ponnumthuruthu golden island, Varkala, ponnumthuruthu
island, Varkala-kadakkavur road: Ponnumthuruthu. Ponnumthuruth Island:
Ponnumthuruthu is an island which is situated about 12km south of Varkala. You
can board a country boat from Nedunganda and take a tour through the backwaters
for about 30 minutes to reach. Ponnumthuruthu, the name literally means Golden
Island. Legends say that the queens of Travancore Royal Family used to hide
their cache of gold and ornaments on the island in order to keep it safe and
hence it obtained the name, Ponnumthuruthu. This lush island is a perfect
getaway for those who seek a break from the hustle and bustle of the urban
life. Temple in the island: This island is known for the Shiva Parvathi temple,
which is also called `Thuruthu kshethram’ by the natives. The temple is
situated amidst thick coconut groves, which has grown over the entire stretch.
The temple is more than 100 years old and the entire island is temple property.
The temple was in ruins for a long time but about a decade ago, it was
rebuilt.Valiyapurackal family owns the island and the temple.Ambience at the
island : The island is a must see, thanks to the enchanting ambience. Even the
jetty at Nedunganda village from where the journey to Ponnumthuruthu starts is
peculiar. It is a makeshift jetty and the walkway to the ferry is made up of
coconut husk, mud and the waste from coir. A view of the island from the ferry
during evening will surely soothe any nature-lover’s mind. The greenery of the
island will have a distinctive glow when the evening rays of the sun caress
it.The island is also a haven of different types of flora and fauna. It will
surely be a bird watcher’s delight to visit the island, thanks to the
cormorants, egrets and herons seen in this area. Eagles and gulls too can be
found here. Various water birds too can be seen here. The mainland on the other
side of Ponnumthuruthu is a coir village. There is a small coir-making unit
near the ferry. Travellers can visit the unit. It is delighting to view the
boats carrying husks waving through the backwaters to reach the
island.Sivarathri festival: Sivarathri is a major festival celebrated at the
Siva Parvathi temple at Ponnumthuruthu. It is the festival that makes alive the
otherwise less frequented island. Many
devotees spend the night on the island during Sivarathri and the place lit with
lights is an enchanting sight. The boat ride is costly (Rs 200 per person) even
though we went off season but the ride is beautiful! the temple has nice
payasam (kerala sweet) and don't forget to take swim at the temple side!Nearly
10 kms from Varkala, a small road leads to this place. From there we went to
the island temple by boat - Its just 10 minutes ride - reached beautiful temple
for Siva Parvathi. This island is really exciting and beautiful, can hear sound
of birds all the time and blessed place for nature lovers. You can go
boating...Ponnumthuruthu, also known as Golden Island is located 20 km from
Varkala. It is popular for its 100 year old Shiva Parvathi temple situated
amidst thick coconut groves stretched over the sandy beaches.Boats from
Nedunganda can be taken through a 30 minute backwater ride to Ponnumthuruthu
which offers a perfect getaway from the bustle of city life.A very beautiful
and tremendous getaway encircled by the Anjengo backwaters, Ponnumthuruthu
Island is easily reachable by boat from the makeshift jetty at the Nedunganda
Village which is located at the close proximity to this place. Located at the
distance of 10 km away from Varkala town, this delightful getaway is an ideal
option for sunset view. A long stretch sandy beach towering red laterite cliffs
and pleasant mineral springs make Varkala a must visit place in Kerala. It's a
peaceful place from where one can view the sunset and natural beauty of
surroundings. Besides, the island is also a haven of flora and fauna that would
surely be a birder's delight to visit here.Temple in the Island:Ponnumthuruthu
Island is popular for Shiva Parvati Temple which is also known as 'Thuruthu
Kshethram' by local residents. It's situated amongst thick coconut groves. It's
a 100 years old temple which was ruined but later on it was rebuilt again. The
island and the temple are owned by Valiyapurackal family.Sivaratri Festival:
Sivaratri is a famous festival that is celebrated at the Siva Parvati temple at
Ponnumthuruthu. A large number of devotees flock this place to spend a night on
the island during this festival.Ponnumthuruthu island:Ponnumthuruthu island,
located a few kilometers from Varkala, is a tiny island full of serenity. It is
a beautiful getaway surrounded by the Anjengo backwaters. Ponnumthuruthu
literally means the golden island. According to legends, the Queens of
