Muzhappilangad Beach

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Muzhappilangad Beach
Beach
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach 2.jpg
Muzhappilangad Beach
India Kerala location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Muzhappilangad Beach
India location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Muzhappilangad Beach
Coordinates: 11°47′46.3596″N75°26′31.308″E / 11.796211000°N 75.44203000°E / 11.796211000; 75.44203000
Location Muzhappilangad, Tellichery, India
Dimensions
 • Length3.8 km
Patrolled by Lifeguards
Hazard ratingLow

Muzhappilangad Beach is a drive-in beach in Kannur district of Kerala, on the Malabar Coast of India. It is 4 kilometers in length. [1] In 2016, it was featured among the six best beaches for driving by BBC Autos. [2] [3] The beach is currently[ when? ] under major renovation. [4]

Contents

Overview

Fishermen at work on the beach Fishermen at work by Shagil Kannur.jpg
Fishermen at work on the beach

The Muzhapilangad beach is located parallel to National Highway 66 (formerly National Highway 17) between Kannur and Thalassery. [5] There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves leading to the beach. The beach is about 3.8 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 3.4 km directly on the sands of the beach. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which also protect it from the strong currents of the ocean.

These rocks provide habitat for blue mussels. The beach attracts bird-watchers from far off places as hundreds of birds flock here during various seasons.

There is a private island called Dharmadam Island (Pacha Thuruthu in Malayalam, 'Green Island'), approximately 100–200 m south of the beach. It is possible to walk to the island during low tide from the nearby Dharmadam beach.

Tourism

Since the late 1990s, the beach has seen a steady influx of European and other foreign tourists during winter. After the facelift of the beach there has been a huge improvement in the facilities available to the beach visitors. The beach is wide and the sand is firm enough to support smooth driving.

Birdwatching hotspot

Whimbrel at Muzhappilangad Beach Flying Whimbrel.jpg
Whimbrel at Muzhappilangad Beach
Lesser crested terns Lesser crested terns at Muzhappilangad beach.jpg
Lesser crested terns
Ruddy turnstone Ruddy turnstone at Muzhappilangad Beach.jpg
Ruddy turnstone

More than thirty species of migratory birds visit the beach in the winter. Among them were the pectoral sandpiper and Caspian plover, sighted in 2013, which were reported for the first time in Kerala. [6] Long, broad shore and rocky formations on the side of the beach provide a safe place for migrating birds.

Species

Source: [7]

Accessibility

Nearest airports:

Nearest towns/railway stations:

By road:

On National Highway 66 the beach is situated between Kannur town and Thalassery town. There are five village connection roads from the National Highway towards the beach.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Neglect ruins Muzhappilangad beach". The Times of India . 12 November 2012. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  2. ↑ Gibson, David K. "The best beaches for driving" . Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  3. ↑ "Muzhappilangad wins BBC favour". Deccan Chronicle . 24 June 2016.
  4. ↑ "Kerala's Muzhapilangad beach to be renovated as New Year gift, says Tourism Minister Riyas". The Hindu. 23 August 2024.
  5. ↑ "Muzhappilangad Beach - Kerala's only drive in beach at Kannur".
  6. ↑ "Rare migratory birds spotted during survey". The Hindu. 24 September 2013 – via www.thehindu.com.
  7. ↑ Birds of Kerala: Status and Distribution; ISBN   978-81-264-2921-9; DC Books, Kerala, 2001
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