A short visit to the historic Kappad Beach, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

A short visit to the historic Kappad Beach, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Kappad, or Kappakadavu locally, is a beach near Kozhikode, in Kerala, India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on May 20, 1498. Gama’s expedition gave Europeans an opening to the sea route that led them to the wealth of the Malabar Coast.

There is also a small monument here with the inscription, ‘Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498’. Other than historical importance, this beach is a long and beautiful stretch of sand adorned with serene hills facing seaside.

The nearest major railway station is Koyilandy, about 10 km away from Kappad. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ), which is about 25 km from the town of Kozhikode. Private transport buses are available from the main bus stand, or visitors can reach the beach by stopping at Thiruvangoor on National Highway 66 between Kozhikode and Vadakara.

Kannur—–NH-66———–Thiruvangoor——16km——–Kozhikode
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                                                     2 km
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Kappad beach resort —-2 km– Kappad beach & Vosco Da Gama Stone

Kappad is a major tourist destination in this region. So you might expect more crowd, especially on Weekends. Domestic and international tourists visit the place in large numbers throughout the year. The beach which is mostly deserted during the day time, gets a large crowd during the evenings. The beach is also a major hang out for the city folk, who come here during the evenings to enjoy the waves, the breeze and the sun set. The rocks that protrude into the sea at the northern end of the beach also attract the tourists.

This is the one of the places where I could see some initiative from the side of Government to promote Tourism. There is a nice park, decent walkway and permanent seats have been provided for viewing the beauty of the sea.

There is also a small temple (Kurumba) near the beach.

The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation(KTDC) owns a resort at the southern end of the beach giving the travellers an opportunity to stay very close to the beach with all luxuries. There are many more hotels, Resorts (like Renai Kappad Beach Resort) and homestay nearby this region.

Fishermen engaged in their work, their boats and nets are a common view at this beach. Kappad coastal strip portrays typical features of most other Kerala beaches- white sand, coconut greenery, beach side fishing village and wooden fishing boats resting on white sand.

Other places nearby:

You can explore Canoe ride in the nearby Korappuzha Backwaters(river). I have personally not experienced this and hence cannot provide more details here. Kollam and Elathur Sagara beach are also nearby Kappad.