PATHIRAMANAL ISLAND – BIRD WATCHERS PARADISE

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Pathiramanal is a small island located on the border of Kottayam – Alappuzha Districts in Kerala, India. The name ‘Pathiramanal’ means ‘Sands of night’. The scenic beauty of both sides of the lake as well as that of the island is mind blowing. It is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.

The area of the Pathiramanal Island is about 10 acres. The island has beautiful scenery and breathtaking surroundings. There is a story connected with this island. It is said that a young brahmin boy dived in to the lake and the waters made way for the boy. The land that rose when the waters made way became the beautiful and enchanting Pathiramanal Island, meaning “Island of the midnight sands”.

The island (also known as Anantha Padmanabhan Thoppu) was purchased by Chevalier ACM Anthraper, from M/s Bheemji Devji Trust of Cochin and was under the private ownership until the late seventies. In 1979 after Land Reforms Acts were enforced in the State, the property came under government ownership. The island was returned to the government as a surplus land that crossed the land ceiling. It was later transferred to the Tourism Department and the idea of leasing it out to private enterprises was under consideration. The island at present is uninhabited. Till late seventies of the 20th century 14 worker families resided in the island, who were later rehabilitated on the mainland in the Muhamma panchayath.

PATHIRAMANAL ISLAND

Apart from the beautiful lake shore of the Vembanadu Lake the small island Pathiramanal is the main tourist sport in muhamma. Pathiramanal is an island in the Vembanadu Lake. It is an Eco-friendly tourist center. It is accessible by boat from Alappuzha. Kayippuram jetty is just about 2km east of the Kayippuram junction on the Alappuzha – Thannirmukkam road.

This is an exquisite piece of land just a few kilometers off Alappuzha. A trip to the place would be your chance to observe several exotic species of birds that fly in from far and wide.

PATHIRAMANAL ISLAND

This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. This little island Pathiramanal is away from all the bustling city life and is the favorite haunt of the migratory birds. This island is the perfect getaway amidst the water, blue sky and acres of greenery. Serenity and tranquility are found at their best in the Pathiramanal Island.

Birdwatching

The island is a Birdwatcher’s paradise. It is home to around 91 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds. One can see Pin-tail Ducks, Common Teal, Night Heron, Cormorant, Darter, Indian Shag, Purple Heron, gulls, terns, large egrets, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Pheasant-tailed and Bronze-winged Jacanas, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Water-cock, Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Little Cormorant and Whiskered Tern. Some people have even reported seeing the Monarch flycatcher.

Cormorant [Image Courtsey : www.pathiramanl.com ]

The Pathiramanal Island is 28.505 ha. It is about 1.5 km from Muhamma boat jetty and about 13 km from Alappuzha. From the jetty close by Baker Bungalow the distance to the island is about 5 km and from Kumarakom 4 km towards northwest.

* Maximum length: 550m (SW to NE)
* Maximum width: 450m (SE to NW)
* Perimeter: 1800 m
* Estimated Area: 19.6 ha
* Distance to the nearest main land: 810m

The island is an hour and half drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha town. One can also take the boats plying in the Kumarakom – Muhamma water route. It takes around 40 minutes from Kumarakom to reach Pathiramanal. The journey through backwaters of Kottayam District is a marvelous experience.

There are different roadways connecting Pathiramanal to the rest of Kerala and you can drive down these roads enjoying the beauty of your journey.