Beaches & Islands
Dharmadam Island
A small green island you can walk to at low tide, just off the Thalassery coast.
- 31.7 km from Nesma Palace
- 34 min drive
- Best: October to March
- Ideal for couples and photographers
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 31.7 km
- Drive time
- 34 min
- Best time
- October to March
- Time to allow
- 1 to 2 hours
- Category
- Beaches & Islands
- Ideal for
- Couples and photographers
About Dharmadam Island
Dharmadam is a five-acre island of palms and greenery sitting a short way off the coast near Thalassery, close to Muzhappilangad. When the tide drops, a stretch of sand links it to the mainland and you can walk across.
The island itself is privately held, so access is limited, but the view of it from the shore and the low-tide walk are the draw. It is one of the most photographed spots on this coast.
Things to see and do
The low-tide crossing
At low tide a sandbar appears and you can walk out toward the island. Time it with the tide chart.
The view from shore
Even without setting foot on it, the green island against blue water is a classic Malabar scene.
Pairs with Muzhappilangad
It sits right next to the drive-in beach, so most people see both together.
Best time and tips
October to March, and plan around low tide.
- Check tide timings, the crossing only appears at low tide.
- The island is private, so confirm access locally before walking across.
- Pair it with Muzhappilangad on the same trip.
- Sunset from the shore is excellent.
Local tip
Check the tide before you set out, permission is needed to set foot on the island itself, so most visitors admire it from the beach.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
31.7 km · about 34 min
- Time to allow there
- 1 to 2 hours
- Starting point
- Nesma Palace, Mattannur
- Flying in
- Kannur International Airport is 7.8 km from the hotel, about 10 minutes by road
Plan your stay
Stay 34 min away at Nesma Palace
Dharmadam is about 34 minutes from Nesma Palace, easy to combine with the drive-in beach next door.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Nearby places to explore
Make a day of it · Half day
Thalassery in a Day
Colonial Malabar packed into a few square kilometres, and the best biryani on the coast at the end of it.
Nesma Palace, Mattannur
28.8 km · 31 min drive
Gundert Bungalow2.8 km · 3 min drive
Thalassery Fort0.7 km · 1 min drive
Overbury's Folly5.1 km · 6 min drive
Dharmadam Island (you are here)
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk to Dharmadam Island?
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At low tide a sandbar links it to the shore and you can walk across. The island is privately held, so check access locally first.
What is Dharmadam Island known for?
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A small, green, palm-covered island just off the coast near Thalassery, best known for the low-tide walk and the view from the mainland.
Where to stay near Dharmadam Island?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 34 minutes away and sits close to both Dharmadam and Muzhappilangad beach.