Travancore Royal family used to hide their gold on the island to keep it safe,
and hence the name. A 100-year old Shiva-Parvathi temple, which was rebuilt a
decade ago is also located on this isle.Opening hours of Ponnumthuruthu island:
January to December: Open all days 05:30 am to 12:00 pm. January to December:
04:00 pm to 07:00 pm Ponnumthuruthu Island: About 10km south of Varkala, this
island in the middle of a backwater lake is home to the Shiva-Parvati Hindu
Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. The main reason to venture down here
is the scenic punt-powered boat ride to and around the island. Ponnumthuruthu
(Golden Island) , Varkala: Location: One of the most dazzling islands of South
India, Ponnumthuruthu is no more than 12 km south of Varkala. Description: The
most exciting thing about Ponnumthuruthu is that you can take an exhilarating
ferry ride to reach this spot. Ponnumthuruthu has a beautiful hidden meaning,
Golden Island. As the name suggests, the island is truly sparkling with the
treasure of flora and fauna. In the olden times, the queens of Travancore used
to hide their caches of gold and ornaments on this island to keep them safe
from robberies. That is how the island obtained its name. Golden Island,
thriving with scenic beauty, is a perfect destination for tourists and
vacationers. Nestled amidst verdant coconut trees, Shiva Parvati Temple is the
major attraction of this island, built about 100 years ago. While you are
visiting this island, do watch the jetty created from materials, like husk, mud
and waste from coir. Ferry ride to this isle is a refreshing treat for your
mind and soul. Once you reach here, the isle welcomes you with the jewels of
beautiful avifauna. You will be delighted to see birds, like Cormorants, egrets
and herons, here. Activities: Shivratri is the main festival celebrated on this
island at Shiva Parvati Temple.Shivaparvathy Temple,Ponnumthuruthu-An ideal
picnic Spot in Kerala: his attempt is for the benefit of those on vacation in
Kerala about a Temple in a beautiful small island of Kerala accidently I came
across on the Net I thought it is worth writing for the benefit of tourists on
vacation seeking beautiful natural picnic spots in Kerala which are not widely
known. The name of this island in Malayalam suggests it has something to do
with Gold( Ponnu means Gold& Thuruthu means a small island) .in other words
if one wants to call it a Golden Island ,he/she is at liberty to do so. There
is also a story or rather a legend in support of calling it a Golden Island.
The Legend goes like this: It is said that the Travancore Royal Family Queens
had plenty of Gold jewellery& ornaments .In order to keep them Safe they
selected this small Island where ,perhaps,they buried it & kept a mark to
retrieve it later when they Desired to have them back.They might have indeed
taken them back also at the most appropriate& auspicious occasion they
needed them . So at the moment there does not appear to have any treasure of
gold there but the place is so Picturesque& fascinating sightseeing
experience with the beautiful scenerio to remember for ever. The place is also
to be considered as as spot which presents total tranquility,quietness &
imperturbability& peace to those suffer from the ear breaking Noise &
disturbances in any modern city. This Golden Island ( let us call it so to keep
it modern & more respectable) called Ponnumthuruthu is around 12 KM away
from the Town of Varkala in Trivandrum District of Kerala. This golden Island
,as one might imagine to Be thickly populated,is in fact not so.There is
absolutely near nil Population here. The just one way to reach the Island is by
Boats. There are Motor Boats& well as manually driven boats available in
the area to reach this Island.But it is most ideal to hire a traditional Canoe
driven by an Oarsman with a lengthy bamboo pole which he uses to take the canoe
ahead.This way one could avoid disturbing the Calm& serene atmosphere
prevailing in the river & surrounding area . Ponnumthuruthu is such a
naturally gifted beautiful greenery place with glittering bluish green water in
the Morning sun.It is always advice able to avoid rainy days to escape from
getting wet & also with a view to avoiding The absence of variety of
strange & beautiful Birds in the surroundings.This is especially so if one
is also a Birdwatcher.A canoe or a boat can be arranged from the nearby village
called Nedunganda near Varkala Town. Those who are nature lovers and interested
in quite& peaceful atmosphere would find this island a haVen here. The
traditional big white Herons with lengthy lean legs is a very common sight here
together with other birds like Eagle,Cormorants,Gulls and many more water
