Kappad Beach

Kappad beach, a tranquil setting for a relaxed getaway, is located about 16 kms from Kozhikode town.

A plaque set on a pillar here says that it was at this beach that the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama landed on May 27, 1498.  This was presumably his first visit to Kerala. However, many historians believe that though he anchored his ship here, he had landed at the nearby port, Panthalayani Kollam. The place has its own historical relevance since it is said that the spice route flourished from this beach. 

The beach, which has only occasional visitors, is quiet except when the fishermen launch their boats at dawn and in the evening when they return with their catch. 

Other interesting sights here include a rocky headland that stretches into the sea, and a 100-year-old temple.  

Nearby Tourist Areas 

The Korapuzha estuary at Elathur, on the way to Kappad, is a little known tourist area. Village artisans crafting canoes along the river bank is an interesting sight here. The area around the nearby Elathur Bridge is a centre for shellfish (kallummakkaya) trade.