Kappad

Kappad (or Kappakadavu)is a beach located 16 Km from Kozhikode in Kerala India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama and his 170 strong crew first landed on May 27, 1498, after discovering the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope . A small stone monument there commemorates the landing with the inscription, "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498."

Known as the gateway to the Malabar coast Kappad had already witnessed the arrival of Arab, Phoenican, Greek, Roman, Portuguese Dutch and English traders. It was here the European traders arrived in their search for spices. On the rocks nearby is a temple believed to be 800 years old.

Currently it is one of the most important tourist places in Kerala, with a wide and beautiful beach;ideal for swimming or just lazing in the sun; Relatively undeveloped, this beach still retains the pristine charm of the yore.

Getting there: The nearest railway station is Kozhikode The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport which is 23 Km from Kozhikode.