Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal Island also known as Anantha Padmanabhan Thoppu is a small island located in the Muhamma panchayat of the Alappuzha district in Kerala. The name Pathiramanal translates to “midnight sand” in Malayalam. The island is a popular destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts as it is home to hundreds of rare migratory birds from all over the world.

Pathiramanal Island: A Natural Sanctuary with Healing Vibes

The island is a haven for birds and provides a serene environment for them to cohabitate peacefully. The island was previously leased out to private entrepreneurs, but it now falls under the Tourism Department of Kerala. The island is known for nurturing plants with medicinal properties, and it is said that the air in Pathiramanal has healing properties.

Pathiramanal is open for visitors throughout the year and there is no entry fee, the best time to visit the island is during the evenings from October to March. One can spend about an hour walking on the Island and exploring, please be sure to carry enough water and snacks with you.

In addition to birdwatching, there are other interesting things to do on Pathiramanal Island, such as boat riding, enjoying the calming ambiance and scenery, photography, etc. Visitors to Pathiramanal Island can also explore nearby attractions such as Vembanad Lake and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Accessing Pathiramanal Island: A Short Boat Ride to Serenity

The State Water Transport Department offers an affordable two-way boat service to explore Pathiramanal Island for just INR 80. Convenient travel services from Alappuzha, Kumarakom, and Muhamma Boat Jetty are also available to meet the needs of tourists, and tickets can be easily obtained directly from the boat.

A service boat from Muhamma to Maniyaparambil is available at 10:30 am and 11:45 am, with a one-way fare of INR 40. After dropping off tourists at Pathiramanal, the boat proceeds to Maniyaparambil with regular passengers. The return service takes about an hour, allowing tourists to board the boat at Pathiramanal and return to Muhamma.

For travelers coming from Kumarakom, the Kumarakom-Muhamma service is diverted via Pathiramanal at 11 am. After unloading tourists at Pathiramanal, the boat heads to Muhamma. On the return journey from Muhamma, the boat stops at Pathiramanal to pick up tourists and reaches Kumarakom. The fare for this journey is also INR 40.

The island is located in Vembanad Lake and is approximately 1.5 km from Muhamma Boat Jetty and 13 km from Alappuzha. The nearest railway station is Alappuzha and the closest airport is Cochin International Airport located 73 kilometers away from Pathiramanal.

[Image source|CC BY-SA 4.0]

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