Dharmadam Island is a main picnic spot situated 17 kms from Kannur, located in the Arabian sea at a distance of 100 meters from the shore. Sprawling over an area of 5 acres and surrounded by rivers and beaches, this beautiful island is covered with tall coconut palms and dense bushes. The place, earlier known as Dharmapattanam, is also known by the names 'Dharmadam thuruth' or 'pacha thuruth' (green island). Dharmadam is believed to have been a Buddhist stronghold and Buddha images have been excavated from this place. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. It can be seen from the Muzhappilangad beach and during low tide, one can just walk to the island from the beach. There are frequent boats to the island from Kannur and Thalassery.