Kappad- place where Vasco d Gamma, a Portuguese explorer landed in 1498.
Kappad is a famous beach of Malabar Coast in the district of
Calicut, of the state of Kerala in India, located about 16 km from Kozhikode
town. It is also known by the name of the Kappakadavu, locally. It is situated
on the banks of the Korapuzha River.
Kappad Beach is a beautiful beach which has rocks covered
with moss. This beach is also known for its clear blue water, golden sand and
its fishing hamlets. The place is bliss and attracts numerous tourists every
year. Presently, it is one of the important tourist places in Kerala.
Kappad also finds its importance in the Indian history. This
is the place where Vasco d Gamma, a Portuguese explorer landed when he
discovered India in 1498. At that time Malabar was ruled by the Zamorins who
warmly welcomed Vasco da Gama.
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| Vasco da Gama |
The main reason why Europeans was attracted to Malabar was
the abundance of spices and calico textile. Kerala is still one of the largest
producer and exporter of the spices. Pepper cardamom and cloves are its main
products.
Kappad is also known for its Ayurvedic treatments. It has
many Ayurvedic centres which offer numerous Ayurvedic health and holiday
facilities to the people. Visitors come
here from different parts of the world to enjoy Ayurvedic massages and herbal
treatments.
Kappad offers places to visit such as Elathur, the Canoli
Canal and the Kallai River. All of them are close to the beach and considered
ideal places for boating and water activities.
An ancient, 800 year old temple, on the rocks close by, is
devoted to a local God in the vicinity. This place attracts a lot of devotees
and visitors. Apart from the religious significance it is also known as historical
and architectural splendour. Kappad is
best visited during winter, as it relatively milder. Monsoon season is not a
good time as the rainfall is extensive.
