About 12 km south of Varkala, Ponnumthuruthu Island sits quietly in the backwaters of Anjengo Lake. Known as the Golden Island, it is reached by a short country-boat journey from the Nedunganda side, making the journey itself part of the experience.
Unlike the busy beach and cliff landscape for which Varkala is famous, Ponnumthuruthu offers a different setting—coconut groves, calm backwaters, birdlife and a historic Shiva-Parvati Temple. The island is a good choice for travellers who want to explore a quieter part of the Varkala region and experience Kerala’s backwater landscape at a slower pace.
Where Is Ponnumthuruthu Island?
Ponnumthuruthu Island is located in Thiruvananthapuram district, near Varkala and Anchuthengu. The island lies within Anjengo Lake, surrounded by waterways and tropical vegetation.
The nearest town is Varkala, from which the island can be included in a wider sightseeing trip. However, you cannot drive directly onto Ponnumthuruthu. The final part of the journey is by boat.
Travellers generally reach Nedunganda on the mainland and take a country boat across the backwaters. The crossing takes around 30 minutes, depending on local conditions.
This short boat journey is a defining part of a visit. The road journey ends at the mainland, and from there the landscape gradually changes as the boat moves through the backwaters towards the island.
The Boat Journey to Ponnumthuruthu
The journey across Anjengo Lake gives you an early glimpse of the landscape that makes this destination different from Varkala’s more developed tourist areas.
The route passes through a water landscape framed by coconut palms and village surroundings. The slower pace of the country boat allows you to observe the backwaters rather than simply pass through them by road.
For photographers, the journey can offer simple but attractive scenes—boats moving across the water, reflections, coconut trees and the changing view of the shoreline.
It is also worth planning the return journey before setting out. Since the island is accessed by local boat services, travellers should confirm the available boat arrangements and timings locally, particularly outside busier travel periods.
Why Is Ponnumthuruthu Called the Golden Island?
Ponnumthuruthu is commonly associated with the meaning “Golden Island.”
Local stories connect the island with the former Travancore royal family and tales of valuables being kept or hidden there. These stories form part of the island’s local folklore and add an interesting layer to its identity.
Today, however, the attraction is much simpler. Visitors come for the backwater journey, natural surroundings and the historic temple at the heart of the island.
The Shiva-Parvati Temple
The main cultural landmark on Ponnumthuruthu is the Shiva-Parvati Temple, also known as the Thuruthu Kshethram.
The temple is believed to be more than 100 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Its setting is particularly distinctive because it is surrounded by the island’s greenery rather than an urban settlement.
The temple is also associated with Shivaratri celebrations, when devotees gather on the island for religious observances.
For visitors, the temple should be approached as an active place of worship rather than simply a tourist attraction. Modest clothing and respectful behaviour are appropriate, and visitors should follow any instructions given at the temple regarding footwear, photography and access.
Exploring the Island's Coconut Groves
Ponnumthuruthu does not require a long list of attractions to fill your itinerary.
Much of its charm comes from simply walking through the coconut groves and tropical greenery, looking across the backwaters and taking in the surroundings.
The island provides a noticeably different experience from the Varkala Cliff. Instead of restaurants, shops and busy viewpoints, the setting is dominated by vegetation, water and the traditional atmosphere of a small Kerala island.
This makes Ponnumthuruthu particularly suitable for travellers who prefer destinations where the landscape itself is the main attraction.
Birdlife Around Ponnumthuruthu
The island and its surrounding backwaters provide a natural setting for birdwatching.
Depending on the season and conditions, visitors may encounter birds such as kingfishers, herons, egrets, cormorants and gulls around the waterways and vegetation.
You do not need a dedicated birdwatching itinerary to appreciate this. Even a slow walk or boat ride can give you opportunities to observe birds along the water and among the trees.
Early morning can be especially pleasant for visitors interested in combining the island’s natural surroundings with birdwatching and photography.
A Glimpse of Traditional Backwater Life
One of the interesting aspects of Ponnumthuruthu is its connection with the wider village and backwater landscape of the Varkala–Anchuthengu region.
The mainland around the ferry area has links with Kerala’s traditional coir-making industry. The coconut palm, which dominates the landscape around the island, has long been closely connected with local livelihoods through products such as coir.
This adds another dimension to the trip. Ponnumthuruthu is not simply an isolated green island placed in the middle of a scenic lake. It forms part of a wider landscape shaped by waterways, coconut cultivation and traditional village life.
Things to Do at Ponnumthuruthu Island
A visit here is best kept simple. Instead of trying to pack the day with activities, allow enough time to enjoy the journey and the surroundings.
You can:
- Take a country boat across Anjengo Lake
- Visit the Shiva-Parvati Temple
- Walk through the coconut groves
- Observe birds around the island and backwaters
- Photograph the island, waterways and surrounding landscape
- Experience a quieter side of the Varkala region
- Combine the trip with attractions around Anchuthengu and Varkala
What to Know Before Visiting
Ponnumthuruthu is a relatively simple destination, but a little planning can make the visit easier.
Plan around the boat journey: The island is not directly accessible by road, so confirm the local boat arrangements before travelling.
Carry essentials: Water, sun protection and comfortable footwear are useful, especially if you plan to walk around the island.
Respect the temple: Ponnumthuruthu is home to an active place of worship. Dress appropriately and follow local temple customs.
Allow enough time: Do not plan the visit as a very quick stop. The boat journey, waiting time and time spent on the island all form part of the excursion.
Avoid rushing back: If you are combining Ponnumthuruthu with other attractions, leave enough time for the return boat journey.
Ponnumthuruthu and Nearby Attractions
Ponnumthuruthu can be combined with several places around Varkala and Anchuthengu, making it easier to create a full-day sightseeing route.
You could begin with the island in the morning and then continue towards Anchuthengu Fort, exploring the historic coastal landscape before returning towards Varkala.
Other well-known attractions in the wider area include:
- Varkala Beach
- Varkala Cliff
- Sivagiri Mutt
- Anchuthengu Fort
- Anchuthengu Beach
The combination allows travellers to experience several different sides of the region—backwaters, island landscapes, history, beaches and Varkala’s famous cliff.
Ponnumthuruthu vs the Usual Varkala Experience
Varkala is often associated with its spectacular cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea. Ponnumthuruthu offers something completely different.
Here, the journey takes you away from the coast and into a landscape shaped by backwaters and coconut groves. The focus shifts from beach views and cliffside activity to a temple, waterways, village surroundings and nature.
That difference makes Ponnumthuruthu particularly interesting for travellers who have already planned time at Varkala Beach and want to see another side of the destination.
It also means the island should not be treated simply as another viewpoint near Varkala. The experience is about getting there by boat and spending time in a quieter backwater environment.
Why Ponnumthuruthu Island Is Worth Visiting
Ponnumthuruthu Island is not about seeing as many attractions as possible in a few hours. Its appeal comes from the experience of reaching a small island by boat and spending time in a landscape of backwaters, coconut trees and historic heritage.
The Shiva-Parvati Temple gives the island a strong cultural identity, while the surrounding waterways and birdlife add a natural dimension to the visit. Its location near Varkala also makes it relatively easy to include in a wider Kerala itinerary.
For travellers who want to move beyond Varkala’s famous beach and cliff, Ponnumthuruthu provides a quieter journey into the backwater and village landscape of southern Kerala.
Sometimes, the most memorable part of exploring Kerala is not reaching another famous landmark. It is taking a small boat across the backwaters, watching the mainland disappear behind the coconut trees and arriving somewhere that feels wonderfully removed from the usual tourist route.
