Kava Island is one of the most breathtaking and underrated tourist destinations in Kerala. Tucked away in the lap of the Western Ghats near Malampuzha Dam in Palakkad, Kava Island is not actually an island, but a scenic patch of lush greenery surrounded by a large catchment area that looks like an emerald floating on water. With misty mountain backdrops, mirror-like lake surfaces, and cool breezes, it’s a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and peace seekers.
Often searched by travelers under names like Kava Island Palakkad, Kava Viewpoint, or Malampuzha Kava Island, this place is quickly gaining popularity among those looking for a one-day getaway from Coimbatore, Palakkad, or Thrissur.
📍 Kava Island Location & Distance
Location: Near Malampuzha Dam, Palakkad district, Kerala
Kava Island Distance from Palakkad Town: 18 km (40 minutes)
Malampuzha Dam to Kava Island Distance: 6 km
Coimbatore to Kava Island Distance: 55 km (approx. 1.5 hours)
Thrissur to Kava Island Distance: 85 km (2.5 hours)
🚗 How to Reach Kava Island
By Road
You can drive from Palakkad or take a taxi from Malampuzha Dam. A narrow but scenic road leads directly to the island viewpoint.
Public Transport
KSRTC buses run frequently from Palakkad to Malampuzha
From Malampuzha, hire an auto-rickshaw (₹100–₹150) or local jeep
No direct buses to Kava Island viewpoint
🕒Kava Island Timings & Entry Fee
Timings: Open all day (best visited between 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
Entry Fee: Free
Vehicle Parking: Free roadside parking available
Best Season to Visit: June to January (just after monsoon for lush greenery and misty weather)
🌄 Things to Do at Kava Island
✅ 📸 Nature Photography & Birdwatching
Surrounded by emerald hills and tranquil wetlands, Kava Island is a haven for photographers and birdwatchers. Early mornings bring life to the skies, with flocks of cranes, kingfishers, peacocks, and rare migratory birds dancing above the water.
🎯 Best Time: 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM
📷 What to Carry: DSLR, zoom lens, binoculars
✅ 🌿 Lakeside Walks & Peaceful Relaxation
A natural trail runs along the calm waters, offering the perfect setting for a gentle stroll or a quiet moment with nature. Lay down a mat, sip a cup of chai, and just soak in the silence broken only by the rustling of leaves and distant bird calls.
💡 Hidden Tip: The breeze is strongest by late morning, ideal for meditation or journaling.
✅ 🌅 Watch the Magic of Sunrise & Sunset
Golden hour at Kava is simply magical. The mirror-like lake reflects the glowing skies, while the surrounding misty hills create a dreamscape that feels almost unreal. It’s a favorite among landscape photographers and couples alike.
🌄 Best Spot: The bank right before the waterbed curve
📸 Instagram Worthy? Absolutely.
✅ 🧭 Offbeat Exploration – Walk to the ‘Island’
During the dry months (October to February), the water recedes enough to expose a narrow muddy path leading to the “island” patch. You can walk carefully across to this lush patch of green, like stepping onto a secret floating world.
⚠️ Note: Wear water-resistant sandals and watch your step on slippery trails
🌿 Reward: A 360° view of untouched nature and total silence
🧭 Hidden Tip
Reach by 6:30 AM for a magical sunrise mist floating over the water and zero crowd. It’s also the best time to spot birds and take cinematic drone shots (permit may be required).
🍛 Local Food Options
There are no eateries or restaurants at the spot. However, here’s what you can do:
🍽️ Malampuzha Gardens Restaurant – 6 km (veg/non-veg meals)
🍵 Tea stalls near Kava junction – Offer hot chai, vada, pazham pori
🥡 Tip: Pack snacks or a picnic from Palakkad town
🛍️ What to Buy Nearby
Palakkad Matta Rice
Traditional Kerala Snacks (banana chips, halwa)
Ayurvedic oils and handmade soaps (from Malampuzha stalls)
🛒 Visit Palakkad Town Market or Malampuzha Local Shops for best local products
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Activities
Nature walk suitable for kids
Picnic setup by the lake
Butterfly spotting and birdwatching (carry binoculars)
⚠️ No restrooms or water facilities nearby, bring essentials if you’re with children.
