Kappad beach - the place where Vasco da Gama created history by sailing in and landing on the 27th of May, 1498. Kappad, located about 16 km from kozhikode town. Kappad, or Kappakadavu as it is locally called, is the gateway to the Malabar coast. Vasco da Gama discovered the path to India from Europe, thereby opening a new page in the history of India. His discovery led to the begining of trade between India and Europe. The Arabs, and then others, were first attracted to the Malabar coast by its Spices and Richness. To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a haven. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters.

Yet the only thing which reminds you of this great historic moment is an inscription in a small stone monument, which decrees - "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498" and Kappad, called Kappakadavu by the local people, is untouched by any commercialization.

Kappad has witnessed many such landings. Kozhikode was the most important trade centre of the Malabar region and the Zamorins who ruled this mightyland were powerful and shrewd.