Kadalundi reminds us of the word serendipity. The beach at this island cluster off the Malabar Coast in Kozhikode flaunts a shiny expanse of white sand on one side. A maze of wine-colored rocky protrusions borders the waters on the other side. The deep blue water here is part ocean part river – the estuary formed by the Kadalundi river and the Arabian Ocean is home to dense mangroves and exotic birds. The surprise find will leave you wondering why it is not listed more prominently among tourist hotspots in Kerala.
Kadalundi though is waking up to a steady tourist inflow. The local tour operators here are buoyed by the attention that the coastal village has been garnering of late. Kaladundi Island Tourism, Kadalundi River Tourism, Green Island, Kadavu Hut River Tourism, and Kadalundi Tourism are some of the reliable local tour operators. Most packages include a day out on boats, sailing on the mangrove-studded Kadalundi river and enjoying a delectable spread of traditional Kozhikode cuisine.
Kadalundi is perhaps best known for its community reserve. The estuary, spread over Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu panchayat, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds. The area is declared a community reserve – an ecosystem that is protected with people’s participation, thanks to the relentless and singular effort of nature lovers. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts flock to the estuary hoping to catch a glimpse of the terek sandpiper, bar-tailed godwit, temminck’s stint, dunlin, sanderling, sandwich tern, masked booby and barheaded goose which have been sparingly sighted elsewhere in Kerala.
The boat cruises start off from near the office of the community reserve. Apart from a stop-over at the bird sanctuary, the cruise will take you on a guided tour of the mangroves – nine different varieties thrive in Kadalundi. You could keep count of the bridges since they are going to pop into view at almost every turn – nine bridges including two railway bridges dot the stretch.
Meanwhile, you could also sample freshly made pearl spot fry, crab roast, prawns fry, and fried muru – a rockfish which is a highly relished local delicacy. Kappa, pathiri and chappathi are served with the fish varieties. For a group of 12, a package that includes boat cruise and food will be priced at Rs 9000. The boat ride and sightseeing alone can be done for Rs 1500, say Amabli Baburaj and A Shamjith, partners of Island Tourism Kadalundi. The team has the facilities to arrange boat rides for more than 100 people at the same time. Baburaj, who has won accolades for fish farming, says the fish delicacies served on board are prepared with fish caught from his own farm.
For a day out at Kadalundi, contact:
1. Island Tourism Kadalundi: 9544981228, 2. Kadalundi River Tourism: 9947442493, 3. Green Island River Tourism: 9539338338, 4. Kadavu Hut River Tourism : 9744805550 5. Kadalundi Tourism : 9895675477
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