Imagine speeding your car through the sand on a tranquil beach, with its wheels crushing the waves and splattering water away. No, it is not a movie scene. You can experience it in India. Let me take you to Muzhappilangad Beach in Kerala, India’s only official, legal drive-in beach. This hidden gem in Kerala is still off the radar of mainstream tourism. We visited it while driving across the Malabar Coast on a random weekend. The experience was crazy.
The 4 km long beach in the town of Kannur is the only legal drive-in beach in India. It is also the longest drive-in beach in Asia and has been recommended by the BBC a couple of times.
In this article, I will share how to reach Muzhappilangad Beach, what to keep in mind for the beach drive-in experience, and everything else you need to know before visiting Muzhappilangad Beach.
Keep reading!!!
If you are looking for more options for one-day trips from Bangalore, check out Mandaragiri Hills or Muninagara Dam.
Do you want to beat the crowd? Explore Gudibande – a hidden gem from Bangalore within 100 KM.
- Where Is Muzhappilangad Beach Located?
- What Is A Drive-In Beach?
- How To Reach Muzhappilangad Beach?
- Entrance Fee For Muzhappilangad Beach
- Things To Do in Muzhappilanda Beach
- Things To Keep In Mind While Visiting Muzhappilangad Beach
- Best Time To Visit Muzhappilangad Beach
- Where To Eat In/Near Muzhappilangad Beach
- Where To Stay Near Muzhappilangad Beach
- Other Places Of Interest Near Muzhappilangad Beach
Where Is Muzhappilangad Beach Located?
The Muzgappilangad Beach lies in Kannur, a town of Northern Kerala. Kannur (both the district & the town) has a rich cultural & religious significance. The area is a part of the coastal Malabar region.
What Is A Drive-In Beach?
Sea beaches are not suitable for driving as exposure to the saltwater and loose sands leads to faster corrosion, thus damaging metals used in cars. Unregulated driving on the beach also harms marine life, such as shells, mussels, jellyfish, turtles, etc., which usually swim to the shore. Only a handful of rare beaches in the world are naturally suitable for driving. The list goes as Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Sandwich Harbour in Namibia, Daytona Beach in California, and 75-mile beach in Fraser Island in Australia. We are lucky to have one close to our home. Muzhappilangad Beach is on the list too. It is also India’s only legal and fully motorable drive-in beach.
How To Reach Muzhappilangad Beach?
Kannur is well connected with the rest of Kerala and other big cities of Southern India by road, bus, and train.
- Bengaluru to Kannur distance: 314 KM
- Kochi to Kannur distance: 290 KM
- Mangalore to Kannur distance: 150 KM
Muzhappilangad Beach Google Map Location
Entrance Fee For Muzhappilangad Beach
A local governing body, along with the Department of Tourism, manages the beach. You need to pay 40 rupees per car to enter the beach. The entrance fee goes towards the maintenance and safety measures.
Things To Do in Muzhappilanda Beach
The Obvious, Drive
I can’t tell you how much fun is to drive on a beach. It is a natural wonder that this 4 km long beach has a strong seashore and mild current, making it suitable for driving. In tourist season, there will be tons of cars. So, refrain from overspeeding.
Rock Formations
The shoreline is encrusted with natural black rock formations. You can walk upto some rocks during low tide. It is a great photospot.
Swim
The rocky shoreline didn’t just make the beach instaworthy, it holds the strong currents of the ocean and makes the beach swimmable. Please ensure to swim only within the dedicated swim zones.
Bird Watching
Lesser human footsteps, green zones near the beach, and rich marine life made the beach a hot spot for migratory birds. You can spot more than 30 species of migratory birds in the winter season.
Annual Beach Festival
Every year in April, the tourism board conducts a Beach Festival at the Muzhappilangad Beach. It hosts cultural programmes, stunt shows where car & bike enthusiasts across the country take part. It is the most crowded time of the year.
Things To Keep In Mind While Visiting Muzhappilangad Beach
Let’s get real now. While driving on the beach is a great experience, we should follow a few protocols while on the beach.
- Based on the weather conditions, the beach might be closed for driving during heavy rains or high tides. Do not try to enter through the back channels. It is for the safety of everyone.
- Do not throw garbage or food leftovers on the beach.
- Though the beach is good for swimming, please stick to only the dedicated swimming zones.
- Do not overspeed while driving. Be mindful of other tourists and cars on the beach.
- To be on the safer side, wash your car properly after coming back.
Best Time To Visit Muzhappilangad Beach
October to March is the best time to visit Muzhappilangad Beach due to lower temperatures and less rainfall. The beach is on the Malabar coast, tucked between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats mountain range. So, it gets heavy rainfall. Driving and swimming are prohibited during the monsoon. If your main objective is to drive and spend some time in leisure, the summer is also not a bad option. Just come in the morning or evening. The sunset is amazing here.
Where To Eat In/Near Muzhappilangad Beach
There is no shack or restaurant on the beach. I could spot only a few shops selling coconut water & soda drinks. If you are planning to stay longer, bring some food. The Malabar cuisine, especially from northern Kerala, is unique & delicious. It is famous for seafood. Blue Mussels are harvested near Muzhappilangad Beach. So, try fresh, soft mussels. Check out any good restaurants in Kannur town.
Where To Stay Near Muzhappilangad Beach
You will find various stay options of different price ranges in Kannur.
Other Places Of Interest Near Muzhappilangad Beach
Kannur town is the cultural & religious hub in northern Kerala. If you have more time, you can explore St. Angelo Fort, Kannur Lighthouse, Thalassery Fort, Guruvayur Temple, and Payyambalam beach. Between October and May, you can also watch Theyyam, an ancient Hindu ritual to worship village deities and ancestors. The experience is divine.
Roadtrip lovers, now that you have all the information, you can explore Muzhappilangad Beach. Share with your gang, block their calendar, hit the road, and experience the unique beach drive-in experience at Muzhappiladgad Beach in Kerala.
Do let me know your experience when you visit.
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