around the island and river bank
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Ponnumthuruthu Island Varkala

4.4
·77 reviews·, India

A serene island sanctuary in Varkala's backwaters, offering a peaceful escape with a historic temple and scenic boat rides.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise or Dusk

Magical light for photos

CrowdLow
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around the island and river bank

Ponnumthuruthu Island Varkala

Best Time

Sunrise or Dusk

Magical light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene island sanctuary in Varkala's backwaters, offering a peaceful escape with a historic temple and scenic boat rides.

4.4
(77 reviews)

"It's much better than any other place in Varkala! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

⏰ Plan Boat Timing

Boats stop by 5-5:30 PM. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing the last ride back. :clock1:

🙏 Respect Temple Etiquette

Maintain a serene atmosphere. Minimal audio and camera movements are recommended inside the temple. 🙏

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.4 · 81 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Shiva-Parvathi Temple

The Ancient Shiva-Parvathi Temple

Ponnumthuruthu Island

A 100-year-old spiritual haven with a serene ambiance, offering a glimpse into local traditions.

Reddit
Scenic Boat Ride Through Anjengo Lake

Scenic Boat Ride Through Anjengo Lake

From Nedunganda Village

A picturesque 30-minute journey offering cinematic views and a unique way to reach the island.

InstagramReddit
Lush Greenery and Tranquil Backwaters

Lush Greenery and Tranquil Backwaters

Ponnumthuruthu Island

Experience the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem, perfect for nature lovers.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity: Plan Your Island Escape

Ponnumthuruthu Island, or Golden Island, offers a tranquil escape near Varkala. Access is via a scenic boat ride from Nedunganda Village, typically available from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. Plan your visit to catch the magical light of sunrise or dusk, but be mindful that boat services conclude around 5-5:30 PM. Instagram

Respectful Exploration: Temple and Nature

The island is home to a 100-year-old Shiva-Parvathi temple, a significant spiritual site. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a serene atmosphere, with minimal audio and camera movements recommended within the temple grounds. Reddit While the island boasts natural beauty and a small forest, activities are primarily centered around the boat ride and temple visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunrise or Dusk
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Quieter, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Boat rides available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Your sign to visit God’s own country🌴 #kerala #india #indian #mallu #mallayalam #kochi #munnar #thekkady #periyar #allepey #houseboats #kumarakom #varkala #fortkochi #cochin #bharat #indiatravel #nature #beautifuldestinations #traveltok #travelinspo #traveltiktok #PlacesToVisit #bucketlist #southindia #desitok #browntok #browntiktok #desi #indian
@explorewithjain
15.7K likes • 143.4K views

⏰ Plan Boat Timing

Boats stop by 5-5:30 PM. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing the last ride back. Reddit :clock1:

🙏 Respect Temple Etiquette

Maintain a serene atmosphere. Minimal audio and camera movements are recommended inside the temple. Reddit 🙏

Where else should I go in India? #kerala #india #munnar #solotravel #backpacking
@smacquest
10.1K likes • 87K views
Ponnumthuruthu Island, also known as Golden Island, is a serene destination located near Varkala in Kerala, India. This enchanting island is nestled in the Anjengo Lake and is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from the Nedunganda Village. . . . Location : 8 km from Varkala town Timings : boat rides available from 7:30 AM to 6 PM No entry fee, . . . . #ponnumthuruthuisland #ponnumthuruthu #anjeng...
gypsy_dialogues
6.2K likes • 82.5K views

📸 Capture the Serenity

Ideal for storytelling and ambient sound capture, especially during sunrise or dusk. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🛶 Kayaking Adventure

Consider kayaking to the island for a unique and active way to experience the backwaters. Instagram 🛶

Visit this island also in your next trip to Varkala 😍 Ponnumthuruthu also known as Golden Island is an island in Varkala of Trivandrum district in Kerala. It is situated in Anjengo lake. The island is a property of a Valiyapurakkal Family. The island also contain a Hindu temple that is 100 years old. Sivarathri festival Sivarathri is a major festival celebrated at the Siva Parvathi temple at Ponn...
wanderlust__doctor
3.2K likes • 52.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏰ Plan Boat Timing

Boats stop by 5-5:30 PM. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing the last ride back. Reddit :clock1:

🙏 Respect Temple Etiquette

Maintain a serene atmosphere. Minimal audio and camera movements are recommended inside the temple. Reddit 🙏

📸 Capture the Serenity

Ideal for storytelling and ambient sound capture, especially during sunrise or dusk. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🛶 Kayaking Adventure

