A private boat day on Valiyaparamba
Valiyaparamba is a narrow lagoon running for many kilometres parallel to the coast between Kasaragod and Kannur districts. Four rivers feed it, and small islands are scattered along its length, some inhabited by fishing and farming families, some just mangrove and coconut. A thin strip of land, in places only a few hundred metres wide, separates it from the sea.
We board a private boat, either a small houseboat or a covered motor boat, at a jetty near Kottappuram in Nileshwar. The boat cruises south through the lagoon, past mussel farms, Chinese-style fishing nets and villages, with stops on islands where you can walk to the seaward side for a deserted beach. Lunch of local fish, mussels and rice is cooked on board.
The great appeal is the quiet: compared with Alappuzha and Kumarakom, very few boats work these waters. Birdlife is good, with kingfishers, herons and brahminy kites. We return by mid-afternoon. Houseboat operations here are smaller and less regulated than in the south, so we choose operators carefully. Check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Is Valiyaparamba better than Alleppey?
It is quieter and less developed. Valiyaparamba has far fewer houseboats and a more open, island-studded lagoon, so it feels peaceful and untouched. Alappuzha and Kumarakom have more luxurious boats and the famous paddy landscapes of Kuttanad. If you are already in North Malabar, Valiyaparamba is well worth a day.
Can we stay overnight on a houseboat at Valiyaparamba?
Yes, some operators offer overnight houseboat stays, though the choice of boats is smaller and standards vary more than in the south. We prefer a private day cruise with lunch and a return to Taj Bekal. Check current status before you travel for available boats.
How far is Valiyaparamba from Bekal?
The main jetties at Kottappuram near Nileshwar are about 25–30 km south of Bekal, roughly 45 minutes by car. The lagoon continues south into Kannur district, so it also works as a stop on the drive between Kannur and Bekal.
Also in Bekal
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