birds. The most interesting sight in this Golden Island worth visiting is a
Temple of Shivaparvathy&Vishnu. The Island is virtually changed into a
colorful place on the days of Shivaratri a traditional celebration time for
Hindus.But the does not appear to have any restriction for people from all
community to visit the place on these days.The island is lighted up extremely
beautifully on these days. The Ponnumthuruth Island is ,in fact ,a place of
Temple property.This Temple a rare one with Shiva, Parvathy&Vishnu is
stated to be around 100 years Old.The Temple was almost at the point of Ruin 10
years back when it was renovated to the present form. It is more
beneficial& ideal to visit this Temple on Shivaratri day as devotees come
over there on the previous day and light up the Island & stay there the
whole night of Shivaratri.The glittering view on this night is not only
considered to be a Devine experience for those who have belief in Temples but
virtually a glorious sight of beauty on this Night as well. The surroundings of
this small island is also rich in Fish population.The Tauna& Flora
varieties of Fish are available in plenty apart from small fish.So one could
find a lot of multicolored King Fishers also here.This also is a tourist
attraction to watch the beauty & quickness of the bird to ounce upon it'
prey. There are plenty of fishermen also in the surroundings to fetch fish as
much as possible using their boats& nets. yet another speciality here is
the Jetty available here to anchor the boats.One could see makeshift Jetty
which is made of Coir waste,coconut Husk& Mud.This seems to be a Unique
feature here. Once you enter the island & cross over to the other side of
the island ,there is one Coir factory also there. This itself is yet another
worth seeing spot. So next time you plan to visit Kerala include this place
Ponnumthuruth or to be modern the Golden Island near Varkala also in your list
of places.you won't have to regret doing it One more hint or rather a Tip to
the travelers to this island.Please do not forget to carry your Digital Camera
When you visit this beautiful Picturesque Island. PONNUMTHURUTHU ISLAND -
VARKALA: A delightful getaway surrounded by the Anjengo backwaters, this
uninhabited isle is accessible by boat from the makeshift jetty at the nearby
Nedunganda Village. A 100-year-old Shiva-Parvathi Temple, rebuilt a decade ago,
is also situated here.PONNUMTHURUTHU ISLAND NEAR VARKALA: A delightful getaway
surrounded by the Anjengo backwaters, this uninhabited isle is accessible by
boat from the makeshift jetty at the nearby Nedunganda Village. A 100-year-old
Shiva-Parvathi Temple, rebuilt a decade ago, is also situated here.
Ponnumthuruthu Island is just 10 km away from Varkala, the famous tourist
destination in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Ponnumthuruthu Island near Varkala:
A delightful getaway surrounded by the Anjengo backwaters, this uninhabited
isle is accessible by boat from the makeshift jetty at the nearby Nedunganda
Village. A 100-year-old Shiva-Parvathi Temple, rebuilt a decade ago, is also
situated here. Ponnumthuruthu Island is just 10 km away from Varkala, the
famous tourist destination in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Varkala, about 5 km away. Nearest airport: Trivandrum
International Airport, about 30 km away. Location: Lattitude:8.67267,
Longitude: 76.756468. Ponnumthuruthu Island: The Ponnumthuruthu Island, is
located in a serene location, at about 20km from Varkala, is one of the most
beautiful uninhabited islands in Kerala. Within the dense greenery, a surprise
element in the form of a century-old Shiva Parvati temple welcomes the tourists
at this island. This island is found in the midst of Anjenjo backwaters. This
place is visited by tourists who have an eye for natural beauty. Sunset viewing
is most enjoyable from this place. Varkala, which is 35km from
Thiruvananthapuram city, is the main place where you need to get down toreach
this island. From Varkala, you can take the Kadakkavur Road and reach
Onnampalam. From this place, a beautiful cruise ride takes you to this island.
You will be surprised to find the expansive tree growth here that cuts you off
from the rest of the world completely. You feel you are in a completely
different world as you travel through the scenic Anjenjo backwaters. There are
quite a few ducks here that greet you along the way.In terms of fame and
tourism potential, the beach at Ponnumthuruthu Island in Varkala is definitely
a few notches lesser than the Kovalam beach. However, in terms of beauty, this
beach is surely on par with the Kovalam Beach. The island is also the place
where some Hindu devotees conduct the last rites of their near and dear ones.
