Valiyaparamba Backwaters
വലിയപറമ്പ
The largest backwater area in northern Kerala, where four rivers converge. Houseboats and small boats wind among islands and coconut groves, with far fewer visitors than in the south.
The Valiyaparamba backwaters are formed by four rivers, including the Kariangode, and are separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow sandbar island. Many small islands dot the waterways, and the coconut groves, fishing villages and shellfish farms remain quiet and largely untouched. Visitors usually board at Kottappuram jetty near Nileshwaram. Options include day houseboat cruises with lunch, overnight houseboats, or public ferries that wind between the islands, with a view of the Madakkara suspension bridge. It is about 30 km from Bekal, roughly 1 hour by car. Book houseboats in advance during peak season.
Opening hours
Boathouse approx. 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Mannampurathu Kavu
- Hosdurg Fort
- Bekal Beach Park
- Bekal Fort
- Kappil Beach
- Ranipuram
- Chandragiri Fort
- Malik Dinar Mosque