Chaliyar River in Khozikode, Kerala

About Chaliyar River

Chaliyar River is 10 kms south of Kozhikode town, Kerala.It is also popular as the Beypore river, can conveniently form a major river of the state. It boasts of its origination from the Ilambalari hills in Gudalur Taluk of the Nilagiri district in Tamil Nadu. Its important tributaries comprise of Chalipuzha, Punnapuzha, Pandiyar, Karimpuzha, Vadapurampuzha, Iringipuzha and Iruthilpuzha. It is an inter-state river covering an area of 2923 sq. kms, of which 2535 sq kms lie in Kerala. The length of this river is 169 kms. The river cascades merrily through Nilambur, Mambad, Edavanna, Areacode, Vazhakkad in Malappuram district and Feroke in Kozhikode district to join the Arabian Sea near Beypore. Thus the river gets the names Chaliyar and Beyporepuzha. Chaliyar and Feroke Bridge.

It flows through the Malappuram district and before entering the city of Kozhikode it forms a borderline between Malappuram district and Kozhikode district. It finally evacuates into the Arabian Sea. Some of the tributaries of the Chaliyar originate from Wayanad district and joins the main river in Malappuram. Chaliyar is one of the rivers which doesn’t get dried up in the drought season.Many other rivers in Kerala get dried up during march and april. Beypore dam is nearerby this river.

Interesting things to Visit

Beypore port:

An ancient port which have regular services to Lakshadweep islands.

Beypore lighthouse :

Beypore port had the trade links with Europe, Arabia and the ports on Indian coast. It was also the base port for Laccadive group of Islands and continues even now to be the base for Machine Cum Sailing vessels of Lakshadweep.Thelighthouse used as a navigation object for sea vessels.

Dolphin’s Point:

Here one can see dolphins playing in the sea of an early morning. But you have to walk from main road terminus aroun 2Kms. But I guarantee this will be a memorable one. Stone laid down into sea around 2 kms long.

Kappad Beach:

Kappad Beach is one of the most historical places of significance in the world. Thus, it is one of the many places in India where a tourist must go and see. Kappad Beach is very famous and significant because of the fact that the famous world explorer Vasco De Gama first set foot on the Kappad Beach on his world famous journey. Vasco De Gama set foot on the Kappad Beach in 1498 AD.

Kozhikode Beach:

Whenever you travel to Calicut in India, there are many beaches there that are perfect for a romantic setting. Kozhikode Beach is one of these beaches and you can be sure that the romantic scene will be coupled with the beautiful sunsets on the piers of Kozhikode Beach. In the Kozhikode Beach, there are two piers that stand toward the middle of the sea.

Kakkayam:

Kakkayam is actually a very nice trekking site and one of the few natural habitats that must be seen when traveling to India. Kakkayam also has a dam in the area, but the general area has been conserved by the Forest Police so that you can enjoy a good hike or trekking there within the nature. Kakkayam also has a very good rock climbing opportunity and many people come there just for that purpose.

Beypore beach:

Beypore, is a beautiful expanse of vast land and turquoise blue sea. Nature will embrace you in its arms on the calm shore shores of this beach. The endless Arabian Sea laps at your feet as you stand on the soft sands watching the sunset. The Kozhikode Beypore Beach is a commercial center for ship building and has existed here for more than 1000 years.

Nearest Visiting places

Badagara (Commercial Centre):

Badagara is 48 kms from Kozhikode, in Badagara is Kalaripayattu, which is a flourishing, and great commercial centre of martial arts. Badagara is also famous for being the birthplace of Thacholi Othanan, the hero of the ballads of North Malabar.

Thikkoti Lighthouse:

This is about 22kms from Kozhikode is the lighthouse, which overlooks Velliyamkallu, the rock much dreaded by navigators, off Moodadi coast, which was built after a ship, wreck and the remains of which can still be seen here. The Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.The Thikkoti lighthouse is an important attraction of Kozhikode/Calicut and was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here.

Thusharagiri:

This place is 50kms east of Kozhikode, Thusharagiri is a little tribal tourist spot in Kerala. Tow streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the River Challipuzha. The river diverges into three waterfalls, creating a snowy spray, which gives the name ‘Thusharagiri’ which means ‘snowy peak’.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam:

60kms from Kozhikode, the Peruvannamuzhi dam site, set amide hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir hence provided facilities for speedboat and rowboat cruises. Inhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.

Velliyamkallu:

It is a massive rock which had once served as a vantage point for the ‘marakkars’ to attack the Portuguese invaders. The beautiful natural engravings on the rock add to the overall charm of this tourist attraction in Kozhikode.

Pazhassiraja Museum .and Art Gallery Beypore:

The Pazhassiraja museum and the art gallery of Kozhikode have been named after the famous Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Kottayam royal family. Pazhassiraja led the famous ‘Pazhassi Revolt’ against the East India Company during the 1700’s. Pazhassiraja was nicknamed the Lion of Kerala and is also accredited with starting guerilla war in the hills of Wayanad to give a blow to the unbearable British rule. He was shot dead in an encounter on 30th November 1805.

Thali temple:

Thali temple is an ancient one, dating back to the days of the Zamorin rule. The term Thali refers to a Shiva temple; however, the temple complex also houses a shrine to Krishna. Legend has it that Parasurama, associated with several temples in Kerala, worshipped Shiva here. Several legends associated with feudal rivalry, curses and relief from curses are associated with this temple. In its glorious days, this temple celebrated the Revathi.

