Kallayi River

          Kallayi is a small village on the banks of Kallayi River which links with the Chaliyar River on the south by a man-made canain. It is in the Kozhikode district of Kerala in south India. This village is famous for timber trading. Kallayi River is one of the rivers in Kerala, India. It originates in Cherikkulathur in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 45 m and is 40 km long. It is linked to the Chaliyar River by a man-made canal on the south side of the small timber village of Kallayi lying on its banks.

During late 19th century and early 20th century, the Chaliyar River was extensively used as a waterway for carrying timber from the forest areas in and around Nilambur to the various mills in Kallayi near Calicut. Rafts made of logs were taken downstream during the monsoon season to Kallayi, where these were sawn to size in the timber mills dotting the banks of the river.

During this period, Kallayi was one of the most important centers in the world for timber business. The place was famous for wood of superlative strength and durability like teak, rosewood etc. Towards the second half of the 20th century, the activity came down drastically as tree felling was banned or strictly controlled with a view to stop deforestation. Many mills still operate in Kallayi, though with far less output. Many have closed down.

 

Location: Just 2km from Calicut.