🗺️ Kava Island Nearby Tourist Places
Malampuzha Dam & Garden – 6 km
Boating, ropeway ride, aquarium, and garden walkFantasy Park Palakkad – 8 km
Water rides and amusement park for kidsDhoni Hills Waterfalls – 14 km (easy trek)
Silent Valley National Park – 70 km
Ideal for serious nature lovers and wildlife seekers
🛣️ Kava Island Suggested 1-Day Trip Plan
Morning:
🌅 Arrive at Kava Island by 6:30 AM → Sunrise & birdwatching → Lakeside walk
Midday:
🌿 Visit Malampuzha Dam & Garden → Lunch nearby
Evening:
🎢 Fantasy Park or Sunset viewpoint → Return to Palakkad/Coimbatore
❓ Kava Island Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a boat ride or Shikara at Kava Island?
A: No. The lake is for irrigation purposes, not boating. However, it looks like a backwater lagoon!
Q: Can I take kids to Kava Island?
A: Yes, but carry snacks, water, and mats. There are no commercial facilities.
Q: Is it safe to visit early morning?
A: Yes, it’s safe and peaceful, but go in groups and avoid late evenings.
Q: Is Kava Island open in monsoon?
A: Yes, it’s most scenic post-monsoon (July to September). The lake fills up beautifully.
💬 Kava Island Visitor Reviews – What Travelers Say
🌟 The Good
“Peaceful lake paradise away from the crowds.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We visited Kava Island on a misty morning in November, absolutely surreal! The lake was calm, birds were everywhere, and the sunrise was magical. It felt like a hidden Kashmir in Kerala. Perfect place to meditate and take nature photos.”
“Best one-day escape from Palakkad.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We did a short road trip with friends from Palakkad. Reached by 7 AM, and the place was almost empty. Beautiful reflections on the water, peaceful atmosphere. We sat by the lake for hours just talking. A gem for sure!”
“Instagram-worthy and budget-friendly!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
“There’s no entry fee, no commercialisation, and the views are stunning. I got some great sunrise shots. It’s better than many crowded spots in Kerala. Highly recommend for photographers and couples.”
⚠️ The Not-So-Great
“No basic facilities like restrooms or food.”
⭐⭐
“It’s a beautiful location, but there are zero amenities. No toilets, no food stalls, not even benches. Not ideal for elderly people or families with kids unless you’re prepared in advance.”
“Bad roads and confusing route.”
⭐⭐⭐
“The approach road is narrow and not clearly marked. We had to ask locals three times. Google Maps helped somewhat, but signage would really help tourists. Definitely not suitable for large vehicles.”
“No boating or proper activities.”
⭐⭐
“I was hoping to enjoy a boat ride or Shikara-style experience like in the pictures. But Kava doesn’t have boating. It’s beautiful but more of a sit-and-watch place than a do-things place.”
💡 Kava Island Overall Experience Summary
| Aspect | Rating | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Scenic Beauty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Lake, hills, and mist, nature at its best |
| Peace & Relaxation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Calm, quiet, and ideal for solo travelers/couples |
| Accessibility | ⭐⭐ | Narrow approach road, basic Google Map guidance |
| Family-Friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐ | Okay for families if self-prepared (food, water, mat) |
| Facilities (Food/Toilets) | ⭐ | No shops, no toilets, pack everything yourself |
| Photography Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Outstanding for sunrise/sunset, reflections, and birds |
| Adventure/Activities | ⭐⭐ | No boating, minimal activities, pure nature experience |
Kava Island is one of the best hidden places to visit near Palakkad for those who want to escape tourist crowds. It’s free, clean, and breathtaking, especially during the monsoon and winter months. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Coimbatore or looking for offbeat places near Malampuzha, Kava Island will not disappoint.
🧭 Search for Kava Island Palakkad location on map, grab your camera, and get ready for one of Kerala’s best-kept secrets!
