Muzhappilangad Beach

Sunset at Muzhappilangad
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Location of Muzhappilangad Beach in Kerala

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach (മുഴപ്പിലങ്ങാട് കടപ്പുറം) (5.5 km length)[1] is a beach in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It is located parallel to National Highway 66(formerly National Highway 17) between Thalassery and Kannur.

This beach is the longest Drive-In Beach in India and is featured among the top 6 best beaches for driving in the world in BBC article for Autos.[2] Even though Goa has many beautiful beaches, it does not have a Drive-in beach.

The beach festival is celebrated in the month of April and it is one of the important tourist attraction in the district of Kannur in Kerala. The youth also try many driving stunts in cars like drifting and wheeling in bikes as this is a paradise for driving along the shore. Just 100m from this beach you would find a private island Dharmadam island, which can be reached by walk at times of low tide.

There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves leading to the beach. To get to this road, if you are driving from Tellicherry towards Kannur, take the left turn just before the first railway crossing you encounter after crossing the Moidu bridge. The beach is about 5 km long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur on the north. Local laws allow beachgoers to drive for a full 4 km directly on the sands of the beach. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which also protect it from the stronger currents of the ocean. These rocks provide habitat for Blue mussel, a delicious sea-food. Beach attracts bird-watchers from far off places as hundreds of birds flock here during various seasons.

Approximately 100–200 m south of the beach there is a private island called Dharmadam Island (Pacha Thuruthu in Malayalam, which translates to Green Island in English). It is possible to walk to the island during low tide.

Since the late 90's, the beach has seen a steady influx of European tourists during winter. A major share of foreign and domestic tourists are not aware of the potential of this elusive destination. It is a must see destination for Indians as well as foreign tourists. After the face lift of the beach there has been a huge improvement in the facilities available to the beach visitors including resorts, roads, etc. The beach is wide and the sand is firm enough to support smooth driving.

Accessibility

Nearest Towns / Railway stations :

Nearest Airports:

See also

References

  1. The author has posted comments on this article (2012-11-12). "Neglect ruins Muzhappilangad beach - The Times of India". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
  2. Gibson, David K. "The best beaches for driving". Retrieved 2016-06-26.
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