Pathiramanal Island: Bird Watchers Paradise in Kerala
If you are planning a vacation to the wonderful southern state of Kerala, there can’t be a better place than the Alleppey region, which is well-known for its waterways, including the Vembanad Lake. The Vembanad Lake is located very close to this region. The lake is one of the country’s largest lakes. Pathiramanal is one of the islands that surround the lake. It is a dream destination for every bird lover. The island has a poetic name and translates into ‘sands of the night’. Earlier, the island was known as ‘Anantha Padmanabhan Thoppu’.
For the bird lovers, a many-feathered treat…
The island is home to many rare bird species, including species that are migratory. There are over 90 species of native birds and nearly 50 species of migratory birds that land here. The birds you can spot on this island include egrets (including the egret species with prefixes like intermediate, cattle and large). If you are a birdwatcher, it will be a good exercise to spot gulls, cormorants, teals and heron varieties. On a lucky day, you could even catch a glimpse of birds that are classified under the group called ‘monarch flycatchers’. Apart from the species of birds, the island is also home to many species of butterflies, snakes, fish and insects.
You can also enjoy the rich flora of the island, and spend a few hours in solitude, a rarity in the hustle and bustle of city life. You are bound to come back rejuvenated, after you are treated to the treasures of the island, including the rare bird species and the endemic flowering plant varieties here. The island is a no-plastic zone, so make sure you don’t litter the region on your holiday. Pathiramanal is also one of four sites shortlisted for the proposed ‘biodiversity heritage site’ tags in Kerala, apart from Ashramam, Kalassamala and Vellayani.
Cruise along the Vembanad
The island is a stone’s throw away from the jetty at Muhamma. From Alappuzha or Alleppey, it is about 13 km away. If you happen to be staying in Kumarakom, it would take you just over half an hour to reach the island by boat. It is a fascinating experience to ply the waters of the Vembanad. The destination and the journey are both worth every paisa, so don’t miss out on this experience!
Luxurious and relaxing
A good experience would be to cruise along smoothly on a luxurious vessel that will take you through the stretch of the Vembanad Lake. If you opt for a leisure cruise, you can enjoy some of the most luxurious amenities inside the vessel, including premium cabins, and fine dining options. You will also be treated to an array of cultural programmes that reflect the heritage of Kerala, and the Alleppey region. These cruises in Kerala will also let you interact with local communities such as the fishermen community, who will give you a glimpse of life in and around islands such as Pathiramanal. The luxury cruise will also provide you a transfer back to Kochi, which has an international airport, and is 80 km away from the island.