There are many houseboats that from Nedungada village, in which you can travel
to this island in complete harmony with nature. How to Reach:By Air –
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, at a distance of 30km from
Ponnumthuruthu Island, is the nearest to this place.By Rail – Varkala railway
station, at a distance of 5km away from this island, is the nearest junction.By
road – Varkala is a big tourist destination in Kerala. Therefore, it is well
connected to all the places by buses that are operated by the state government
and private sector.Climatic Conditions and Best time to Visit Since this island
is virtually within the safe cover of sprawling trees, the climate remains
pleasant all through the year here. This area receives abundant rainfall due
its geographical topography. The period between October and March is the most
apt time for visiting this island.Cruises from Ponnumthuruthu Island: The
cruise ride into the island is one of the most unforgettable experiences for
tourists coming here. The gentle movement of the fishing boat that you travel
in makes your experience extremely pleasurable. Eagles, ducks and egrets and
ducks are found in plenty all over your ride. There are many boat cruises from
the island to the famous Shiva Parvathy temple. This boat ride costs around
300INR and is a huge favourite among Indian and international tourists.Prime
Attractions: A century old Shiva Parvati temple that was recently renovated is
one of the major attractions of this island. Boats are available in plenty to
ferry the tourists between the island and the temple. Some of the other
must-see places here are: We have been to Varkala umpteen times. But never
heard of Golden Isle. One of our family friends suggested this place. On google
search and local enquiry found that this is an island which has a temple
inside. But more details were unavailable. Anyway it being near to our home we
decided to explore this place on a weekend.After getting up "early"
in the morning we got ready for the journey by about 11am. The party consisted
of two families hiruvananthapuram -> Kazhakkoottam (NH 47) -> Attingal
(NH 47) -> Turn left to Kadakkavur -> Golden Isle The local name of
"Golden Isle" is Thuruth. Any route queries to locals should be about
"Thuruth Temple".Just before a newly constructed bridge amidst a lot
of trees we saw a small board - Golden Isle. The "smallevity" of the
board made us little apprehensive about the place.Anyway got inside.The place
looked deserted. But we could see the lake. On enquiring with the only soul
marching in that yard, found out that we could get a boat from there to the
thuruth and that we are in for a lunchless outing. Anyway we waited for the
boat here. The weather was little cloudy. But the lake was slowly growing upon
us.The boat arrived. The Golden Island is also called the "Thuruthu"
by the local community. The island is just a few minutes by country boat from
the main land and about half an hour drive from Varkala, in the same direction
as Anjengo. The centre-piece of attraction in the island is an old Shiva and
Parvathy temple which is very famous. A ride on the country boat itself is
amusing. On the way back you can see a lot of coir weaving centers. Some places
even display very interesting and innovative products made of coir and take
orders to your specifications. The coir weaving process as such is very
interesting to see the process from raw material to the finished
product.Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island) , Varkala: Location: One of the most
dazzling islands of South India, Ponnumthuruthu is no more than 12 km south of
Varkala. Description: The most exciting thing about Ponnumthuruthu is that you
can take an exhilarating ferry ride to reach this spot. Ponnumthuruthu has a
beautiful hidden meaning, Golden Island. As the name suggests, the island is
truly sparkling with the treasure of flora and fauna. In the olden times, the
queens of Travancore used to hide their caches of gold and ornaments on this
island to keep them safe from robberies. That is how the island obtained its
name. Golden Island, thriving with scenic beauty, is a perfect destination for
tourists and vacationers. Nestled amidst verdant coconut trees, Shiva Parvati
Temple is the major attraction of this island, built about 100 years ago. While
you are visiting this island, do watch the jetty created from materials, like
husk, mud and waste from coir. Ferry ride to this isle is a refreshing treat
for your mind and soul. Once you reach here, the isle welcomes you with the
jewels of beautiful avifauna. You will be delighted to see birds, like
Cormorants, egrets and herons, here.Activities: Shivratri is the main festival
celebrated on this island at Shiva Parvati Temple. Ponnumthuruthu, Varkala:
Ponnumthuruthu, also known as Golden Island is located 20 km from Varkala. It
is popular for its 100 year old Shiva Parvathi temple situated amidst thick
coconut groves stretched over the sandy beaches.Boats from Nedunganda can be
taken through a 30 minute backwater ride to Ponnumthuruthu which offers a
perfect getaway from the bustle of city life.Golden Island:Golden Island is a
small island located in Anjengo lake, which is connecting three historically
important places Varkala, Anjengo & Vakkom. If an imaginary line drawn
between these three places in a birds eye view, just like a Triangle, Golden
Island seems to be located at the center of the TriangleGolden Island Holistic
Health Destination (GIHHD) is an initiative to incorporate comfort, health and
spirituality into a project led by a group of people who prefer genuine and
best service. The project is divided into three different zones – Health Zone,
Leisure Zone & Spiritual Zone respectively.Ponnumthuruthu Island:
Ponnumthuruthu, also known as Golden Island, is an enchanting island 20 km from
Varkala in Kerala. This verdant spot is famous for its century-old Shiva
Parvathi Temple that nestles amidst luxuriant coconut groves.Even the boat ride
to this pretty island is delightful as you make your way through lush
palm-fringed backwaters. You can take a boat from Nedungada; the boat ride will
take about half an hour. Ponnumthuruthu is rich in flora and fauna. This
peaceful island with its stunning natural beauty and its spiritual aura is an idyllic
getaway from urban chaos.Puthenchantha, vettoor, Vilabhagom, Plavazhikom,
Nedunganda,Kaikkara / Kayikkara, Anchuthengu / Anjuthengu / Anjengo back water,
Vennicode, Akathumuri,Cherunniyoor / Cherunniyur, Vakkom, kavalayoor,
Nilakkamukku, Mananakku, Kollampozha,vadasserikonam, Attingal,Ponnumthuruthu
Siva Parvathi Vishnu Temple in Ponnumthuruthu, ponnumthuruthu island.
