For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock studded
beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming
of Kerala's beaches. Kappad finds mention in history and geography
texts as the gateway to the Malabar coast. Here, 501 years ago, 170
men led by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) sailed
in and stepped into Kerala to create a new chapter in history. The
story of a long and tumultuous socio-political relationship between
India and Europe. It was the spices and wealth of Malabar that first
brought the Arabs, the Phoenicans, the Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese,
the Dutch and the English to Kerala. Kappad has witnessed many such
landings. Kozhikode was then the most important trade centre of the
Malabar region and the Zamorins who ruled this mighty land were powerful
and shrewd. Though the Portuguese were welcomed in Kozhikode they
were not too well encouraged or entertained for long by the Zamorins,
which might be the reason they shifted their base to Kochi and Kollam
down south. Today only a little stone monument is left at the Kappad
beach to speak of its great historic importance. On the rocks nearby
is a temple believed to be 800 years old. To the tourist, however,
this little sea faring town is a haven. The best route to Kappad is
along the backwaters. Unspoilt and uncrowded, the picturesque backwaters
of Kozhikode offers a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters
through the Korappuzha river brings you to the beach.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 16 km.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about
23 km from Kozhikode town.
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