Kanayi kanam - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Located near Payyanur in Kannur District of Kerala, Kanayi kanam is a small stream with several small waterfalls flowing through a thick forest.

The stream hides a lake under a thick canopy of a climbing plant. A small waterfall (but the largest of the ones here) cascades down into the lake and the overflow from the lake drains towards the river Vannathippuzha and joins it few kilometers downstream. Since the spot is covered on both sides by trees, and a thick canopy on top, the temperature here can be much cooler than that of outside, even during the peak dry season.

While you are here, you can walk through the stream enjoying its cool temperature and the massage-like bitings from the small fishes that live here. If you are a bit adventurous, there is a thick wine in one corner of the lake which you can use to jump on to the lake from its shore.

Kanayi kanam once was a perennial source of water for the paddy fields down the stream, however, it now almost dries up in peak summer. So time your visit accordingly. The water hits its peak volume in the monsoon season and slowly dries up by April/ May.