This backwater is breathtaking

The Karnataka-Kerala border area stretch between Battappady near Someshwara Ucchila (in Karnataka) and Kanvatheertha (in Kerala) is one such unexplored sight which can be considered as ‘virgin territory.’

The first time some people came to know about this place is when the then deputy commissioner V Ponnuraj demolished posh buildings on beach in this stretch. Subsequently, people started visiting the place, but still by and large, the spot is unexplored.

“During rainy season, the sand (land) area between sea water and backwater merges, but once the rainy season is over, backwater is separated providing a visual treat to onlookers,” Asainar Talapady, a resident said and cautioned that there is silt at some places in the backwater, which may prove fatal to a visitor.

Over a period of time, about 40 to 50 acres of Kandla forest has developed in the middle of the backwater. If you are lucky and if you know some localite, you can take a round to the Kandla forest in a country boat.

In fact, about 20 to 30 years ago, sea turtles used to lay eggs in this backwater and villagers were waiting to grab them, recalls Ravi, a banker, who hails from this place.

Tourism spot

Before the Kerala government decided to develop Bekal fort beach, the authorities concerned had an eye on this location. But a minister from Karnataka succeeded in cancelling the project after ‘convincing’ the then Kerala minister Karunakaran. “As a result, the project was shifted to Bekal fort area, which has become a popular beach since then,” says an official who did not want to be quoted.

Temple atop hill

About one km before Battappady, there is a temple atop the hill surrounded by lush greenery. The Ucchila Kote Sri Mahavishnu temple renovated in 2004, has a balcony, from where the mighty Arabian sea can seen on one side. On the other side, thousands of coconut trees can be seen. Interestingly, if you happen to travel via Naitonal Highway-17, you can not make out that the highway is covered with huge number of coconut trees on either side.

Locals quoting their ancestors, say the temple had power to protect the area from all calamities. It celebrates its annual festival in April.

Kanvatheertha beach

If you walk towards Manjeshwar for about 1.5 kms on beach from Battappady, you will get Kanvatheertha beach, which is also known for its scenic beauty. It is also a lovely picnic spot and a favorite weekend getaway where you can bathe in the cascading waves and get the pleasure of being pampered by nature. Kanwatheertha beach is ideal location for rejuvenating your spirits, as you will have plenty of peace and solitude for yourself in this place.

Kanvatheertha mutt

The Kanvatheertha mutt on way to the beach (just after you cross the railway gate) is a well known place. In fact, the peeple tree ‘katte’ outside the mutt is the place where Sri Madhwacharya held a meeting of 8 mutt seers to decide on ‘twin mutt’ (Dwandwa Mutt) concept. (Every mutt in Udupi has got a pair (for example, Pejawar mutt is paired with Kaniyoor mutt) so that if something happens to the seer, the other seer of the pair mutt, would continue to offer prayers).

Going by the theory, the Kanvatheertha mutt is much older than the Asta Mutts is Udupi which is said to be 800 years old.

Legend has it that Kanva seer meditated at this place when Lord Rama appeared before him, hence the name Kanvatheertha. At present, the Pejawar mutt is looking after the mutt. Interestingly, as per the tradition, the ‘moola murthy’ of this mutt can be worshipped only by seers. Hence, prayers to ‘moola murthy’ are performed only when Pejawar seer comes here.

Another belief is that the sea is calm during ‘Aati Amavasye’ and ‘Sona Amavasye’ here, says Madhusudan Acharya, a banker and a resident of Kanvatheertha, who is associated with mutt activities.

How to reach?

To go to Battappady, take a right near Sankolige, between Thokkuttu and Kotekar Beeri and then take a left turn at the end of the road.

The road ends at Battappady.

From here, you can walk upto Kanvatheertha.

If you are planning to go to Kanvatheertha by vehicle, then take a right turn near the Arch soon after Thalapady junction. The Kanvatheertha mutt is just after crossing railway gate while the beach is at the end of the road.