Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A couple of local trains stop at Fort Bekal station, right on Bekal beach. Kanhangad,
12km south, is a major train stop, while Kasaragod, 10km to the north, is the largest town
in the area. Frequent buses run from Bekal to both Kanhangad and Kasaragod (around
?10, 20 minutes), from where you can pick up major trains to Mangalore or south to Ko-
chi. An autorickshaw from Bekal Junction to Kappil beach is around ?50.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
VALIYAPARAMBA BACKWATERS
For those seeking to escape the burgeoning commercialism around Alleppey, what are often referred to as the
northern backwaters offer an intriguing alternative. This large body of water is fed by five rivers and fringed by
ludicrously green lands punctuated by rows of nodding palms. One of the nearest towns is
Payyanur
, 50km north
of Kannur. It's possible to catch the ferry from Kotti, from where KSWTD operates local ferries to the surround-
ing islands. It's five minutes' walk from Payyanur railway station. The 2½-hour trip (?10) from Kotti takes you to
the Ayitti Jetty, 8km from Payyanur; then catch the return ferry.
You can stay at the tiny
Valiyaparamba Retreat
( 2371761;
www.touristdesk.in/valiyaparambare-
treat.html
;
d full board ?3000), a secluded place 15km north of Payyanur and 3km from Ayitti Jetty. It has two
simple rooms and two stilted bungalows, fronted by an empty golden-sand beach. Kochi's Tourist Desk (
Click
here
) also runs
day trips
( per person incl lunch ?600) for groups of four to 15 people, on a traditional house-
boat around the Valiyaparamba Backwaters.
Around 22km south of Bekal,
Bekal Boat Stay
( 04672282633, 9447469747;
www.bekalboatstay.com
;
Kottappuram, Nileshwar) is one of the few operators in the region to offer overnight
houseboat trips
(2/4 people
per 24hr ?8500/10,500) around the Valiyaparamba backwaters. Sunset/day cruises (?3000/6000 for up to six
people) are also available. It's about 2km from Nileshwar - get off any bus between Kannur and Bekal and take
an autorickshaw from there (?20).
