Do you want to know why Alappuzha is known as The Venice of the East? Visit Pathiramanal Island and experience it yourself. This small island is a true representation of Alappuzha’s beauty and serenity. The beautiful coastal village of Pathirapally lies a few kilometers away from the island. This village hosts countless attractive destinations, and the Pathiramanal Island serves as a sanctuary to numerous species of birds can be considered as the true hidden gems of Kerala. After reading this, you’ll understand the island’s history, the village’s local living and the tourism experience we had with Visit to Kerala.
Pathiramanal Island – Overview
2.1 Location & Meaning of Name
Pathiramanal means “Sands of the midnight” which refers to the local legend behind the origin of the destination. It is situated in the middle of the Vembanad Lake.
2.2 Pathiramanal History
Chevalier ACM Anthraper purchased the island which was also known as Anantha Padmanabhan Thoppu. When the authorities enforced the Land Reforms Act in 1979, the government took over the ownership of the island and now in the hands of Pathiramanal Island Tourism. Until then, there were 14 families residing in the island, but they were all relocated to the mainland – Muhamma panchayath.
Biodiversity & Ecological Importance
Pathirmanal island exemplifies conservation and is a significant Local Biodiversity Heritage Site due to its rich flora and incredible bird life including many native and migrative birds like Egret, Cormorants, Herons, Kingfishers etc.
It’s considered a critical ecological site as mangrove forests contribute to the significant part of the island. Moreover, this island is a hub for insects, particularly butterflies. The aquatic life is thriving as the island is surrounded by Vembanad lake that consists of several fishes, clams, prawns etc.
Tourism at Pathiramanal Island
4.1 What Tourists Can Experience
With the well-organized guidance from Visit to Kerala, we were able to go birdwatching, take refreshing nature walks. Our cameras run out of space because we just couldn’t stop taking photos of all the incredible sceneries.
4.2 Recent Tourism Developments
Firstly, well planned walkways allowed us to explore the island comfortably.
Secondly, solar powered lightings made us feel safe and ensured accessibility everywhere, which is a part of promoting green energy.
And finally, the authorities have established basic amenities such as resting place, seating areas and washrooms to prioritise the visitor’s comfort.
How to Reach Pathiramanal Island
We reached the island by taking a public ferry from Alappuzha Town boat jetty which took us nearly 1.5 hours.
You can also opt for the public ferry from Kumarakam which takes around 1 hour. On the other hand, the ferry from Muhamma which is closer to the island and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
The major railway station near Pathiramanal is Alappuzha Railway Station, which is around 15 km by road. However the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is 77 km away.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Pathiramanal island is between November and March that offers a dry or cool atmosphere. This time is ideal because of pleasant weather for excellent birdwatching.
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time of the day to visit this island.
Pathirappally Village, Alappuzha
7.1 Location
Pathirapally is a village in Alappuzha district, located away from the backwaters and the usual tourist attractions, and most importantly close to the national highway 66.
7.2 History & Formation
In the late 1700s, when Alappuzha became a major port and developed an extensive canal network, this infrastructure provided the essential trade routes that subsequently integrated rural villages like Pathirappally into the regional economy.
Geography & Local Lifestyle
The Arabian Sea forms its western boundary to the coastal village of Pathirapally, making it directly adjacent to the sea. As for the lifestyle of the people there, fishing and coir working are the major occupations of the local villagers.
Attractions in Pathirappally
The major tourist fascination in this area are the beaches, local temples and mosque that are rich in culture and traditions. The nearby backwaters are a compulsory visit, and our group were blessed with sunset views because we went for a village walk in the evening.
How to Reach Pathirappally Village
Pathirappally is a just 5 km north of Alappuzha town, easily accessible via the coastal road, with local auto-rickshaws. Above all, you can just hop on any private buses that is going north and get off at the Pathirapally bus stop to support green energy.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
Our preferred itinerary was to visit the Pathirapally Beach in the morning to avoid the evening crowd.
Taking the boat trip to Pathiramanal in the afternoon is the best option, and in the evening, you can explore Alappuzha town and the backwaters through a cute little boat safari, just like we did.
Travel Tips
I would strongly recommend choosing Visit to Kerala’s trip packages. Our group chose their 5-bedroom package; therefore, we didn’t have to worry about anything else. They took care of everything from tasty and hygienic food to houseboat rides through the scenic backwaters.
You can choose their 2 Day Trip to Alleppey for a more budget oriented package. Carry essential items such as water, comfortable footwear, medicines and personal necessities. To sum it up, Pathirapally is the village that is uniquely overflowing with the intrinsic beauty of nature and the local village life. And Pathiramanal is one of the backwater islands in Kerala that is uninhabited and dedicated to tourism. opt for public transports so you can experience the local commute and support sustainable travelling. These destinations are the hidden gems of Alappuzha, Kerala because most people go for the popular and crowded spots. They will refresh your mind with their lush beauties and local experiences.
