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Situated in the Kannur district of Kerala, Kavvayi Backwaters is a cluster of small islands close to Payyanur. It is the largest backwater system in north Kerala and the third largest in the state, encompassing an area of roughly 37 sq. km. The convergence of five rivers, namely Kavvayi, Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and Kuniyan, forms the backwaters.
Exploring Kavvayi Backwaters
Kannur district has 80 percent of the mangrove population in Kerala, and Kavvayi has some of the most picturesque ones. Valiyaparamba Island is the largest among the islands of Kavvayi, stretching over 16 km2. The backwaters were once the hub for the spice and gems trade done through the port of Malabar. The port, however, was closed after that.
The best way to explore the backwaters is by kayaking and country boat cruises, preferably in the early morning and late evenings. Various tour operators offer kayaking tours in the Kavvayi Backwaters. The best time to visit Kavvayi Backwaters is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and the backwaters are calm with the serene surroundings. There are also motorboat services available from Payyanur at a minimal ticket price. Those boating services are managed by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD). Check out this page to know boat schedules, ticket fares, and contact information.
To reach Kavvayi, one can take a train or bus to Payyannur railway station, which is 3 kilometers away. Alternatively, one can fly to Kannur International Airport, which is the closest airport to Kavvayi Backwaters, located 62 kilometers away.
FAQs
Where is Kavvayi located?
Kavvayi backwaters and islands are located near Payyanur, in the Kannur district of Kerala.
Charges and Timings of Boat Service to Kavvayi Backwaters
There are motorboat services available from Payyanur at a minimal ticket price. Those boating services are managed by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD). For more details, including the boat schedules and ticket rates, visitors can contact the SWTD office at 04672213566 or visit the SWTD website.
How to reach Kavvayi Island
To reach Kavvayi, one can take a train or bus to Payyannur railway station, which is 3 kilometers away. Alternatively, one can fly to Kannur International Airport, which is the closest airport to Kavvayi Backwaters, located 62 kilometers away. There are motorboat services available from Payyanur at a minimal ticket price.
What’s the entry fee for Kavvayi Backwaters?
There is no general entry fee to visit Kavvayi Backwaters near Payyanur in Kannur, Kerala. However, charges apply for specific activities: public ferry rides cost around INR 20 per person, private boat trips are about INR 800 per round trip, and kayaking is available from INR 299 to 300, depending on the provider. Houseboat cruises are also offered at varying rates based on duration and amenities.
Photo by Nahel Abdul Hadi.
