Information
Sailing Conditions
š¦ Biodiversity & Wildlife
Pathiramanal is a biodiversity hotspot, rich in fauna and flora. It boasts over 90 species of local birds, up to 50 migratory species, 30 butterfly species, 160 plant species, 55 fish species, and 20 spider species .
Some bird species that frequent the island include Darter, Indian Shag, Purple Heron, Night and Black Bittern, Little and Cattle Egret, Pheasant-tailed and Bronze-winged Jacana, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, and Whiskered Tern. You may also spot smooth Indian otters and rare butterfly species .
The island is home to rare plants like Aponogeton appendiculatus, mangrove species such as Bruguiera gymnorhiza and Sonneratia apetala, and medicinal flora like Calophyllum inophyllum, Tylophora indica, and Senna alata .
In 2020, Pathiramanal was officially recognized as a local Biodiversity Heritage Site by Keralaās state government .
š§ Mythology & History
According to local legend, the famed Vilwamangalathu Swamiar, while crossing Lake Vembanad one night, created the island instantly so he could answer natureās callāthe origin of the name *āmidnight sandā* .
Historically, the island belonged to Parayi Tharakan, later sold to a Gujarati trader, Bheemji Devji, and then acquired by Chevalier ACM Anthraper. After the 1979 land reforms in Kerala, it came under government control and is now managed by the Tourism Department .
š¤ Visiting Pathiramanal
The island is accessible only by boatāeither a motorboat (~1.5āÆhrs) or speedboat (~30āÆmin) from Alappuzha, or shorter trips from Kumarakom or Muhamma .
Entry is free, though there may be nominal boat charges (~ā¹500āā¹1000 for return and island rotation) depending on operator and route .
Island hours: typically 6:30āÆAM to 5:00āÆPM or up to 8āÆPM; visitors are required to leave by evening as per rules .
Facilities are minimalāno toilets or eateries; itās best suited for a 1ā2 hour nature walk along a narrow walkway (~500āÆm) across lush greenery .
The island is designated a plasticāfree zone; visitors must carry out any waste they bring in .
