The Kappad Beach is one of the significant beaches in the state of Kerala. Located in the Kozhikode district, this beach was the location where the famous explorer from Portugal, Vasco da Gama, reached on 20th May 1498 to throw light on the sea route from Kerala to India. This route was very comfortable and came to be recognized as the permanent route from India to Europe. The establishment of this route improved trade relations to a great extent and slowly merchants from the East India Company started entering into India, due to which British rule started dominating in India.

Location

• About 16 km from Kozhikode railway station.
• About 23 km from the Karipur International Airport.

How to Reach

By Air

Karipur International Airport, which is about 23 km from the main town at Kozhikode town, is the nearest airport to reach Kappad Beach.

By Rail

Kozhikode railway junction, at a distance of about 16 km away from the beach, is the nearest station.

By Road

There are lots private sector and government sector buses that ply to this important tourist spot. There are many buses that run on the national highway connecting Calicut and Vadakara. One needs to get down at Thiruvangoor stop on this route to reach the Kappad beach.

By Water

Boat rides are available to Kozhikode; however it is time-consuming to get to the Kappad Beach through water transport.

Weather

The climate is quite cool during the monsoon and winter seasons. However during monsoon, the area is prone to heavy rainfall and one cannot enjoy much during this season. The best time to visit the place is just after the rains – that is from October to March. During the months of April and May, the temperatures are quite high and we can see many foreign tourists coming here for getting tanned.

Beach Attractions

A small stone statue of the explorer from Portugal, Vasco da Gama, attracts many local and foreign tourists. This statue was built as a memory to the great explorer who established and paved the way for the sea route connecting India with Europe.

Nearby Attractions

Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery

Located at about 14.3 km from the Kappad Beach, this museum houses some of the personal collections of the Pazhassiraja kingdom that ruled over Kerala centuries ago. One can view the jewels, weapons, personal possessions and other items that explain the royal culture and lifestyle of the rulers here.

Krishna Menon Museum

This museum houses the possessions of Krishna Menon, former Defence Minister of India. One can get an overview of the richness of Indian history by visiting this museum. This is located at about 16.8 km from Kappad Beach.

Numbhra Bhagavati Temple (16.8km away), Azhakodi Devi Temple (16.8km away), Matri Dei Cathedral (17.1km away) and Kozhippara Falls (17.2 km away) are some of the major attractions near Kappad Beach.

Activities

There are quite a few activities that tourists can indulge in when they come to Kappad Beach. They can indulge in relaxing walks along the beach during the early morning and evening hours. There are also many boating trips organised for the tourists so that they can enjoy the full view of the beach and its magnificent splendour. Houseboats can be organised by the authorities for interested tourists. Bird watching can be done in the nearby bird sanctuary at Kadalundi.

Shopping

There are quite a few shopping areas near the Kappad Beach for the benefit of the tourists. They are City Bazaar (7 km from the beach), Choyi Bazaar (8.5 km from the beach), Calicut Gate Shopping Complex (9.7 km from the beach) and many more.

Food Corners

Kerala cuisine is the speciality here. The best place to eat here is The Renaissance. The prices are a little steep here, but it is worth every penny, because the taste is divine. There are many local eateries on the Mavoor Road that offer lip-smacking local delicacies at affordable rates.