KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
Korappuzha...and quiet flows the river
Once, an elephant stepped into a quiet flowing river to take its routine bath. He was metamorphosed into a huge rock embraced by the cool hands of this comforting river. The huge rock is still standing there with its primitive look and called by the name
Anappara, which roughly translates into elephant rock. Well, the elephant story might be just a legend but the rock and the river are not. We are talking about one of the most fascinating and unspoiled rivers of Kerala - the Korappuzha.
Korappuzha, also known by the name Elathur River, is a short river that has its course through Kozhikode (Calicut) which was once the major trading point for eastern spices. The river emanates from the confluence of two streams Agalapuzha and Punnoorpuzha. The Punnoorpuzha originates from the mountains of Wayanad district whereas Agalappuzha is more or less a backwater.
Korappuzha is part of the West Coast Inland Navigation System and has had great significance in the cultural, economic and social history of Kerala. Earlier, the river was frequented by traders from nearby villages, who carried their goods to the ancient port town of Beypore in Calicut. The river has also inspired and influenced a number of eminent personalities in the field of art, literature and politics. Renowned Kathakali artiste Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair, writer U.A. Khader, lyricist Gireesh Puthenchery, the tenth chief minister of Kerala C. H. Mohammed Koya are among them.
Boating is an interesting activity that one can go for on the Korappuzha River. The cruise will undoubtedly be a refreshing experience as it unravels the beauty of greenery that borders the two sides of the river. One can also see quite a few
irumeen kettu and
chemmeen kettu (traditional fishing methods) on both sides of the river. Those who are interested can indulge in angling, for the river offers many varieties of fishes. Korappuzha is the hub of Oysters. The oyster dishes of Korappuzha are favourites on the menu of several star hotels.
To reach Korappuzha, one needs to take a local bus to Quilandy from Calicut and get down at Korappuzha stop.
Getting there:
Nearest railway stations: Kozhikode, about 14 km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 35 km
