Beaches & Islands
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Asia's longest drive-in beach, where you can steer straight onto four kilometres of firm sand.
- 32.5 km from Nesma Palace
- 36 min drive
- Best: October to March
- Ideal for families, couples and anyone who wants to drive by the sea
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 32.5 km
- Drive time
- 36 min
- Best time
- October to March
- Time to allow
- 2 to 3 hours
- Category
- Beaches & Islands
- Ideal for
- Families, couples and anyone who wants to drive by the sea
About Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Muzhappilangad is the one beach in Kerala where the sand is your road. A four kilometre stretch of hard-packed shore runs beside the Arabian Sea between Kannur and Thalassery, and cars and bikes are allowed to drive right onto it. The BBC once named it among the best drive-in beaches in the world, and it is still the only Indian beach on that list.
Black rocks at either end break the strong currents, so the shallows stay calm enough for a swim. Come early and you often have the sand to yourself.
Things to see and do
Drive on the sand
Bring your own car or bike onto the firm central stretch. Early morning gives you near-empty sand and soft light for photos.
Water sports and shacks
Paragliding, parasailing and banana-boat rides run in season. Local shacks sell fried fish and the black mussels that cling to the rocks nearby.
April beach festival
Every April the beach hosts a festival with car and bike stunts and cultural shows.
Best time and tips
October to March, once the monsoon has passed and the sand is dry. Reach by 7 am for empty sand, or come for sunset.
- Check tide timings before you drive on.
- Stay on the firm sand and keep away from the waterline.
- Park away from the main driving lane if you have children with you.
- Entry is a small fee per vehicle.
Local tip
Drive in from the northern entrance at low tide and stay on the packed sand, the dry sand higher up will bog a car down.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
32.5 km · about 36 min
- Time to allow there
- 2 to 3 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 36 min away at Nesma Palace
The beach is about 36 minutes from Nesma Palace, close enough for an early start before the crowds arrive.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Make a day of it · Full day
Forts & the Coast
Kannur town’s three headline sights in a morning, then south along the coast for the drive-in beach and sunset over Dharmadam.
Nesma Palace, Mattannur
29.8 km · 32 min drive
Arakkal Museum1.8 km · 4 min drive
St. Angelo Fort2.6 km · 6 min drive
Kannur Lighthouse3.6 km · 6 min drive
Payyambalam Beach12.6 km · 17 min drive
Thottada Beach9.4 km · 12 min drive
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach (you are here)
Frequently asked questions
Can you really drive a car on Muzhappilangad Beach?
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Yes. It is the only legal drive-in beach in India. A four kilometre stretch of firm sand is open to cars and two-wheelers during daylight hours.
What is the best time to visit Muzhappilangad Beach?
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October to March for dry sand and clear weather. Early morning is quiet and good for photos, and evening is best for the sunset.
Where should I stay near Muzhappilangad Beach?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 36 minutes away by road, which makes it easy to reach the beach early before it gets busy.