Kappad beach is the historic beach and is located at a distance of 16 km from the Kozhikode town; the beach is wrapped in a sheet of history. Uncover it to know that this was the land where the famous Portuguese sailor, Vasco da Gama set his feet in the year 1498 along with 170 men. a solitary pillar commemorates the event with the inscription. This event marked the beginning of a new epoch in world history and specifically in the history of Kerala. The reason is simple here the whiff of history is too powerful to ignore, and in fact, it would be rather unwise to overlook it. Kappakadavu is the local name of this beach of Kappad. This marked the beginning of a new era and new relationship between the Indians and the Portuguese which lasted for 4 to 5 centuries later. One of the significant tourist attractions in Kappad beach is the pillar that commemorates the arrival of Vasco da Gama in the beach.

Though the Portuguese were welcomed in Kozhikode they were not too well encouraged or entertained for long by the Zamorins, which might be the reason they shifted their base to Kochi and Kollam down south. Today there is only a little stone monument is left at the Kappad beach to speak of its great historic importance. On the rocks nearby is a temple which is believed to be 800 years old.

This beach is washed by tides twice a day and refashioned by monsoons yearly; the Kappad Beach has always something new to offer. But there is something common although - gentle aquatic hues mingling with sun-kissed sands and endless pleasure in moving around - that once had made the great explorer put his feet and now attracts hundreds of tourists round the year. The Kappad beach in Kerala is an important tourist attraction of Kerala.
 

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Kappad Backwaters: The place is Kappad offers the unique backwaters, which consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes & canals. Traveling on these backwaters is an experience one can never forget. On the banks one can see lush green rice fields spreading away into the distance and coconut groves with the occasional temple or church.
Short Cruises at Kappad: A boat ride into the countryside offers a close look at rustic village life- fishermen launching their cockleshell boats, women catching fish with their feet, aimless cattle grazing, white lotuses floating here and there in small, shallow ponds.
Pookot Lake: The natural fresh water lake is covered by trees on all sides. It is located half way from Calicut, half an hour ahead of Kalpetta.
HOW TO REACH KAPPAD BEACH
By Air: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town.
By Rail: Kozhikode, about 16 km.