Ponnumthuruthu Island, also known as Golden Island, is a serene and beautiful island located in the Vembanad Lake near Kumarakom, Kerala. It is famous for its lush greenery, historic temples, and peaceful surroundings, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and travelers seeking tranquility.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Ponnumthuruthu Island from nearby cities and towns. You will learn about the available transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect on arrival to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Nearby Cities to Ponnumthuruthu Island – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a comfortable and popular way to reach the nearest railway stations to Ponnumthuruthu Island. From there, you will need to use road and boat transport to reach the island itself.

• The closest major railway station is Kottayam Railway Station, about 15 km from Kumarakom, with frequent trains connecting to Kochi, Trivandrum, and other cities. Travel time from Kochi to Kottayam is around 1.5 to 2 hours.

• From Kottayam station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kumarakom Boat Jetty, which is approximately 16 km away and takes 30–40 minutes by road.

• Train services are generally reliable, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays, especially from June to August.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during festival seasons like Onam and Christmas when Kerala sees high tourist traffic.

Bus

Buses connect nearby towns and cities to Kumarakom, from where you can take a boat to Ponnumthuruthu Island. This is a budget-friendly option but may take longer due to road conditions and stops.

• State-run KSRTC and private buses operate between Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kumarakom, with frequent departures throughout the day.

• The bus journey from Kottayam to Kumarakom takes about 40 to 50 minutes, covering roughly 16 km via NH183 and local roads.

• Buses can get crowded during peak hours and festival seasons; early morning or late evening buses are less crowded and more comfortable.

• From Kumarakom bus stand, you will need to walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the boat jetty for Ponnumthuruthu Island.

• During monsoon, some roads may be slippery or flooded, so check local weather and bus schedules in advance.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Ponnumthuruthu Island is a flexible and convenient option, especially if you want to explore the backwaters and nearby attractions at your own pace.

• The island is accessible via Kumarakom, which is well connected by NH183 and local roads from Kottayam, Kochi, and other cities.

• The drive from Kochi to Kumarakom is about 55 km and takes around 1.5 hours via NH66 and NH183, depending on traffic.

• After reaching Kumarakom, park your vehicle at designated parking areas near the boat jetty, as vehicles are not allowed on the island.

• Boat services to Ponnumthuruthu Island operate regularly from the jetty; the boat ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes across the Vembanad Lake.

• Be prepared for tolls on NH66 and NH183 highways, and watch for narrow roads near the backwaters, especially during monsoon season.

Boat

Boat travel is essential for reaching Ponnumthuruthu Island, as it is located in the middle of Vembanad Lake. Boats connect the island with Kumarakom and nearby areas.

• Regular boat services operate from Kumarakom Boat Jetty to Ponnumthuruthu Island, with trips every 30 to 60 minutes during the day.

• Boat rides take about 10 to 15 minutes and offer scenic views of the backwaters, making the journey enjoyable and relaxing.

• Private boat hires are available for groups or tourists wanting flexible timings and guided tours around the island and nearby backwaters.

• Boat fares are affordable, usually ranging from INR 50 to 150 per person for shared boats, while private hires cost more depending on duration.

• During monsoon or heavy rains, boat services may be temporarily suspended for safety; always check local weather and boat schedules before planning your trip.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time visitors to Ponnumthuruthu Island to help you navigate the journey smoothly and enjoy your visit without stress.

• Reach Kottayam Railway Station or Ernakulam Railway Station by train, depending on your starting point. Booking tickets via IRCTC in advance ensures confirmed seats and better travel experience.

• From the railway station, hire a prepaid taxi or take a KSRTC/private bus to Kumarakom Boat Jetty. Prepaid taxis reduce bargaining and provide fixed fares.

• At Kumarakom Boat Jetty, purchase your boat ticket to Ponnumthuruthu Island. Shared boats are economical, but private boat hires offer flexibility and comfort.

• Enjoy the 10–15 minute boat ride across Vembanad Lake, keeping your belongings secure and wearing a life jacket if provided for safety.

• Upon arrival, explore the island’s temples, nature trails, and peaceful surroundings. Carry water and light snacks as options on the island are limited.

• For return, plan your boat trip back to Kumarakom before sunset as boat services reduce in the evening. Confirm boat timings with the local operators to avoid waiting.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water on the island to prevent stomach issues common in backwater regions.

• Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven paths and small jetties; avoid slippery shoes especially during monsoon.

• Book train and bus tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons like December and Onam to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Kottayam and Ernakulam for safer and transparent fares.

• Pack light luggage as boats have limited space and carrying heavy bags on the island can be difficult.

• Be cautious during monsoon months (June to September) as heavy rains can disrupt boat services and make roads slippery.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Ponnumthuruthu Island is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the backwaters are calm. Avoid heavy monsoon rains for safer and more comfortable travel.

During peak festival seasons like Onam (August-September) and Christmas-New Year, the area sees more tourists, which can affect availability of transport and accommodation.

• Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon months (June to September) as boat services may be delayed or canceled due to rough waters and rains.

• Early morning departures are recommended to enjoy calm waters and avoid afternoon heat and crowds.

• Festive seasons bring more traffic on roads and crowded trains and buses; book tickets well in advance.

• Winter months (December to February) offer the best weather for sightseeing and boat rides with minimal humidity.

Arrival at Ponnumthuruthu Island & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Ponnumthuruthu Island, you will step onto a peaceful and green island with limited infrastructure but rich natural beauty. The boat jetty is small, and you will find local guides and caretakers nearby.

There are no vehicles on the island, so walking is the only way to explore. You can visit the ancient Shiva temple, stroll through coconut groves, and enjoy bird watching. Basic amenities like restrooms are available near the jetty.

For local transport, you rely on boats to return to Kumarakom. In Kumarakom, you will find auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses to continue your onward journey or reach your accommodation. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are recommended for safe travel.

Conclusion

Reaching Ponnumthuruthu Island involves a combination of train or bus travel to Kumarakom, followed by a short and scenic boat ride. The most efficient way is to take a train to Kottayam, then a taxi or bus to Kumarakom, and finally a boat to the island. This route balances comfort, convenience, and affordability.

Planning ahead by booking train tickets early, checking boat timings, and avoiding monsoon months will ensure a smooth journey. With these practical tips and clear travel steps, you can confidently explore the tranquil beauty of Ponnumthuruthu Island and enjoy a memorable backwater experience in Kerala.