Kottappuram Backwaters, Kannur - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 3 km from Nileswaram, 38 km from Kasaragod and 58 km from Kannur, Kottappuram is a serene backwater destination situated in Kasaragod district of Kerala. It is one of the popular Kerala backwater destinations and among the must visit places in Kerala as part of Kannur Tour.

Being part of 'Valiyaparamba Backwaters', Kottappuram backwaters is a large body of scenic backwaters fed by four rivers. The River Tejaswini is one among them and a houseboat cruise through its waters with views of areca nut groves and coconut palms is a pure delight. It is different from other South Kerala backwater attractions regarding commercialization, sights, livelihood and houseboat culture.

Endowed with mangroves, backwaters, wildlife, coconut groves and a flourishing village life, Kottappuram draws large numbers of visitors. A trip to Kottappuram and a houseboat journey through the backwaters will redefine the flavours of the land. There are small boats modelled on the shikaras of Kashmir as well as grand and elaborate houseboats with air-conditioned rooms.

With over 20 houseboats plying on the backwaters, visitors can board the boats from the two terminals - one is at Kottappuram and the other one is at Achamthuruthy. Day trips on houseboats are the most in-demand while there are also overnight stays too. During the cruise on Kottappuram backwaters, one can also have a close-up view of village life on the green leafy banks and enjoy the picturesque beauty of the vast river. The rivers, Tejaswini and Nileswaram, meet a short distance away before spilling jointly into the sea at Taikadappuram which also has a clean beach.

There is also a footbridge over Tejaswini River which connects the Nileswaram municipality and the Cheruvathur panchayat. The bridge holds the record for being the state's longest footbridge over a river at 400 m. A road over bridge has come up close to the old bridge, but the footbridge continues to hold its sway on the hearts of the local population.

An average houseboat can host around 2-6 people, and the cost depends on the packages and the seasons.

House Boat: Rs. 2000 - 2500 for 1 Hour & Rs. 8000 - 10000 for Overnight per couple