Did you know that the Kappad Beach in northern Kerala is purported to be place where Portuguese mariner Vasco da Gama landed with his 170 men in India on 27th May 1498?
The Kappad Beach in Kozikode in northern part of Kerala coast is historically famous as the first land fall of Portuguese mariner Vasco da Gama journey in search of India after he discovered the sea route around the Cape of Goodhope of Africa. This purported claim has been established as a fact by the government of Kerala affixing a commemortaive stone with an inscription, at the excat beach site of Gama's landing, which states: "'Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498". But this claim has been countered recently by a local historian M. G. S. Narayanan who states: "Actually [Vasco da] Gama landed at Panthalayini (Koyilandy) in the [Kozhikode] district because there was a port there and Kozhikode did not have one. It does not have a port even now." But the claim remains as it encourages tourism.
Vasco da Gama 's first visit to the Kerala coast marked the beginning of a new era in the relationship between the Indians and the Portuguese which lasted for 5 centuries with Portugese Goa becomg a part of Indpenedent India during 17–19 December 1961.
The Kappad beach, also known as Kappakadavu beach, near Koyilandy, in the district Kozhikode, is a fascinating formation of rocks on all its sides, and includes several coconut groves and long stretches of silvery sands drenched by lathered surf that soothingly rolls up and down the shores. It is ideal for relaxing and playing around with white sand. Karappula River at Elathur close to the beach is a good place for boating. Sunset view is great to watch here, at the confluence of the river and Arabian sea. There is also a Devi Temple, believed to be 800 years old, which is situated on top of a rock near the beach. As a major toruist facility, the Kappad Beach Resort, an exclusive resort spread across 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens under a canopy of swaying palms and casuarians has been established which is an Oasis of Peace and Tranqility.
Kappad beach, among 8 beaches in India has the distinction of getting the eco-label , the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ certification awarded by the "Foundation for Environmental Education, Denmark". Blue Flag is an iconic voluntary award for beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators which is awarded to those that meet and maintain the criterias of a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility.
In renet years the Toursim department of Kerlala, in order to rpomote torusim has developed a Rs. 1.5 crore project beautifying the beach. It is now completed and Kappad beach has a corniche and park. The park includes a restroom, restaurant and seating.
On 1 May 2018, the Kappad Beach was the venue of a mega dance event for 1,000 children.
Kappad Beach is at a distance of 20 Km from Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ), which is about 25 km from the town of Kozhikode.
Narasipur Char
