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 near Thalassery (formerly Tellicherry) is a drive-in beach in the Kannur district of Kerala, on the Malabar Coast of India. It stretches across 4 kilometers in length. [1] In 2016, it was featured among the six "best beaches for driving in the world" in an article published by BBC - Autos. [2] [3] This beach is currently under major renovation.

Contents

Overview

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

The Muzhapilangad beach is located parallel to National Highway 66 (formerly National Highway 17) between Kannur and Thalassery. [4] There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves leading to the beach. To get to this road, if you are driving from Thalassery towards Kannur, take the left turn just before the railway over bridge (the first railway crossing) which you will encounter after crossing the Moidu bridge. For those travelling from Kannur towards Thalassery, the entrance to this road will be available on the right side from Edakkad town. 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 mussel, a delicious seafood. 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, which translates as 'Green Island' in English), 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. A major share of foreign and domestic tourists are not aware of the potentials of this elusive destination. It is a must see destination for Indians as well as for foreign tourists. After the ongoing facelift of the beach there has been a huge improvement in the facilities available to the beach visitors including in resorts, roads, etc. 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

Despite being a tourist destination, the beach is a birdwatching hotspot too. [5] More than thirty species of migratory birds visit here in the winter. Among them Pectoral sandpiper and Caspian plover, sighted here in 2013, 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 migration of 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

Related Research Articles

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Kannur, India has a number of tourist attractions including beaches, hills, temples and other monuments.

The Thalassery carnival, the Beach fest in Muzhappilangad beach and Dharmadam beach are notable attractions. The area's four rivers around Thalassery town and four beaches with more in Kannur also attract visitors.

References

  1. ↑ The author has posted comments on this article (12 November 2012). "Neglect ruins Muzhappilangad beach". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2016.{{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  2. ↑ Gibson, David K. "The best beaches for driving" . Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  3. ↑ "Muzhappilangad wins BBC favour". Deccan Chronicle . 24 June 2016.
  4. ↑ "Muzhappilangad Beach - Kerala's only drive in beach at Kannur".
  5. ↑ "Muzhappilangad: Exploring Kerala's only drive-in beach". manoramaonline.com.
  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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