Kerala is known for its rustic beauty and an incredibly picturesque landscape, verdant hills and quiet backwaters, which attract tourists from across the world.
The small island of Kakkathuruthu in Kerala’s backwaters has made it to a select list of stunning destinations across the world compiled by the National Geographic magazine.
To be at Kakkathuruthu at sunset is considered as one of the best destination in the world by the National Geographic’s travel magazine ‘Around the World in 24 Hours’, a photographic tour of travel-worthy spots across the world.
Now you might be wondering how this tiny island which is almost 75km from Kochi airport has become world famous.
It’s a small island surrounded by backwaters waters near Eramallur. There are no bridges from this Island to the mainland and thus it’s an isolated island. Kakkathuruthu is accessible only by boat.
The main feature is that there are no tarred roads. All roads within the island is lean and are not constructed properly.
Kayal, The real Island retreat
In this tiny island we have Kayal, which is a boutique island retreat in the backwaters of Kerala. Kayal is going to be your best backwater experience ever.
Tucked away on the secluded shores of Kakkathuruthu, the Island of Crows, Kayal mirrors the undiscovered, unspoiled natural beauty of Kerala.
The only way to get here is by traditional rowboats. And when you’re here, all you’ve got to do is give in to the moment.
If you are the guest here, rest assured that there will be more travel, more breaking bread with the locals, more unexpected adventures, more local experiences and more village adoptions. But above all, you’d have made a pen pal for life.
Visitors to the island can also engage in rustic activities like fishing, toddy tapping, farming and a simple boat ride. A visit to the local temple and to the temple festival, if in season, are other highlights.
Kayal Island Retreat
Door No. VIII/265-A
Kakkathuruthu, Eramalloor, Alleppey, Kerala, India. 688534
Visit their website from here www.kayalislandretreat.com
A detail that every traveler to the sequestered island of Kakkathuruthu or Island of Crows wishes to know is how it got its name.
George Thundiparambil, a writer living in Arookutty, a neighbouring island, believes that Kakkathuruthu was uninhabited for a very long time, like many other islands in this cluster of isles.
“It must have been a haven for the ordinary crows and would have got its name from that,” he surmises.
How to reach Kakkathuruthu?
Kakkathuruthu is accessible only by boat. Reach the turnpike at Eramalloor on the Kochi-Alappuzha National Highway, which is roughly 75 km from Kochi airport.
Travelers can go directly to the Kakkathuruthu jetty or take a private boat at Kodupuram.