Dharmadam Island

About Dharmadam Island

Dharmadam Island is an exotic tourist spot in Kerala. It is a tiny island lying in Arabian Sea. Dharmadam Island Kerala is one of the most beautiful places in “God’s Own Country”, Kerala.The Dharmadam Beach is 17 Km from Kannur. Dharmadam Island (Green Island) is a small 2 hectare private island in the Kannur District of Kerala, southern India. It lies 100 metres from the mainland at Dharmadam. This island, covered with coconut palms and dense bush is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During a low tide, an adventurous traveler can even walk to the island from the beach as the surrounding water becomes very shallow.

Dharmadam Island was earlier known as Dharmapattanam, as it owes much to its Buddhist stronghold. Dharmadam Island is an ideal location for relaxation and rejuvenating your spirits, as you can secure plenty of peace and solitude for yourself in this place.Permission is required to land on the island as it is privately owned. Dharmadam, known earlier as Dharmapattanam, was a Buddhist stronghold.A small island full of coconut palms and green bush extending to 5 acres. 100 meters away from the main land at Dharmadam. The island (private land) is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter into the island from its owners. It is located 15 kms away from Mahe.

Nearest Visiting places

Sundareswara Temple
This temple was built in 1908 and is dedicated to the Lord of Destruction- Lord Shiva.Apart from Shiva Lingam; the temple also houses idols of Lord Ganesha (God of Wisdom and Prosperity) and Subramonia. The annual temple fair is held in the month of Meenam(March-April).

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 45 kilometers east of Kannur. It is the smallest sanctuary in Kerala with an area of 55 square kilometers. A wide variety of flora can be seen in this region and fauna includes deer, boar, Indian bison, jungle cats and leopards can be seen. The sanctuary is well connected with Thalassery and Kannur by road. Thalssery is the nearest railway station here. November to February is the best season to visit this region.

The Kannur Shenoy Centre
Is famous for it hypermarket called “ Metro“ and its Professional Photo Studio. There is a business centre for business purposes.

The Sea View Park, near the Payyambalam
Beach is overlooked by the Government Guest House. The Park is at an elevation from the sea level and gives a magnificent view of the sunset.

Arakkalkettu
Arakkalkettu lies three kilometers from Kannur city. This was the residence of the Arakkal Ali Rajas, who were the only Muslim Royal family in Kerala and played a prominent role in the history of Malabar. The palace has recently taken by the Archeological and Tourism departments and they converted it in to a museum. The museum displays the personal belongings of this royal family. The government had taken prior interest in preserving the heritage of the Arakkal Family. The Arakkal family trust charges a cheap rate from the visitors to the museum.

Shri Muthappan Temple
This temple is located at Parassinikadavu, on the banks of Valapattanam River and the temple is dedicated to the unusual deity who is the lover of fried fish and toddy.

Thalssery Fort
The fort is located at Thalssery, which is 20 kilometers from Kannur. The fort was constructed in 1708 by the English East India Company to make a place in Malabar region. The fort was a main military center at that time. The fort’s massive walls, tunnels opening to the sea, the Anglican Church and the old watchtower here are very attractive. Today it is a historical monument. The fort lies on a small hill namely ‘Tiruvellapadkunnu’. There is an Anglican church dedicated to St. John behind the fort. The fort is near to the Thalassery railway station and easily accessible. The Tiruvellapadkunnuuvangadi Sree Rama temple is near to the fort and it is also a major tourist attraction.

Parassinikadavu Temple
This temple is one of the most important temples in the district. The temple lies 18 kilometers north east of Kannur city on the banks of the Valapattanam River. This is an important center for Muthappan cult and Theyyattam (Theyyam performance). The deity here is known as Parassinikadavu Muthappan. The temple permits all without asking their caste and creed. Unlike other temples in the state, the temple allows people to see the inner sanctorum and devotees offer Toddy and dry fish to the deity. The temple is easily accessible by road.

Kottiyoor Siva Temple.
It is one of the important Hindu pilgrimage centers in this region. The temple is known as the Varanasi of the South. The annual festival here falls on May- June and it lasts 28 days. The festival begins with the ritual ‘Neyyattam’ and ends with ‘Thirukulasattam’. The temple is located on the banks of the Bavali River. The river splits the temple in to Akkara temple and Ekkara temple. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner parts of the temple. The worshiping time here is from 5.00 am to 10.00 am and 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm. The nearest town Kottiyoor is Thalassery and it is easily accessible by road.

Pazhassi Dam
The damsite, famous for its scenic beauty, is an ideal retreat for tourists. The D.T.P.C provides pleasure boating faciliaties at the reservoir.

Fort St Angelo
This laterite fort was built by the Portguese in 1505 and was seized by the British in 1790, who made it their military station after reconstructing it. This fort is situated in the west of Burnassery Cantonment on the Lakshadweep Sea and offers an imposing view of the fascinating alcove of Moplah and the sea. This majestic triangular shaped fort is made of laterite. The fortess is now a property of the Archaeological Department of the Government of India.

The Vismaya amusement park
One of the largest water theme and amusement park in India, located at Parassinikadavu, Kannur.

Payyambalam Beach
The beach is situated just a throw stone distance from St. Angelo fort. The beach is famous its cliffs that jut in to the sea. A park is there adjacent to the beach known as Baby beach. A sculpture Mother and Child by Kanayi Kunhjiraman is an attractive feature of the beach garden. The beach lies 2 kilometers from Kannur city. The famous Meenkunnu beach is located just a few kilometers from here at Azhikode.