Lions Park:

A park for children situates next to the light house at Calicut beach. The park is open from 3 pm onwards. It is good to enjoy the sunset from here

Mananthavadi:
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The forests of Mananthavadi are amongst the most picturesque locales of Kerala. The place is also of historical importance as it is here that Pazhassi Raja, a native chieftain famous for his guerilla tactics against the British, breathed his last.The tomb of Veera Pazhassi Raja, known as the Lion of Kerala has been erected here as a memorial to this valiant leader, who committed suicide to avoid capture, by the British.

Buddha Vihar:

The Budha Vihar situated at Customs Road near south beach of Kozhikode is a marked example of the presence of Budhists in Kozhikode. There is a good collection of writings on Budha.

Mananchira:

Mananchira is the heart of the Kozhikode city and has important institutions like the Town Hall and the Public Library. One of Kozhikode’s oldest institutions, the Commonwealth Trust’s office is located here at Mananchira.

Science Planetarium:

Kozhikode wins a place in the planetarium map of the world. Situate within city at Jaffarkhan Colony. It reveals the mysteries of universe and enlightens about the planets and stars.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
NH212, Kunnamangalam
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH 212, Vellimadukunnu
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
SH 34, Kozhikode
Kerala.

Junction Petrol Pump
Areekode Thamarashery Road
Kozhikode
Kerala.

Thiruvampadi Petrol Pump
SH 34, Kozhikode
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Asma Tower
NH 17, Kozhikode, Kerala 673004
Tel: 09847611275

Hotel Kadavu Resort
N.H.17 Calicut Bye Pass Road
Calicut 673632
Tel: 0483 2830023.

Taj Residency
PT Usha Rd, Kozhikode
Kerala 673032
Tel:0495 2765354.

The Gateway hotel
PT Usha Road, Kozhikode
Kerala
Tel:0495 2765354.

Hotels in Calicut
P.B. No.114, Bank Road
Calicut, Kerala 673001
Tel: 09495813651.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Malappuram, Kerala
Tel: 0483 2767496

Police Station
Kozhikode, Kerala

Thiruvampadi police Station
Kozhikode, Kerala

Nadakkavu Police Station
NH 17, Kozhikode
Kerala.

Chevayur Police Station
A. R. Camp Road,
Vellimadukunnu, Calicut
Kerala 673012.

Koduvally Police Station
NH212, Kozhikode
Kerala 673572.

Nearest Hospital:

Calicut Medical College Hospital
Calicut, Kozhikode
Kerala.

District Hospital
Malappuram, Kerala
Tel: 0483 2766880.

Government Taluk Hospital
Nilambur, Kozhikode
Kerala
Tel: 04931 220351.

TB Hospital Charani
Malappuram, Kerala.

Baby Memorial Hospital
Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Tel: 0495 2723272.

Daya hospital
Malappuram, Kerala
Tel: 0483 2700258.

Link:

http://devika-poetry.blogspot.com/2009/06/chaliyar.html
http://shamseerphotos.blogspot.com/2006/12/chaliyar-river.html
http://chaliyarareacode.blogspot.com/2006/08/chaliyar\_23.html

Location info

Address: Beypore, Khozikode District, Kerala, India.
District: Khozikode District
**Nearest City:**Mandarathur, Meppayil, Nadakkuthala,Kappad and Kochi.
Best time to visit: Between October to March.

Climate & weather

Here the Tropical humid climate throughout the year,This land of cool weather, situated at a height of more than 750 m above sea level,. The weather ranges between 0 °C (32 °F) and 10 °C .

Things to do at Chaliyar River

You can see Beypore beach nearer to this river,Fishing and Boating, and Kavanakallu Regulator cum bridge is constructed over the Chaliyar River

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Best time to visit Chaliyar River

The best time to visit Chaliyar River is from November to February with pleasant weather. The river is fullest during and after the monsoon (July–November). Summer months (March–May) see reduced water levels. Boating and riverside picnics are best in the post-monsoon months.

Timings & opening hours

River areas are accessible 24 hours. Boating and bathing are recommended only during daylight hours (6:00 AM–6:00 PM). Some riverside temples and ghats have specific access timings.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to riverside areas is generally free. Boating or rafting charges, if available, vary by operator. Rivers flowing through forest areas may require forest entry permits.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for riverside walks and photography. Additional time for boating, fishing, or picnicking if available.

Safety tips

Be cautious of strong currents and depth variations when near the river. Do not attempt to cross the river during heavy flow. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar stretches. Be mindful of slippery riverbank rocks. During monsoon, water levels can rise rapidly — avoid riverbanks during heavy rain.

Things to carry

Comfortable footwear, drinking water, camera, light snacks, mosquito repellent, a towel if you plan to wade, and an umbrella or rain cover for your bag. For riverside picnics, carry a ground sheet or mat.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Chaliyar River

Chaliyar River is part of Kerala’s extensive river network — the state has 44 rivers, 41 of which flow westward to the Arabian Sea and 3 eastward. These rivers originate in the Western Ghats and have shaped Kerala’s geography, agriculture, and culture. Rivers have been central to Kerala’s civilisation — providing water for rice cultivation, serving as trade routes, and inspiring countless works of literature and folklore. The riverbanks are dotted with temples, churches, and settlements that have flourished for centuries.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go boating on the river? — Boating availability depends on the river’s width, depth, and current. Some rivers offer boat rides, especially wider stretches. Inquire locally. Is the river safe for swimming? — Swimming in rivers requires caution. Some stretches are safe, while others have strong currents. Check locally and avoid swimming near dams or after heavy rain. What is the best time to visit? — Early morning for the best light and bird sightings. Post-monsoon (October–January) offers the best water levels and scenic beauty.