chocolate cool, obviously), and a Mini bar. I really liked that I could sit on the Sofa to read, and listen to the Satellite/cable channels. The Bathroom was decent, and I loved the Bathrobes and Slippers. I’m not going to lie, I spent a lot of time relaxing in there getting ready for a busy day of… nothing.
Internet (Because We’re Still Somewhat Connected, Right?)
Okay, let's be real. We need that Internet connection, even on vacation. Leela delivers. They offer Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I am not kidding, it was free!), and Wi-Fi in public areas. The Internet access – wireless was reliable. I mean, I could still check my emails, which, let's be honest, is important.
Getting Around
They had a Car park [free of charge], which was awesome. Since I wasn't driving, I mostly used the Taxi service, which was easy to organize. Plus, the hotel offers Airport transfer.
My (Unprofessional) Verdict: Book It!
So, should you book? Absolutely! Escape to Paradise: Leela Backwaters Inn Awaits in Poovar, India is a winner. It's not perfect. It has its quirks - that's part of its charm. The place is good, the staff are wonderful, and the breakfast? Did I mention the breakfast? Forget the dolphin sightings, the butterflies, and the paradise. Leela is a seriously relaxing place. It’s a great base for exploring the area, or, you know, just hiding away from the world and eating lots and lots of delicious food. It is a good getaway.
My Persuasion Pitch (Because, SEO!)
Tired of the everyday grind? Craving a truly relaxing escape?
Look no further than Escape to Paradise: Leela Backwaters Inn Awaits in Poovar, India! Experience the beauty of the Kerala backwaters and indulge in luxurious comfort and world-class hospitality. Enjoy FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms!, delicious dining with options like Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, pampering at the Spa, and endless relaxation by the Outdoor swimming pool . With a range of facilities, including Facilities for disabled guests and a commitment to Cleanliness and safety, Leela Backwaters Inn is the perfect destination for a stress-free getaway. Book your escape today and experience the magic of Poovar! You deserve a little adventure, a little bliss, and a whole lot of dosa. Let Leela Backwaters Inn take care
Luxury 1BHK in Galleria Market, Delhi: Bath, Patio, Gym!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaos of my attempted zen escape to Leela Backwaters Inn in Poovar, India. This itinerary is less a polished jewel and more a slightly tarnished (but hopefully charming) pebble. Let’s be real, travel rarely goes as planned, and that’s where the fun (and the epic meltdowns) begin.
Leela Backwaters Inn: A Slightly Over-Optimistic Schedule (Prepare to be Underwhelmed… or Maybe Amazed!)
(Day 1: The Arrival of the Slightly Unravelled)
7:00 AM (ish): Wake up in a sweaty panic in my Delhi airport hotel room, convinced I've missed the flight. (Spoiler alert: I didn't. It's just the Delhi humidity doing its thing.) Scramble for the phone, curse the pre-booked airport transfer that never showed (typical). Finally find a rickety Uber and speed to the airport, praying the flight isn't already taking off without me.
11:00 AM (approximately): Arrive at Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). Breathe. It’s a different kind of chaos down here… more… languid? Find my pre-booked transfer (yay!) – a slightly intimidating but very efficient driver with a mustache that could rival a walrus. He's got a name, but I can't pronounce it (of course). The drive to Poovar is beautiful, though – lush, green, and surprisingly… bumpy. My stomach decides to play a symphony of protest.
2:00 PM: Arrive at Leela! Oh my GOD, are those… floating cottages? Jaw firmly on the floor. The lobby is stunning, all polished wood and smiles. Check-in is smooth (miracle!), and I’m whisked away to my cottage. The thatch roof, the mosquito net… I feel like I've wandered onto a movie set.
- Important Note: The first thing I do, despite the urge to immediately collapse on my hammock, is try to connect to the wifi. This is essential. Gotta tell the world I'm here, right? Except it's… iffy. Sigh. The struggle is real.
3:00 PM: Lunch at The Deck (the hotel restaurant). Ordered way too much because, let's face it, I was hangry. Tried the Kerala Fish Curry. Delicious. Spicy enough to require a constant flow of water. Made a mental note to pace myself. Failed miserably at said pacing.
4:00 PM: Take a nap in the hammock, interrupted by the persistent buzz of a very determined mosquito. Got eaten alive, despite the net. Curse my travel-induced clumsiness. Consider moving the hammock inside.
