Kappad

Kappad Kappakadavu
village
Vasco de Gama at Kappad
Kappad Location in Kerala, India
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Kozhikode
Talukas	Koyilandy
Languages
• Official	Malayalam, English
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	673304
Telephone code	91496

Kappad, or Kappakadavu locally, is a famous beach near Kozhikode (Calicut), India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on 20 May 1498. His voyage established the sea route from the Europe to India. This heralded the arrival and permanent route from Europe to India. This heralded the arrival and permanent presence of various European merchant companies, leading to eventual domination and rule by the East India Company and later the period of British colonial rule.

History

Kappad Beach @ the time of Sunset

For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu.

A small stone monument commemorates the landing by Vasco da Gama with the inscription, "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498." His expedition gave the Europeans a sea route to reach the wealth of the Malabar Coast, and resulted in European domination of India for about 450 years. At that time Malabar was ruled by the Zamorins (Samoothiris, spoken locally) who gave a warm welcome to Gama. Malabar was abundant in spices, and produced a calico textile. Currently it is one of the most important tourist places in Kerala, with a wide and beautiful beach. As per the historical notes obtained later from the diarist accompanied Gama in his voyage Gama landed at Panthalayani, the then famous port in kerala which is 5 km away from Kappad. William Logan in his "Malabar Manual" clearly stated why Gama Landed at Panthalayani as per the direction of Zamorins, the King.

Economy

In 2007 a R.s. 1.5-crore program to beautify the beach was launched by Tourism Minister [[Kodiyeri Balakrishnan]]. Now it is completed and Kappad beach has a beautiful corniche and park. The park includes a rest room, restaurant and seating.

Transport

Getting there:

Nearest railway station is Kozhikode, about 16 km. Nearest airport is Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town. Private transport buses are available from the main bus stand. Or you can reach the spot by alighting Thiruvangoor en route of National Highway 66 (Old 17) between Calicut and Vadakara.

Famous Peoples of Kappad

1)vasco da gama

Gallery

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  Recently Renovated Kappad Beach

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  Vasco de Gama Memorial in Kappad

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  Sea at Kappad

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  Display in Vasco de Gama Memorial in Kappad