Introduction

Pathiramanal, meaning the Sands of Midnight, is a green little island in Vembanad Lake, on the border of Kottayam-Alleppey Districts in Kerala. You can reach the island by boarding a ferry along the Kumarakom-Muhamma water route. It will take about 40 minutes from Kumarakom to arrive at Pathiramanal. From the jetty close to Baker’s Mansion, the island is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) away, and from Kumarakom approx. 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) towards northwest. Your boat journey will be filled with some priceless moments of life on the backwaters. Almost always keep your camera handy!

Pathiramanal is a picturesque 10 acre island on the backwaters, home to a diverse array of migratory birds from different parts of the world. If mythology is to be believed, a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to offer his evening prayers, and the water miraculously made way for the land to rise from below! This little green island in all its uninhabited-beauty offers a pleasant retreat to travelers on a long backwater cruise. It is worth exploring the length and breadth of the island, for the chances of spotting migratory birds such as Siberian storks in winters, among other endemic species are reasonably high. Pathiramanal is also home to a wealth of indigenous birds such as common teal, parrots, night heron, cormorant, Indian Shag, purple heron, gulls, large egrets, stork-billed kingfisher, whistling duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose and Monarch Flycatcher among others.

Presently uninhabited, till the late seventies the island had 14 worker families residing in it, who were later rehabilitated to the mainland in the Muhamma Panchayath. Find out some fascinating legends associated with the island, and bring back a slice of the simple country life on the backwaters.

The best time to explore the island is June, July and August, and the ideal time to spot migratory birds is between November and February.

Special Attributes

The island is a bird-watcher's paradise.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can reach the island by boarding a ferry along the Kumarakom-Muhamma water route. It will take about 40 minutes from Kumarakom to arrive at Pathiramanal. From the jetty close to Baker’s Mansion, the island is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) away, and from Kumarakom approx. 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) towards northwest.

Enjoyed by

Families, Kids, Backpackers, especially nature lovers

Exposure

The island is sun-dappled. So, you can enjoy the weather and explore around. But it is advisable to carry along your sunshades, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May

Facilities

Great photographic and bird-watching opportunities

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Begin early in the day so that you can explore the island at leisure, and enjoy the backwater life on Vembanad Lake.

Type of site

A scenic island