Azhikkal Port
Chart 2118

General information. The town of Azhikkal (11º 56.6' N, 75º 18.3' E) lies on the S bank of Valapattanam River about 1 mile within its entrance, it is not visible from seaward.

Function. The principle trade is exporting of timber i.e. timber for export is floated down the river from the forests of Coorg and Mysore.
Port limits. Boundary pillars, defining the N and S
limits of the port, stand on the coast 1¼ miles NW and 7 cables SE of the river mouth; the W limit is about 7 miles seaward of the coast where the depth of water reaches 18.3 m.

Port authority. Chief Conservator administers the port.
Pilots. Local unlicensed pilots are available.

Useful marks. The entrance to Valapattanam River is distinctly marked by breakwaters both at north as well as south edge of the entrance, and at its S entrance point by Azhikkal Lighthouse.

Directions. Vessels approaching the port should give the dangerous wreck at position 11° 57'.74 N, 75°13'.53 E, 4¾ miles WNW of Azhikkal Lighthouse, a wide berth.

The channel over the bar at the entrance to Valapattanam River has a shallow depth which is subject to seasonal change, there are numerous shoal patches near the river mouth and passage across the bar should not be attempted without a local pilot.
Close within the entrance, Talipparamba River joins from the N, the confluence of the two rivers forms a sandy bar with a least depth of 1.8 m.

Anchorage can be taken in 9m, sand and mud, good holding ground, about 2½ miles WSW of the entrance to Valapattanam River.

Lighter berth. A wharf, 42.7 m long, is available for cargo operations “and a Fishing harbour of around 275 mtrs also constructed with total berthing facility.

Facilities: hospital; local divers. 
Supplies:  limited quantities  of  fresh water; fuel and provisions.