Neeleswaram port
Neeleswaram port is a seaside minor port located at the mouth of Karyankode River with the Arabian Sea in Kasaragod District of Kerala. It is the southernmost port of Kasaragod district. As per the documents available, Neeleswaram Port got notified in 1999 one of the newest ports in the coast of north Malabar region of Kerala. Not yet started its shipping operation. May be developed as a feeding port of Kasaragod & Azhikkal Port. May operates as a Coastal Shipping Terminals. At present, there is a small fishing harbor (namely Cheruvathur Fishing harbour) inside the Neeleswaram Port. Neeleswaram/ Cheruvathur Town can serve as a port towns providing supporting urban infrastructure. There exists potential for connecting Neeleswaram/Karyankode rivers,Kavvai lakes in Kasargod/Kannur District as part of development of inland state waterways.
Infrastructure
Neeleswaram Port is situated in Cheruvathur,Neeleswaram,Padanna, Pallikkara,Thrikkaripur,Thuruthi Villages in Kasaragod District. Manjeswaram Port has no Wharf facility.
Fire &Rescue, Police etc available at Thrikkaripur,Chandera,Neeleswaram.
Conservation of Port land and assets at Neeleswaram Port.
Manual Dredging Activities to maintain depth in the channels and river mouth of Karyankode River
Manually Dredged Material (sand) distribution kadavus : 5 No.s
1. Orikadavu Manual Dredging Kadavu under Padanne Gramapanchayath
2. Madakkara ,Kaithakadu & Achamthiruthi Manual Dredging Kadavus under Cheruvathuir Gramapanchayath
3. Mattummal Manual Dredging Kadavu under Neeleswaram Municipality.
Highlights Of Neeleswaram Port
Inland Waterways:
- Lies along the National Waterway 3 (NW3), part of Kerala’s extensive backwater network, which is being developed for improved cargo and passenger movement.
Tourism Potential:
- The port area is surrounded by scenic backwaters and lush greenery, attracting tourists.
- Nearby attractions include Thaikadappuram Beach, known for Olive Ridley turtle nesting, and Neeleswaram town with its traditional Theyyam performances and historic temples.
Development Scope:
- The port has the potential for small-scale cargo handling and passenger ferry services, particularly under Kerala’s push to revitalize its minor ports and waterways.
- Could emerge as a hub for eco-tourism due to its pristine surroundings.
Though Neeleswaram Port is not as prominent as major ports like Kochi or Vizhinjam, it has significant local value and developmental prospects tied to Kerala’s coastal and inland waterway initiatives.