Kavvayi Island is one of the most fascinating destinations 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 Island has its own unique elements that attract hordes of tourists round the year and is the third greatest backwater in Kerala. Kavvayi refers to a collection of small islands connected to Payyannur in Kannur by a bridge.
Location of Kavvayi Island
Kavvayi Island, a small island, near Payyannur in the Kannur district of Kerala state is connected with Payyannur by a small bridge on the Kavvayi Pozha, which means the river of Kavvayi.
History of Kavvayi Island
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 kilometres) which housed a large port and the magistrate court. Kavvayi held his honour 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 travellers including "Marco Polo 1293AD", "Ibn Battuta 1342AD" and "Abdul Fida 1273AD".
Attractions of Kavvayi Island
Kavvayi Island is famous for having a history of zamindars. Surrounded by small islands called kadappuram, Kavvayi Island has access to these small islands only through small boats or traditional "thonis". These small islands directly faces the Arabian Sea. The Arabian Sea roars in these areas with great force and hence it is really unbearable and difficult to stay here. Moreover, these islands are going on becoming smaller and smaller and people from these islands have been moving to cities due to urbanization. Boat rides give the visitors the chance to watch simple villagers and their daily duties thoroughly. The boat rides also help the visitors to explore each of the different islands. Locally called as Kavvayi Kayal or the backwater of Kavvayi, River Kavvayi has its tributary streams, namely the "Kankol", "Vannathichal", "Kuppithodu", and "Kuniyan".
From an ecological point of view, the backwater of Kavvayi and its surrounding region is considered to be significant. The backwater and the wetlands of Kavvayi Island are home to a variety of fauna and flora. Another interesting sight that one could encounter while on the backwaters of Kavvayi Island is that there are nearly half a dozen of small and big islands. The backwater setting at Kavvayi is the biggest wetland in north Kerala.
Visiting Information of Kavvayi Island
Nearest railway station of Kavvayi Island is Payyannur which is located about 3 kilometres away from it. Nearest airport is Calicut International Airport.