Mappila bay
Situated near the St. Angelo’s Fort, the Mappila bay has a historical background. The bay was famous during the Kolathiris’ regime as a commercial harbour Today, Mappila bay has turned into a modernised fishing harbour. Boating in the sea, if the weather permits, will be an unforgettable experience.

Rajarajeswara Temple
The temple is one of the most important ‘Siva’ temples in the state. The ‘Sivalinga’ worships here is believed to be thousands of years old. Unlike other Siva temple this temple allows women to enter the temple after 8.00 pm. It is said that at that time Devi Parvathy will be with Siva and auspicious for women. The temple is situated at Taliparambu and lies 25 kilometers from Kannur city.

Urpazhachivaku Temple
This is another nearby temple that exhibits exquisite carvings on wood depicting the Ramayana (an ancient Hindu epic) and Krishnaleela( the playful antics of Lord Krishna). The main deity of this temple is Shankaranarayana, other deities like Bhagavathi and Vettakorumakan are also placed here.

Pythalmala
Pythalmala is the highest peak in the district with a height of 4,500 feet. The hilltop is located around 65 kilometers from the city and easily accessible. The hilltop is blessed with rich variety of flora and fauna. Its a very romantic picnic spot.

Mavilakavu Temple
This old Mavilakavu Temple lies at a distance of 5 miles from Kannur. The five day temple festival during the month of Medam, is very appealing because of the exhibition of the pompous rituals and customs. Another interesting aspect is the Ati or Thallu performance wherein there is an exchange of blows between different groups who gather at paddy fields outside the temple.

Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu
The Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu is situated 18 kms. Away from Kannur town. It Is one of the best known snake parks in the country . The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, most of which are becoming extinct gradually.

Ezhimala Beach
The etymological meaning of the name Ezhimala is ‘the land with seven hills’. The place is located 25 kilometers south of Nileswaram and 38 kilometers north of the Kannur city and can be easily reached. Its a hill range having seven prominent peaks. The place lies at a height of 286 meters above sea level. Ezhimala also have a beautiful beach namely Ettikulam beach where we can enjoy watching Dolphins. A Hanuman temple is also there. Indian Navy maintains this area because Ezhimala is occupied with a Naval Academy. Permission required for entry here.

Kerala Folklore Academy
The center for folk arts and culture, the Kerala Folklore Academy located at Chirackal, which is 6 kilometers far from Kannur city. The museum is dedicated for the promotion of folklore arts and dance forms like Theyyam, Kalaripayattu, Marathukali, Poorakali, Vadakkenpattu, Vedanpattu, Godaveri etc. The 130-year-old Chirackal kovilakom was converted in to the museum.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Fortune Hotel Calicut
Kannur Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan 673006, India - 049 5276 8888

Hotel Asma Tower
NH 17, Kozhikode, Kerala 673004, India - 09847611275

Haritagiri Hotel & Ayurvedic Village
Kalpetta,Waynad,Kerala,South India, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India - 022 66181940

Neemrana Hotels Green Hills Estate
Kodagu, Karnataka, India

Malabar Residency
Thavakkara Road, Kannur, Kannur, Kerala, India - 0497 2701654

The Gateway Hotel Beach Road
P.T.Usha Road Kerela, Jaipur, Rajasthan 673032, India - 0495 2765354

Hotel Kadavu Resort
NH 17 Calicut Bye Pass Road, Post Office Feroke College, Calicut, 673 632, India - 0483 2830023

The Beach Orchid
Beach, Udaipur, 691001, India - 0474 2769999

Jungle Retreat Wayanad
Thirunelli Tholpetty Road, Thirunelli, Wayanad, Kerala 682398, India - 09620310449

Taj Residency, Calicut (Kozhikode)
PT Usha Rd, Kozhikode, Kerala 673032, India - 0495 2765354

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

EDKAD POLICE STATION
NH 17, Kerala, India

Police Station
NH 17, Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, India

Old Police Station
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, India

Edacheri Police Station
SH 54, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Nadapuram Police Station
Kerala State, India

Police Station
Virarajendrapet, Kodagu, Karnataka, India

Nadakkavu Police Station
NH 17, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Chevayur Police Station
A. R. Camp Road, Vellimadukunnu, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012, India

Nearest Hospital:

Co operative Hospital
NH 17, Koduvally, Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, India

Josegiri Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, India

General Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, India

Mission Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, India

Santhosh Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, India

Malabar Hospital
Jubilee Road, Thalassery, Kerala State, India

Unity Hospital
SH 30, Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, India

Welcare Hospital
Thalassery, Kerala State, India

Tele Hospital
Mahe, Kerala, India

Indira Hospital
Thalassery, Kerala, India

Location info

• Address:8 km away from the town of Thalassery.

• District: Kannur District

• Nearest City: Thalassery

• Best time to visit: The best time to take a tour to Dharmadam Island is from October to May.

History of Dharmadam Island

Dharmadam Island is located near the Dharmadam Village which was earlier known as Dharmapattanam. Buddhism was very popular in this region and hence the name was coined from such association.

How to reach Dharmadam Island

• Nearest Railway Station:Kannur Railway Station is 15km.

• Nearest Airport:Karipur International Airport in Kozhikode is 100km

• Road Transport:Beypore is well connected by road and is just 17 km from Kannur.

Nearest petrol pump

Chakkarakkal Petrol Bunk
Kerala, India

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.