Kappad beach
Located 16 kms from the main town of Kozhikhode, the Kappad Beach is one of the most Charming Beaches of Kerala, also popular for its historic significance. After traveling around the coast of Africa by ship, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer landed on Kapaad Beach on 27th May 1498. He landed with 170 men in 3 vessels after undergoing many weeks of traveling. A solitary pillar commemorates the event with the inscription, "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498". This opened up sea route for trade between Europe and India and Malabar soon became the gateway of east.
The pleasant, calm beach, locally known as Kappakadavu, is studded with rocks. An intriguing feature of this beach is a sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea and has a temple on it. The temple is believed to be 800 years old. Kappad Beach is a small walk on the Korapuzha River, and even after 500 years, it remains untouched and unruffled, making it one of the most serene and peaceful Beaches in Kerala, South India.
This little sea faring town is no less than a haven to the tourists visiting it. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Un-spoilt and un-crowded, the scenic backwaters of Kozhikode offer a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha River brings you to the beach.
Kappad beach or the Kappakadavu beach as people liked to call it in older times, is for sure a private tête-à-tête with enigmatic nature. For years visitors have called it Gateway to the Malabar and Kappad has gracefully stood true to its name only dwelling too far in their minds, refusing to be a mere gateway. Be it the rocks peeking out from the beach sands or the sylvan coconut and palm groves swaying by the sea, it is a haven for nature lovers and also of those who love tranquil vacations. Besides nature, Vasco da Gama also contributed in making Kappad a special experience. This is the land where the great explorer first set his foot on the Indian land on 27th May 1498.
Kappad beach tour takes you through the most extrovert display of nature's charm, set intricately within the geography of the place. Whether you take a bat ride, swim in the placid backwaters, play beach games or simply laze under the sun comforted by soft sand, Kappad always seems welcoming and reassuring.
The 800-year-old temple brings back the memories of the bygone era that still lies wrapped in it under the sands of time. The sea waves and the rocks and the green expanses send across wafts of fresh air. Culturally, Kappad comes across as a little fisherman town with nothing much to do but just laze out in sun. The serenity of Kappad attracts many tourists round the year. The refreshing and pristine sea breeze blowing from the sea touches and soothes your nerves. The town borders the Korappuzha River. If you follow the course of river, it takes you quietly to the unspoilt and uncrowded beach. This makes it a completely bewitching experience. Else you can take a houseboat cruise down the river to Kozikhode and combine your Kappad Beach tour with Kozikhode Backwaters tour.
Houseboat rides down the serene backwaters is a treat to the senses. This divine serenity only speaks of the unperturbed beauty that refuses to change even after 500 years have passed since it was discovered by Vasco da Gama.