Consider kayaking to the island for a unique and active way to experience the backwaters. Instagram 🛶

📍 Location Near Varkala

Just 7-8 km from Varkala town, making it an accessible day trip. Instagram+1 :round_pushpin:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(77 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ponnumthuruthu Island for its serene ambiance, spiritual temple, and picturesque boat ride, offering a peaceful escape from the usual tourist hustle. While some note limited activities beyond the boat trip and temple, its tranquility and unique charm make it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a quieter experience. Reddit

"We went boating around this island, and along the way, we stopped at a spot where we could take a short stroll. It was such a great experience! Most people don’t even know about this island—it’s much better than any other place in Varkala!"

Shivani M

"✅ Pros:

Island temple with spiritual and serene ambience

Boat ride adds an extra cinematic layer to your vlog

Not many visitors – ideal for storytelling and ambient sound capture

Amazing shots possible during sunrise or just before dusk

⚠️ Tips:

Boats stop by 5–5:30 PM – plan your timing carefully

Respect the temple space — minimal audio and camera movements recommended

🎥 Want to see how silence looks through a lens? Catch the Ponnumthuruth experience on South Man"

ragnar king

"The place provides exhilarating view.
But there’s nothing much to do other than a boat ride. 😅
Just set the expectation accordingly."

Neha Bajaj

What People Like

Serene island atmosphere
Ancient temple visit
Scenic boat ride

What People Dislike

Limited activities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Ponnumthuruthu Island is by taking a boat ride from Nedunganda Village, which is about 7-8 km from Varkala town. The boat ride itself is a scenic experience through the Anjengo Lake. Instagram+1 Some visitors also mention kayaking as an option. Instagram

Ponnumthuruthu Island is located approximately 7-8 kilometers from Varkala Railway Station and about 38 kilometers from Trivandrum city. Instagram+1

While specific public transport routes to Nedunganda Village might vary, local buses and auto-rickshaws are generally available from Varkala town to reach the starting point for boat rides. It's advisable to confirm local transport availability upon arrival. Instagram

No, Ponnumthuruthu Island is accessible only by boat. You will need to park your vehicle at Nedunganda Village or a nearby designated area before taking the boat. Instagram

The island is surrounded by water and is only accessible by boat or kayak. Walking is not an option. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific entry fee mentioned for Ponnumthuruthu Island itself. However, you will need to pay for the boat ride to reach the island. Instagram

Boat rides are typically available from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. It's crucial to plan your return trip as boats stop operating around 5-5:30 PM. InstagramReddit

Advance booking for boat rides is generally not required, as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, during peak seasons, it might be wise to arrive early. Instagram

Visitors are asked to respect the temple's spiritual ambiance. Minimal audio and camera movements are recommended within the temple premises. Reddit

The cost of the boat ride can vary. While not explicitly stated in the provided information, it's a common practice for such rides to have a nominal fee. It's best to inquire locally about current pricing. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main activities include visiting the ancient Shiva-Parvathi temple, enjoying the serene natural beauty, and taking a peaceful boat ride around the island. InstagramReddit

Yes, the island offers excellent opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise and dusk, with its serene ambiance and natural landscapes. InstagramReddit

Information regarding specific facilities like restrooms or food stalls on the island is limited. It's advisable to come prepared with your own essentials. Reddit

Ponnumthuruthu Island is often described as less crowded than other Varkala attractions, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility and unique storytelling content. Reddit

The island is known for its lush greenery and natural habitat, suggesting the possibility of observing local flora and fauna, though specific wildlife sightings are not detailed. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no specific mentions of restaurants or food stalls directly on Ponnumthuruthu Island. It's recommended to dine in Varkala before or after your visit. Reddit

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permissible for picnics, but it's important to ensure you dispose of any waste responsibly to maintain the island's pristine condition. Reddit

The nearest dining options would be in Varkala town, which offers a variety of restaurants and cafes serving local Kerala cuisine and international dishes. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are during sunrise and just before dusk, when the light creates a magical atmosphere. Reddit Drone photography can also capture stunning aerial views. Instagram

While general photography is allowed, specific restrictions might apply within the temple premises. It's advised to be mindful and respectful of the sacred space. Reddit

You can expect to capture serene backwater landscapes, lush greenery, the ancient temple architecture, and the tranquil ambiance of the island. InstagramReddit

Drone photography is possible and can yield spectacular aerial views of the island and surrounding backwaters, as seen in some social media content. Instagram

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