Akalapuzha Lake

Akalapuzha (Malayalam: അകലാപ്പുഴ) is a lake situated in the Kozhikode, Kerala. Flowing as a distributary of Korapuzha from Kanayankodu in Koyilandy, Akalapuzha flows northwest to meet the Kuttiyadipuzha at Payyoli Chirp (Payyoli Canal).^[1]

Akalapuzha
Akalapuzha from Nelliyadi Kadavu Bridge, Keezhariyur
Akalapuzha Location in Kerala
Location	Koyilandy, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
Coordinates	11°30′45″N 75°39′23″E
Primary inflows	Payyoli Canal
Primary outflows	Muthambi River
Basin countries	India
Surface area	5 km2 (1.9 sq mi)
Shore length1	22 km (14 mi)
Islands	3 Nelliyadi Thuruthu Edison Thuruth
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Etymology

As per the Malabar Manual by William Logan, the name Akalapuzha was derived from 'Akalamulla Puzha' (അകലമുള്ള പുഴ), meaning 'river with distance'. Thurayur near Akalapuzha was a port town during the British reign in India and the water transport was very active in the lake until the end of twentieth century.^{[citation needed]} It is known as the Kuttanad of Kozhikode.^[1]

Geography

The Payyoli Canal (200 metres [660 ft]) connects Akalapuzha lake with its tributary Kuttiyadi Puzha. It is situated between the Koyilandy and Payyoli municipalities and Thikkodi and Keezhariyur villages. It flows towards Korapuzha river as Muthambi River.

It is a part of the planned Kovalam-Bekal Waterway.^[2] The Nelliyadi Kadavu Bridge was constructed over Akalapuzha connecting Koyilandy Municipality to Keezhariyur village and was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. E K Nayanar on January 30, 2000.

SARBTM Govt. College Koyilandy is located on the shore of Akalapuzha.

Tourism

It is a major tourist spot with boat services and leisure activities.

The Pamban thuruth is a known place among the film industry. Akalapuzha started receiving attention by the release of the Malayalam movie Theevandi.^[3]

This lake is shallow and home to many fishes, including shellfish. The Karimeen (Pearl Spot) nurtured in the Akalappuzha Backwaters are often an evening delicacy.

Fishing using fishing rods from the Nelliyadi Kadavu Bridge is a popular activity among the people around this region.

The Akalapuzha boating point is close to NH66 and can be reached by travelling 6 km (3.7 mi) from Payyoli Town, 5 km (3.1 mi) from Thikkodi or 8 km (5.0 mi) from Sree Pisharikavu Temple.

Nearby tourist attractions include:

• The Microwave viewpoint is 8 km (5.0 mi) from the boating point and provides a view of the lake from hilltop
• The Kadalur Point Lighthouse is 7 km (4.3 mi) away from Akalappuzha boating point
• 6 km (3.7 mi) from Thikkodi Drive in Beach
• 6 km (3.7 mi) from Kollam Chira
• 6 km (3.7 mi) from Kodikkal Beach Volleyball Court
• 10 km (6.2 mi) from Parapally beach, Kollam
• 18 km (11 mi) from Kappad Beach
• Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Connectivity

Nearest railway station: Thikkodi (7.5 km [4.7 mi]), Payyoli (8.5 km [5.3 mi]), Koyilandy Railway Station (11 km [6.8 mi]), Vadakara Railway Station (15 km [9.3 mi]), Kozhikode Railway Station (36 km [22 mi])

Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport (60 km [37 mi]), Kannur International Airport (63 km [39 mi])

Nearby villages and towns

Keezhariyur (east), Thurayur (north), Payyoli (northwest), Thikkodi (west), Viyyur(Koyilandy) (west).