Kavvayi Islands, Kannur Overview
Kavvayi Island is situated near Payyanur, a town in northern Kerala. Kavvayi Islands are spread over an area of approximately 37 square kilometers and are surrounded by the Kavvayi backwaters, which is a picturesque network of lagoons, rivers, and canals. Recorded in the travel writings of scholars and explorers Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo, Kavil Pattanam, now called Kavvayi, has been recreated into a beautiful island. Spread over the districts of Kannur and Kasaragod, the Kavvayi islands, also called Kavvayi Kayal) are the largest backwater island group in north Kerala.
Historically, kavil Pattanam used to be the hub for spice and gems trade, done through the port of Malabar, which also brought in precious Damascus steel. The port, however, was closed after the British banned it in the 17th century. The name Kavil Pattanam was changed to Kavvayi by Sir William Hogan.
The main highlight of Kavvayi is the islands covered with lush green vegetation, coconut groves, and mangrove forests. The backwaters and mangrove forests serve as habitats for various marine and avian species. It is home to several migratory birds, including rare and endangered species. There are a few homestay options on the island like Kavvayi Beach House.
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Things to Do
The backwaters are fed by four rivers and streams - the Kavvayi, Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu and Kuniyan rivers. The largest island of the island group is Valiyaparamba, and the backwaters near it are also known by the same name.
The Payyannur municipality, in an attempt to draw in more tourists, organises kayaking events and has developed a park near the ferry at Kavvayi, serving as a breathtaking view of the entire backwaters. Visitors can sit and watch the boats go by, and also avail boating facilities.
One of the most popular adventures sports here is water zorbing, where one has to get inside a large inflated plastic ball, to be able to “walk” on the water without getting wet.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kavvayi Kayal is from October to March when humidity is at its low and it isn't raining as hard. The weather around this time is very cool and pleasant, and ideal for all the nature walks adventure sports, and boating trips and picnics.
One must avoid the monsoon months of June, July and August, as the average rainfall that Kavvayi receives is over 3578 mm. The summer months of May and June are very humid, and hot. The average annual temperature of Kavvayi is 27.2 °C.
Tips
- Avoid stepping on the mangroves or causing any damage to the ecosystem.
- Do pack some mosquito repellent.
- There are no food options on the island, so you must rely on homestay meals for delicious Malabar cuisine.
- Take a speedboat to explore the mangrove forest, or opt for kayaking. You can ask your homestay to arrange a kayak or contact local operators, such as Mangrove Vibes Kayaking, on Instagram.
How To Reach Kavvayi Islands
Take the SWTD Ferry from the Kavvayi boat jetty to reach the island. It will cost INR 20.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Payyanur Railway Station, just 3 kilometers from Kavvayi Islands. You can hire an auto or taxi from the station to cover the short distance to the islands.
By Air
The closest airports are:
Kannur International Airport (50 km)
Mangalore International Airport (110 km)
Calicut International Airport (150 km)
From these airports, you can take a taxi or bus to Payyanur, from where the islands are just a short ride away.
By Road
Kavvayi Islands are well-connected to Bangalore and Mysore via road. There are overnight buses from Bangalore to Payyanur, ensuring a convenient and comfortable journey. From Payyanur, hire an auto to reach the islands.
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