Pathiramanal is a small but beautiful island located in the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake, 16km from Kottayam. The island with an area of 10 acres is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the land. There is a footpath around the island for the convenience of the tourists. The island lies between Thaneermukkom in Alappuzha district and Kumarakom in Kottayam district and can be accessed only by boat from Kumarakom or Muhamma. It takes one and half hours by motor boat and 30 minutes by speed boat to reach the island. There is a legendary tale about the formation of the island. It is believed that a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake, to carry out his evening ablutions and that portion of water made way for land ascending from below, thus creating this enthralling island of Pathiramanal, also known as sands of midnight. The island is a perfect place to take a break while on a backwater cruise in the backwaters.