Korapuzha River

About Korapuzha River

Korapuzha River is one of the famous rivers of India and it is situated 16km from Kozhikode, this river is known for its cleanliness and pureness. This riveris filled with natural inhabitants and many other things. People love its stillness that calms the mood, mind and body.Korapuzha also known as Elathur River is a short river of 40 km , with a drainage area of 624 km .There is heavy boat traffic over the last 25 km of its course. It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Agalapuzha and Punnoorpuzha which originate in the mountains of Wayanad district. The Korapuzha empties into the Arabian Sea at Elathur. It forms part of the West Coast Inland Navigation System. The Korapuzha is generally considered as the boundary between the North Malabar and South Malabar in the erstwhile district of Malabar.

Korapuzha River islong and covers many industrial cities like beypore, kallai, kozhikode and others. The river is lifeline of the south and one of the prime tourist attractions.The river and its main trinutaries become tidal as they near the Arabian Sea. There is heavy boat traffic over the last 25 km of its course. It forms part of the West Coast Inland Navigation System

The cleanness and prominence from the main cities magnets the distant spell bounded visitors. The twisting and turning of the river is truly magical. People come here for boating and slowly enjoy the beauties of floras and faunas that reside along its banks. Also, Mangroves of Korapuzha River is really famous.Kappad beach is at a short walk on the Korapuzha river. This is a place where Vasco-da-Gama set foot 500 years ago. Until the 20th century the Nair women of North Malabar crossing the Korapuzha and going south or marrying a person from South Malabar was considered a taboo and those who violated faced Bhrasht (Ostracism) and forfeiture of caste.

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.

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.

Kappad Backwaters:

Kappad offers the unique backwaters, which consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes & canals. Traveling on these backwaters is an experience one can never forget. . On the banks one can see lush green rice fields spreading away into the distance and coconut groves with the occasional temple or church.

Short Cruises at Kappad:

A boat ride into the countryside offers a close look at rustic village life- fishermen launching their cockleshell boats,women catching fish with their feet, aimless cattle grazing, white lotuses floating here and there in small, shallow ponds.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary:

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful bird sanctuaries of Kerala. A tour to Kadalundi will acquaint the tourists with unique and different species of wildlife amidst a fascinating natural habitat. The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary spread over a cluster of islands near Kozhikode draws tourists from all over the world for its vast range of avian species.

Nearest Visiting places

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.

Badagara (Commercial Centre):

This place 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 Lighthouse is just 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 lies 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. The Calicut Pazhassiraja museum was built as a tribute to this great freedom fighter.

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.

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.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
SH 34, Kozhikode
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH 212, Vellimadukunnu
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Kottooli Petrol Pump
NH 17, Kozhikode
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH212, Kunnamangalam
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Sindu Petrol Pump
NH212, Kunnamangalam
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:

Nadakkavu Police Station
NH 17, Kozhikode
Kerala.

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

City Trafiic Police Station
Pavamani Road,
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Koduvally Police Station
NH212, Kozhikode
Kerala 673572.

Nallalam Police Station
Calicut, Kozhikode
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Nirmala Hospital And Nursing College
NH 212, Vellimadukunnu
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Kuthiravattom Mental Hospital
Puthiyara Pottammal Road
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Malabar Hospital & Urology Centre
NH 212
Eranhipaalam, Kozhikode
Kerala 673020
Tel: 0495 2374706.

Thiruvangoor Primary Health Center
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Ayurveda Hospital
Kozhikode, Kerala State.

Primary Health Center
Atholi - Kuttiyadi Road
Kachery, Kozhikode
Kerala 673317.

Link:

http://myhandycam.blogspot.com/2008/11/elathur-river.html
http://indiatravelstours.blogspot.com/2009/10/backwater-in-kerala.html

Location info

• Address: Korapuzha village, Kozhikode District, Kerala, India

• District: Kozhikode District

• Nearest City: Mandarathur, Kappad,Thiruvanpady and Kochi.

• Best time to visit: September to May.

Climate & weather

Climate is Humid and Tropical. And the Temparature in Summer32.6 °C and in Winter21.4°C.

Things to do at Korapuzha River

Watch the Mangroves of Korapuzha River and also Kappad beach nearby, You can have Boating, fishing, watresports and swimming. Korapuzha is very famous for boatriding.

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 Korapuzha River

The best time to visit Korapuzha 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 Korapuzha River

Korapuzha 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.