Pathiramanal is a small island located on the border of Kottayam - Alapuzha Districts in Kerala(south kerala),India.This small island is on the backwaters of Alappuzha near Muhamma.Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat.The name 'Pathiramanal' means 'Sands of night'.The island is located in the Vembanad Lake.The island is an easily reachable location in the Kumarakom - Muhamma water route.It is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake,stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake.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.The green island 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.
Muhamma boat jetty to Pathiramanal Island =1.5kms
Alappuzha to Pathiramanal Island =13kms
Kumarakom to Pathiramanal Island =4kms
1 1/2 hours drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha
Nearest airports: Cochin International Airport,about 85 km north of Alappuzha.Thiruvananthapuram,about 150 km towards the south.
History
Pathiramanal island is also known as Anantha Padmanabhan Thoppu.It was purchased by Mr ACA Anthraper from M/s Bheemji Devji Trust of Cochin and was under the private ownership until late 70’s. In 1979 after land reforms acts were enforced in the state,the property came under the ownership of government.The island was returned to the government as a surplus land that crossed the land sealing. It was later transferred to the Tourism Department.The island at present is uninhabited.Till late 70’s of the 20th century 14 worker families resided in the island,which were later rehabilitated on the mainland in the Muhamma panchayath.
The Pathiramanal Island is 28.505 ha.The distance from Muhamma boat jetty towards Island is about 1.5 km and 13kms from Alapuzha to pathiramanal.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
