Ponnumthuruthu, also called Golden Island, is an island in the Anjengo backwaters in Kerala’s Varkala region. The visit combines a country-boat journey with time near a historic Shiva-Parvati temple and the island’s coconut groves.
- Location: Anjengo backwaters, in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala
- From Varkala: About 12 km south
- Boat departure: Nedunganda; the backwater trip takes about 30 minutes
- Island feature: A Shiva-Parvati temple known locally as Thuruthu kshethram
Where Ponnumthuruthu is
Ponnumthuruthu lies in the Anjengo backwaters, about 12 km south of Varkala, according to Kerala Tourism. The nearby Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse is another historic stop in the area. Its setting is defined by waterways and coconut groves, rather than a road connection directly onto the island.
The island is best known for its Shiva-Parvati temple, which local people also call Thuruthu kshethram. Kerala Tourism describes the temple as more than 100 years old and says the island is temple property owned by the Valiyapurackal family.
How do you reach Ponnumthuruthu by boat?
You reach the island by country boat from Nedunganda, and the backwater journey takes about 30 minutes. Kerala Tourism identifies Nedunganda as the boarding point.
The departure area has a makeshift jetty and walkway made with coconut husk, mud and coir waste. A small coir-making unit is located near the ferry, adding a glimpse of local craft activity before or after the boat trip.
A current ferry service advertises departures from its TS Shiva Golden Island Jetty and says tickets are available on site without advance booking. It does not publish a timetable or confirm licensing, so confirm the service and operating conditions before setting out.
How to plan the trip from Varkala
For a coastal outing, Kappil Beach and its backwaters offer a different setting from Ponnumthuruthu.
Plan around the boat departure at Nedunganda: first confirm that the service is running, then allow for the roughly 30-minute crossing each way. The boat service’s timetable and current fares may change, so check the official site before you go.
Ponnumthuruthu is about 10.6 km from Samsara Harmony, which offers Samsara Harmony Beach Resort.
Visitor etiquette and local conditions
Ponnumthuruthu is a temple island, so treat the grounds as a religious place and follow any directions given locally. The temple was in ruins for a long time before being rebuilt; the rebuilding year is not established.
Sivarathri is a major temple festival at the island’s Siva-Parvathi temple, when devotees spend the night on the island. Contact the boat service to confirm operating conditions for your planned visit.
The island is also a birdwatching location. Cormorants, egrets, herons, eagles, gulls and other water birds may be seen among the coconut groves and waterways.
FAQs
What is Ponnumthuruthu also called?
It is also known as Golden Island. The temple is locally called Thuruthu kshethram.
How long is the boat trip to the island?
The backwater trip from Nedunganda takes about 30 minutes.
Can you visit Ponnumthuruthu during Sivarathri?
Sivarathri is a major temple festival, and devotees spend the night on the island. Confirm boat service and access conditions before travelling.