Kozhikode District - Resources

The important rivers of the district are the following:

1. The Mahe river

The Mahe river, also called the Mayyazhippuzha, originates from the forests on the western slopes of the Wayanad hills. This river flows through the villages of Narippetta, Vanimel, Iyyancode, Bhekiyad, Iringanoor, Tripangathur, Peringalam, Edachery, Kacheri, Eramala, Kariyyad, Olavilam; Kunnamakkara, Azhiyoor and Mahe, before emptying into the Arabian Sea at the former French Settlement of Mahe, about 6 kms. South of Thalassery. The length of the river is about 54 kms. And it flows through an area of 394 sq.kms.

2. The Murad (Kuttiady) river

The Murad river, also known as the Kuttiady river, takes its origin from the Narikkotta ranges on the western slopes of the Wayanad hills, a part of Westerm Ghats. This river flows through Vadakara, Koyilandy and Kozhikode Taluks. It empties into the Arabian Sea at the historical Kottakkal fort, 7 kms. South of Vadakara. This river has a length of 74 kms. And along with its tributaries it lows through an area of 583 sq.kms.

The Onipuzha, the Thottilpalampuzha, the Kadiyangad puzha, the Vamathil puzha and the madappallippuzha are the major tribtaris of Murad river. It passes through oorakuzhi, Kuttiady, Tiruvallur, Muyipoth, Maniyur and Karuvancheri.

3. The Korapuzha

The Korapuzha river is formed by the confluence of two streams called Punnurpuzha and Agalapuzha, this river and it is main tributaries are tidal in their lower reaches. The Agalapuzha is more or less a backwater, while the Punnurpuzha originates from Arikkankunnu. The Agalapuzha forms a part of the important West Coast Inland Navigation System. There is heavy traffic through this river connecting all important industrial towns lying in the coastal areas such as Vadakara, Kozhikode, Kallai, beypore etc. The total length of the river is 40 kms. With a drainage area of 624 sq.kms.

4. The Kallai river

The river has its origin from Cherukulathur village and it is connected to the Chaliyar on the south by a man-made canal. The river passes through Cherukulathur, Kovur, Olavanna, Manava and Kallai before finally joining the Arabian Sea at Kozhikode. The length of the river is 22 kms. And it has a drainage area of 96 sq.kms.
Though small in size, the kallai is one of the most important rivers in the entire State from the commercial point of view, Kallai, a main centre of timber trade, is situated on its banks.