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.

Vasco da Gama

This was a great event in the history of India, as the world was made aware about India and its prosperity. This route gave the access to the Europeans to the India’s wealth. Later they stayed here for 450 years. To commemorate the landing of Vasco d gamma, a small stone monument is built there with the inscription, Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498.

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.