Valapattanam in Kannur

Valapattanam adorns the historic Malabar coastline, where legends go back to the time of the wise King Solomon himself, who is said to have imported timber for his famous ‘Temple of the Lord’ from these shores. Today on the banks of the River Valapattanam in Kannur lies Western India Plywood Ltd., the largest wood-based industry in South East Asia. Fed by the natural reservoir of forests from the area, it is the de facto location for a variety of wood including Teak, Iruli, Elavu, Karimurukku, sandalwood (Sandalum album) etc. One can also find cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber, cashew nuts and tobacco. Interestingly, this is the only place in God’s Own Country where Pukayila (tobacco) cultivation takes place. The fishing harbour is frequented by tourists, who soak in the visuals along with the unique tradition of transporting timber that is still practised here. It involves tying long pieces of timber together and allowing them to float down the stream, a riveting experience for most urban visitors.