6:00 PM: "Sunset Cruise" on the backwaters. Okay, this is the moment I’ve waited for. The brochure promised romance and serenity. What I got was a bumpy ride, a sun that hid behind a particularly grumpy cloud (we still got a glimpse of color though!), and a slightly panicky feeling as the boat dodged a family of playful otters. Still, beautiful. I think I felt… kind of peaceful? Maybe.
7:30 PM: Dinner at The Deck again. Stare out at the lit-up lagoon and feel a strange mix of contentment and the slight ache of post-travel fatigue. Still no clear internet signal, dammit.
8:30 PM: Attempt to read a book. Fall asleep within five pages, book landing squarely on my face. (That mosquito, by the way, still hasn't given up). Dream of fish curry and less insect-related drama.
(Day 2: Backwater Bliss (and a Healthy Dose of Humidity)
7:00 AM (ish): Wake up to the sound of the birds and the distant clatter of boats. This is more like it! Except… my sinuses. They have decided to go on strike. The Kerala humidity is a whole vibe.
8:00 AM: Yoga session. Yeah, I know. Me. Yoga. Found out quickly that my flexibility is more "rusty tin man" than "graceful lotus." Still, the instructor was lovely and the view was… breathtaking. Probably not going to become a yogi overnight, but it was a positive experience.
9:00 AM: Breakfast. Coconut everything! Amazing. Over-eat again. I swear, I'm going to leave here a slightly rounder version of myself.
10:00 AM: Exploring the hotel grounds. The gardens are gorgeous, like a vibrant painting come to life. Took a million pictures. Realized I'd forgotten my phone charger. Panic. (The wifi issue is, by now, a full-blown obsession).
11:30 AM: The Kayak! This is the day! I’m going to be a fearless adventurer, paddling through the serene waters of the backwaters. Except, I’m not. I tip the kayak over almost as soon as I get in (grace level: ZERO). Manage to right myself, soaked and slightly humiliated, and get a few good strokes in before the current decides to send me drifting towards a group of very amused local fishermen. Eventually give up and just enjoy the ride, getting a much better view of the riverfront through a slow drift. Decided I am not cut out for this.
1:00 PM: Lunch at The Deck. I’m starting to feel like a regular. The staff here is amazing, so attentive. Fish curry again, because… well, it's delicious.
2:30 PM: Attempted to get a massage. Bliss. Just pure, unadulterated bliss. Except halfway through, I had a coughing fit and almost choked on my own spit. The therapist remained remarkably calm. I am incredibly, and somewhat embarrassingly, clumsy!.
4:00 PM: Back to the hammock. This time, I’ve learned my lesson. Mosquito repellent and a thick book. Success! (Until the book slid off my lap and landed on my face AGAIN).
6:00 PM: Sunset cruise. Seriously, the sunsets here… different colors. No otters this time, though. Which is a bit of a letdown.
7.30 PM: Dinner at The Deck. More fish curry, I'm a creature of habit. The waiter remembers my name. Starting to feel like a local.
8.30 PM: Attempted to watch a movie on my tablet. The wifi is still terrible. Give up and stare at the stars. They are spectacular.
(Day 3: Departure and the lingering smell of fish curry)
7:00 AM (ish): Wake up wishing I could stay forever. But, alas, all good things… The sinuses have conceded defeat against humidity and are no longer actively protesting.
8:00 AM: One last breakfast. Tears in my eyes. I’m going to miss this place. That curry, and the staff!
9:00 AM: Check out. The staff is sad to see me go, I think? (I'm choosing to believe this).
10:00 AM: Airport transfer. The walrus-mustached driver is waiting, and I am no longer as scared of him. We chat a bit. He tells me a story about his family.
1:00 PM: At the airport. Back to the real world. But… I am changed. I was hoping I'd be completely zen as a result of a couple of days in India, and while I did get a taste of serenity, I was still just as clumsy and prone to fits of (self-inflicted) disaster.
1:30 PM: Boarding the flight. I'm already planning my return. This place… it's special. And I’ll bring my own wifi router next time, darn it!
Escape to Paradise: Your (Potentially Messy) Guide to Leela Backwaters Inn in Poovar (Because Let's Be Real, It's Not Always Paradise)
So, Leela Backwaters Inn... Paradise Or Just... Nice?
What's the Best Room to Book? (And Will You Actually Get It?)
How's the Food? (Because a Girl's Gotta Eat!)
Is it Really Peaceful? (Because My Inner Child Screams for Calm!)
What About Activities? (Because Lounging Alone Gets Old!)
Can We Talk About the Boat Transfers Again? (Seriously, They Were Stressful)
Overall, Would You Go Back? (The Million-Dollar Question!)
