Perumbalam bridge to be inaugurated soon: The region has a lot in store for tourists

Often touted as the Lakshadweep of Kerala, Perumbalam is a small inhabited island in the Alappuzha backwaters. If you are a nature lover who enjoys the untouched beauty of the countryside, then Perumbalam is the perfect spot to unwind. It's often touted as the largest island village in Kerala. Fishing on small boats, Chinese nets, flocks of migratory birds, scintillating sunsets, and the unique geography are among the highlights of Perumbalam. Just 2km wide and 5km long with a total area of 6 sq km, the isle is also replete with agricultural land, rich vegetation, places of worship and many boat jetties. 

The new 1157-metre, 11-metre bowstring arch bridge to Perumbalam, featuring rainbow colours, has been attracting significant attention ahead of its inauguration. It is the longest in Kerala, running along the Vembanad backwaters. The residents of Perumbalam hope their tiny island will become a notable tourist destination in the district once the bridge, expected to be inaugurated soon, opens. What else makes Perumbalam special?

Land of Malabar tamarind 
Perumbalam tamarind is the first among equals in the world of tamarind. What sets Perumbalam Malabar tamarind (kudam puli) apart is its smooth, soft taste. Most houses on the island grow tamarind trees. A dash of Malabar tamarind in fish curry or any other curry would elevate the flavour. The Perumbalam tamarind had also taken the international trade fair in Delhi by storm. The coconuts harvested from the island also have more flesh compared to the coconuts cultivated in other parts of Kerala. Coconut cultivation thrives on the island due to its fertile soil. The residents of the isle also produce coconut value-added products, including coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, coconut chutney powder, and laddu. 

‘Mangaluru Ooru venda’ and Nali beythane’
Sreekumar, a native of Perumbalam island, cultivates ‘Mangaluru ooru venda’ (Lady’s finger or orka). The island offers unique varieties of vegetables. ‘Nali beythane’ (Kasaragod brinjal), Karnataka-based vegetables such as ‘byadagi chilli’, ‘onakoor paval’ (bitter gourd), ‘thein 

kanthari’ (Bird’s eye chilli), ‘ney mulakku’ (chilli), ‘vaidya kumbalam’ (ash gourd) and watermelon are successfully cultivated at Perumbalam island. The water surrounding the island is home to various fish species. 

38 roads 
Though Perumbalam is a small island, there are as many as 38 roads connecting different parts of the region. It houses village and panchayat offices, government schools, and hospitals specialised in Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homeo and Siddha streams of treatment. Moreover, there are many places of worship representing different religious traditions. Many island residents are employed by the government, and 82 police personnel are assigned to various posts. 

Island’s own jankar and 13 boat jetties 
The island also boasts 13 boat jetties, and six boats from the Paanavalli boat station under the waterways department are operating a boat service. The boat service connects the island with the Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts. The island operates its own jankar ferry on the Paanavalli-Perumbalam route under the Perumbalam panchayat, which transports goods, building materials, and residents’ cars. There is also another jankar ferry on the Perumbalam Vaathikadu-Poonthotta route. Water ambulance is also at the service of the island’s residents if they fall ill or meet with an accident.

Resorts and homestays
The state government and Perumbalam panchayat have decided to encourage tourism here by opening resorts, homestays, tourist boats and other businesses. This would increase the panchayat’s income, create employment opportunities, and generate financial benefits for the island's residents. The number of resorts and homestays in Perumbalam has increased since the responsible tourism project was launched there. The government plans to utilise the island's significant tourism potential through its beautiful spots, establishments, traditional crafts, indigenous art forms, festivals, and farming methods. Additionally, pedal boats, kayaks, and shikaras will be arranged for tourists to enjoy the island's grand view of the backwaters. 

Tourist boats
Director of water transport Shaji V Nair said that the department would consider launching tourist boat services in Perumbalam as part of the government’s efforts to turn the island into a major tourism spot. Meanwhile, water metro services may also be launched in the future, leveraging the island's unique geography. The motor transport department has reportedly decided to start KSRTC bus services to Perumbalam Island. 

Where three districts merge
Poothotta bridge, where Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts merge, is close to Perumbalam. Daily boat services are available from Perumbalam to Poothotta. The Perumbalam bridge has been constructed as part of the first phase of the road that connects the Vaikom – Poothotta – Tripunithura state highway from Cherthala – Arookootty road via Perumbalam island. 

The beautiful bridge
The bridge, which connects Perumbalam to the mainland,  has also apparently resolved issues with the electricity supply to Perumbalam. The 11 KV line from the Kandanad substation in the Ernakulam Poothotta feeder supplies electricity to Perumbalam. Now, electricity is also supplied from the Arookkutty section through the Perumbalam bridge. The electrical conduction experiment was successfully conducted on the bridge. Currently, Perumbalam gets electricity supply from both feeders. If one gets disrupted, the other one could be charged immediately.