Pathiramanal - Alappuzha

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal, a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha, is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world. You can reach there after 1 1/2 hours drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha in south Kerala. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat.

The green island thus forms 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 fresh water rivers criss crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.

Pathiramanal is a beautiful island which also has many stories centered on it. Legends say that there was a young Brahmin who dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for him and land rose to give shape to this beautiful island. The word Pathiramanal means sands of the night.

This little island Pathiramanal is away from the entire bustling city.  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 Parthimanal Island. 

This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. The Best Time to Visit Pathiramanal is from June to January.

The island is a Birdwatcher's paradise. It is home to around 91 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds. One can see Pintail 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, Watercock, Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Little Cormorant and Whiskered Tern. Some people have even reported seeing the Monarch flycatcher.