Tejaswini River Rafting (Kannur)

About this event

Tejaswini River, also known as the Karyankode or Kariamkode River, offers a white-water rafting experience in the Cherupuzha area of northern Kerala. Kerala Tourism identifies a rafting stretch beginning at Kolladi near Cherupuzha, where the river passes through a landscape of thick vegetation, rocky banks, overhanging trees and fast-moving water. The Tejaswini originates in the Brahmagiri hills of neighbouring Karnataka and flows through Kannur and Kasaragod districts before reaching the Arabian Sea near Nileshwaram. The river is about 64 kilometres long, with around 20 kilometres identified by Kerala Tourism as suitable for rafting. The rafting experience combines moving-water adventure with views of the surrounding forested landscape. The route described by Kerala Tourism includes wooded sections and rocky stretches, with Chemmaram Kayam noted as a deep section of the river. The character of the river changes along its course, and the upper rafting section near Cherupuzha is particularly associated with stronger currents and monsoon-fed rapids. Rafting requires participants to follow the instructions of the raft guide and observe appropriate safety precautions, particularly in sections containing strong currents, rocks and boulders. Kerala Tourism specifically notes the importance of life jackets, helmets, a repair kit and a first-aid box for rafting operations. The river's seasonal character is an important part of the experience: Kerala Tourism identifies June, July and August as the ideal months for rafting, when monsoon conditions produce stronger flows. This means river conditions can change significantly with rainfall, and participation should be based on the operating conditions and instructions of the rafting provider rather than a fixed assumption about water levels. The Tejaswini is also significant beyond white-water recreation. Further downstream, it forms part of the Valiyaparamba backwater system in Kasaragod, where the river contributes to a landscape of islands, mangroves, coconut and arecanut groves, fishing settlements and waterways. The river therefore connects two distinct experiences—fast-flowing adventure waters near Cherupuzha and quieter backwater landscapes farther downstream. Rafting on the Tejaswini is best regarded as a seasonal, guided adventure activity requiring suitable equipment, competent supervision and respect for river conditions. Visitors should use an authorised or established operator and follow all safety instructions before entering the water

🚆 Railway: Payyanur Railway Station is the nearest railway station identified by Kerala Tourism, approximately 35 km from the rafting area near Cherupuzha.

✈️ Airport: Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest major airport, approximately 119 km away; Kannur International Airport is another relevant airport for the region.

🚌 Bus: Kerala Tourism recommends travelling by bus from Kannur to Payyanur and then taking a connecting bus to Cherupuzha. The rafting starting point at Kolladi is about 4 km from Cherupuzha.

🏨 Stay: Accommodation options are available in and around Cherupuzha and the wider Kannur–Kasaragod region; availability should be confirmed with individual properties before travel.

✅ Notes: Kerala Tourism identifies June, July and August as the ideal rafting months. Water conditions can be strong during the monsoon, so rafting should be undertaken only with the operating provider's approval and under proper supervision. Life jackets, helmets, a repair kit and first-aid equipment are specifically noted as essential safety provisions.