Dharmadam Island – It Is An Important Tourist Lure Of Kerala Made By Its Natural Beauty

DHARMADAM ISLAND

AT

KANNUR

Dharmadam Island is a small 2 hectare private island in between Kannur and Thalassery. It lies 100 metres from the mainland at Dharmadam. This island, covered with coconut palms and dense bush is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach.

It is also called "Dharmadam Thuruth" or "Pacha Thuruth" meaning "Green Island". Clad with coconut palm and lush bushes, natural beauty of Dharmadam Island makes it as an important tourist attraction.

The Moidu bridge which connects Kannur and Thalassery is an important landmark en route to Dharmadam Island. You can a boat from the southern end of the bridge to reach the Island. Visiting the Dharmadam Island requires prior permission from the owners as it is a private-owned property. 

It is formed as a result of lateritic rock projection between two arms of Anjarakkandy River and the sea. During low tide the ocean recedes making it possible for visitors to walk to the island. Walking through less than knee deep water and reaching the Island is an exciting experience. Make sure to return before the tides get stronger.

The island uninhabited, even though a well is seen, indicating human presence. There are medicinal herbs and some interesting plants on the Island. Dharmadam Island used to be privately owned. Realizing its tourism potential, Kerala government took over the Island some years ago.
Thalasseri town, which is just 4 kilometres away, can actually be seen from Dharmadam Island.

The Dharmadam Island beach is surrounded by the Arabian sea on the north and Anjarakandy river on the south and east. The western side of Dharmadam Island is surrounded by the river and the sea.

The best time to visit Dharmadam beach is between october and may when the weather is fentastic. It is the only drive in beach in Kerala, and one of the best in India. Dharmadam-Muzhuppilangad coastal belt is getting more and more popular as word is spreading about the fine drive in beach and the nearby island.

The area, considered along with the best beaches in Kerala, has witnessed a steady increase of foreign tourists since late 90’s. Due to the areas significance, Dharmadam now seats a railway station. Local passenger trains stop there. Coming from Kannur and Thalasseri, travel to Dharmadam Island is rather easy.

Private buses from Kannur and Thalasseri stop at the Dharmadam main land. If you are taking a long distance limited stop bus, such as Kannur-Kozhikode service, check with the bus staff before hand, if they stop at Dharmadam. You can also hire taxi or auto rickshaw from either Kannur or the nearby Thalasseri town.      

You can hire taxis or auto-rickshaws from Thalassery or Kannur to Dharmadam. As the Island became a popular picnic spot and weekend gateway, the local passenger trains stops at Dharmadam. From the Dharmadam mainland, you can walk to the Island.