Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal is an enchanting island on the Vembanad Lake and can be accessed by boat from Kumarakom. This 10-acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.

Pathiramanal is located on the border of Kottayam - Alapuzha Districts in Kerala. The name 'Pathiramanal' means 'Sands of night'. The island is an easily reachable location in the Kumarakom - Muhamma water route. It takes around 40 minutes from Kumarakom to reach Pathiramanal from Kumarakom. The journey through backwaters of Kottayam District is a marvellous experience. 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. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat. This green island is an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise. The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers criss-crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty. According to Hindu mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island, Pathiramanal the word meaning of which is sands of midnight.

It is a favourite haunt for hundreds of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Other common varieties like the woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots can also be spotted here.