Kerala · Travel guide
Kappad Beach
Where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498
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Kappad Beach is forever etched in history as the spot where Vasco da Gama arrived in 1498, opening the first sea route from Europe to India — an event that shaped the entire course of Indian history. Today it is a peaceful beach of silvery-golden sands, massive rocky formations jutting into the sea, and swaying coconut groves.
Best season
October to March
Calm seas and cooler air through the dry season make it ideal for the beach, the rocks and the famous sunset.
Getting there
- Getting there
- 16 km north of Kozhikode city. Buses are available from Kozhikode to Kappad via Elathur.
Highlights
Distinctive Rocky Formations
Massive rocks and hillocks jutting directly into the sea, offering a rugged contrast to the soft sand.
Lush Coconut Groves
Long stretches of sand framed by thick swaying coconut groves, a quintessential Kerala coastal backdrop.
Breathtaking Sunsets
Legendary sunset views, with an orange-red sky reflecting beautifully off the calm Arabian Sea and moss-covered rocks.
Historic Landing Site
A stone monument marks where Vasco da Gama and his fleet landed in 1498.
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