Dharmadom is a small town in Kannur district of Kerala. Earlier Dharmadom was known as "Dharmapattanam". The town is situated 17 km from Kannur and around 15 km. from Mahe. The neighbouring towns are Edakkad, Thalassery, Mokeri, Kottayam and Muzapilangadu. It is an active Buddhist society, with very interesting cultural life and great opportunities for education and career development. Dharmadom Island and Government Brennen College is one of the key tourist attractions of the area. It is believed to be over 100 years old. The Anjarakkandy and Thalassery rivers surround the island on three sides while the Arabian Sea is on the fourth.
Dharmadom is also home to famous "Andaloor Kavu". The annual festival here draws thousands of devotees. A variety of Theyyam are performed during the week-long fest in February. During the festive season the entire village follows vegetarian diet and offers rice flakes, jaggery and plantains to all guests. India"s premier circus Academy, Circus Academy Thalassery is also located at Dharmadom.
Demography of Dharmadom
According to the 2001 census report, Dharmadom had a population of 29,169 inhabitants. Males constitute 47% of the population and females constitute 53% of the population. In Dharmadom, 9% of the population is less than 6 years of age. The town has an average literacy rate of 87%, which is higher than the national average of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 88% and the female literacy rate is 86%.
Dharmadom Island
The Dharmadom Island is a beautiful uninhabited beach island surrounded with coconut palms and green dense bushes and situated at a distance of 100 metres from Dharmadom is a major tourist destination. The island is a fascinating place with migratory birds. The island is accessible only by boat except during the times when the water recedes sufficiently to reveal the sandy passage across the partly submerged laterite rocks.
Places of Interest at Dharmadom
The Thalassery River, Thalassery Fort, St Johns Church, Thodikalam Shiva Temple and Overbury`s Folly are places of tourist interest in the district.
Transport of Dharmadom
The town is situated on the National Highway connecting Thalassery and Edakkad. This town is well connected to other places in the state. The bus service is regular and connects Dharmadom with Thalassery and Kannur. The nearest railway station is the Dharmadom Railway Station on the Thalassery- Kannur rail route. The nearest airport is the Calicut Airport which is 25 km away from Dharmadom.
