THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As plans are afoot to develop a backwater tourism circuit in the capital connecting Kadinamkulam, Anchuthengu and Akathumuri lakes, a tiny island named Ponnumthuruthu near Varkala will surely be one of the ‘not-to-be-missed’ stop-overs.
A hub of migratory birds, the island, of five-acre radius, is kissed by the serene waters of the Akathumuri lake. Ponnumthuruthu also houses a unique ‘Shiva Parvathy Vishnu’ temple which dates back to over five generations. The island is owned by the Valiyapurackal family in Nedunganda.
At present, visitors access the island through country boats from Nedunganda Onnam Palam. The visitors include tourists, devotees, bird watchers and nature lovers. Though the original area of the island was nearly 10 acres, it dwindled to half its size around 25 years ago due to sand mining in the area.
Thiruvananthapuram District Promotion Council (DTPC) is presently in talks with the family trust which owns the island to develop the infrastructure facilities for tourists.
“As the first step, we will provide proper seating arrangements and other basic infrastructure using bamboo and other eco-friendly materials. The focus will be on preserving the natural eco-system while improving the existing facilities,” DTPC secretary Prasanth T V said.
Recently, Forest Minister K Raju visited the island following an invitation by Attingal MLA B Sathyan. The Minister evinced interest in a project that will preserve the natural forests and mangroves on the island.
“Considering the ecologically sensitive nature of the island and the presence of a temple, any development activity here will have to be carried out by taking into account various factors. But the spot will surely be a major tourist attraction once the backwater tourism circuit becomes a reality,” Sathyan said.