Kalnad Hole

Kalnad Hole is a minor perennial stream and right-bank tributary of the Chandragiri River in Kasaragod district, Kerala, India. It originates in the low hills near Kalnad village and flows approximately 10 km through agricultural landscapes before joining the Chandragiri near Hosdurg taluk.

Course

Kalnad Hole drains a small basin of about 42 km², covering parts of Badiadka and Kumbala panchayats. It supports local irrigation via a minor check dam.

Ecology

The Kalnad Hole flows through low-lying agricultural plains with riparian vegetation including coconut groves, bamboo thickets, and moist deciduous forests common in northern Kerala's Western Ghats foothills. Aquatic life features native fish such as mahseer and carps, supporting small-scale fisheries, though seasonal monsoons can cause low oxygen levels and habitat stress. Conservation focuses on riparian protection against agricultural runoff and erosion, through eco-development programs in the Chandragiri basin.