Payyanur: Temple Architecture, Backwaters and Craftsmanship

Payyanur is a destination where distinctive temple architecture, a nearby wetland and traditional crafts promise a variety of discoveries. In the town stands the two-storey shrine of Sree Subramanya Swami Temple; its shape resembles the back of an elephant. Nearby, the Kavvayi Backwaters and Kunhimangalam Heritage Village add to the picture. For planning your trip, this mix offers several points of interest, though not all the experiences are alike: a waterscape and nature watching sit alongside a striking architectural feature and skilled craftwork.

Nature and boat trips on the Kavvayi Backwaters

The Kavvayi Backwaters lie near Payyanur and cover about 37 square kilometres. They are considered North Kerala’s largest wetland. Rare flora and fauna make the area interesting for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Its size and wetland character give the surroundings a different profile from the temple architecture in town: here, attention turns to the landscape and its wildlife and plant life. If nature watching is especially important to you when planning your trip, you can make the backwaters a focus of a separate excursion.

A boat trip through the backwaters offers views of the surrounding islands and village life. This is another way to experience the area, taking in its sights from the water; it differs from observing the flora and fauna. If you are weighing up different interests within your travel group, these are two distinct perspectives on the same nearby landscape: nature watching on the one hand, and views of the islands and village life during the trip on the other.

A distinctive architectural feature in Payyanur

At Sree Subramanya Swami Temple, the shape of the two-storey shrine defines its architectural impression: it resembles the back of an elephant. This is a specific detail that characterises the temple’s form. For travellers interested in culture and architecture, it offers a different focus from the vast wetland landscape of the backwaters. In Payyanur, a striking building and nature experiences nearby sit side by side, so a trip need not focus on just one kind of discovery.

Bronze craftsmanship at Kunhimangalam Heritage Village

Kunhimangalam Heritage Village, near Payyanur, is known for handmade bronze lamps and bells, as well as intricately carved Panchaloha idols and sculptures. Visitors can talk to bell-metal artisans, who show their products. In the Mosaari Kovval neighbourhood, you can also watch Panchaloha idols and other artefacts being made. A conversation and an observation offer different perspectives: one focuses on engaging with artisans and their products, the other on the production process. If you plan to enjoy these insights, check the visiting arrangements locally. The Heritage Village is on the banks of the Perumba River, about 31 km from Kannur.

Weighing up travel interests when choosing accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment in Payyanur, it can help to first decide which themes you want to shape your stay. Nature and birdwatching point to the nearby Kavvayi Backwaters; the temple feature is in the town itself, while crafts in nearby Kunhimangalam offer another cultural angle. These differences give you a guide to matching your preferred location to your travel interests. If the landscape is the deciding factor, the focus shifts to nature; if you are more interested in architecture or metalwork, those particular features offer a different starting point for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Periya, Taliparamba, Chakkarakkal, Nayattupara, Pappinisseri, Muzhappilangad, Iritty, Azhikode South.

For the main travel overview: Kannur.