Mahe River: India's English Channel, a Historical and Cultural Lifeline

• The Mahe River, also known as Mayyazhi, is a small but significant coastal river in North Kerala, often called the 'English Channel of India'.
• Originating in the Western Ghats, it flows approximately 50-55 km and forms a natural boundary between the former French colony of Mahe and British India, similar to the English Channel separating France and Britain.
• Historically, it was a crucial trade route for spices, with the French using its mouth for anchoring ships and building forts to monitor British activities.
• The river's estuary, where saline and fresh water mix, is ideal for fishing and offers beautiful sunset views from its walkways.
• It holds deep cultural significance, immortalized in M. Mukundan's novel "Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil", depicting life and the struggle for liberation along its banks.