Kappad

Kappad, or Kappakadavu locally, is famous as the beach near Calicut, India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on May 27 1498. A small stone monument there commemorates the landing 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.

Kappad is home to a famous school, Ilahiya Higher Secondary School, which offers broad educational opportunities. Thiruvangoor Higher Secondary School is also well known and is the oldest in the area. It has a successful list of alumni.

In 2007 a R.s. 1.5-crore program to beautify the beach was launched by Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. [ [http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/12/stories/2007011203270300.htm Project to beautify Kappad beach] The Hindu, Jan 12, 2007]

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 16 km

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town.

References