Kavvayi Kayal

LensFrame.blogspot.com In Kannur, an inspiring stretch of water body Kavvayi Kayal could perhaps be your next, most fascinating destin...

LensFrame.blogspot.comIn Kannur, an inspiring stretch of water body Kavvayi Kayal could perhaps be your next, most fascinating destination among the backwaters in Kerala. The backwaters down the south of Kerala; like those in and around Kollam and Alappuzha have their own unique attractions, surroundings and ways of life. Kavvayi Kayal too has its own unique elements that could easily make you fall in love with it.

You can simply unwind by taking a walk along the land that fringes the Kavvayi Kayal or else may step into one of the country boats and relax in the cool breeze while enjoying the abundance of surrounding greenery. This backwater stretch is full of interesting sights and experiences that would keep preventing your interest level from hitting a low. Locally called as Kavvayi Kayal or the backwater of Kavvayi, this lesser known backwater of northern Kerala is the result of the five rivers viz. River Kavvayi and its tributary streams Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and Kuniyan.

From an ecological point of view the backwater of Kavvayi and its surrounding region is considered to be of significance. The backwater and the wetlands are home to a variety of fauna and flora.

Another interesting sight that one could encounter while on the backwaters of Kavvayi are the nearly half a dozen of small and big islands. The backwater setting at Kavvayi is the biggest wetland in north Kerala with an area of roughly 37 sq km.

A boat ride ideally from Kotti-Kottappuram would enable a visitor to see and enjoy the many inspiring sights of Kavvayi Kayal.

Getting there:
Nearest Railway station: Payyannur, about 4 kms.
Nearest Airport: Karipur, about 93 kms from Kannur.

The Kavvayi Island was name by Sir William Hogan the then district Collector of the area which was originally named as Kavvil Pattanam later it turned to be known as Kavvayi. Kavvayi used to be the headquarters for an area of 125 square miles (320 km2) which housed a large port and the magistrate court. Kavvayi held his honor during the British East India Company rule and slowly slipped out of limelight due to shifting of the headquarters to other parts of Malabar. Kavvayi Island has been mentioned by name , by all leading travelers including Marco Polo 1293AD, Ibn Battuta 1342AD and Abdul Fida 1273AD