Payyanur / Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Kannur - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 11 km from Payyanur, 12 km from Kottappuram, 30 km from Bekal, 47 km from Kannur, and 49 km from Kasaragod, Valiyaparamba is a coastal island in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. It is one of the most picturesque destinations of Kerala backwaters, and among the prime places to visit near Kannur.

The island of Valiyaparamba is a long strip of land between the Kavvayi Backwaters and the Arabian Sea. This inhabited island is approximately 16 sq. km in size. Valiyaparamba Backwaters are fed by four rivers and the entire region is famous for a cluster of picturesque little islands. Though not popular as Alappuzha Backwaters, Valiyaparamba Backwaters are the largest backwaters in North Kerala and the third-largest backwaters in Kerala. A National Waterway passes through the island.

Blessed with lush green flora and picture-perfect sparkling blue backwaters, the Valiyaparamba Backwater region is being developed as a satellite destination for Bekal. Kerala Government has assigned Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) to implement a rural community tourism project in this region. To explore this cleanest backwater destination, BRDC has introduced boating facilities, such as houseboats from Kottappuram (near Nileshwar) for the benefit of tourists to experience the backwater cruise. Recently a boat terminal has been developed at Ayitti and Edayilakkad in the Valiyaparamba Backwaters. Government ferries are available at Ayitti which lets you travel the whole stretch of Valiyaparamba Backwaters.

Valiyaparamba Backwaters is a region of great natural beauty. A boat cruise in traditional 'kettuvallams' (houseboats) offers a panoramic view of the coconut groves on the island. The sight of boats chugging along in the calmness of the waters, coconut lagoons, a variety of sea birds, the view of the sea further down and the sunset just adds to the beauty of the place that one must experience as part of Kannur trip. The Malabar mangrove trail is just 20 km away from Valiyaparamba Backwaters which offers hiking, boating, and bird watching. The island boasts a serene and secluded Valiyaparamba beach. The Island is also well known for its mussel cultivation.

Cost: Rs. 15 for Ferry, Rs. 2000 for 1 Hour Houseboat & Rs. 8000 - 10000 for Overnight Houseboat