Have you ever wondered where the first European explorer to reach India by sea landed? The answer is Kappad Beach, a gorgeous beach in Kozhikode, Kerala, that witnessed the arrival of Vasco Da Gama in 1498. This historic event marked the beginning of the spice trade between India and Europe, and changed the course of history forever.
But Kappad Beach is not just a place of historical significance. It is also a place of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and fun activities. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous holiday, or a cultural immersion, Kappad Beach has something for everyone.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kappad Beach, including its attractions, activities, and accommodations. By the end of this article, you will be convinced that Kappad Beach is your next destination in Kerala.
Attractions of Kappad Beach
Kappad Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in Kerala, with its natural features, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. Here are some of the main attractions of Kappad Beach that you should not miss:
Rock formations:
One of the most striking features of Kappad Beach is the rock formations that protrude into the sea. These rocks add to the charm and character of the beach, and offer a great spot for photography and exploration. You can also climb on some of the rocks and enjoy the panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
Coconut groves:
Another feature that makes Kappad Beach unique is the coconut groves that line the shore. These coconut trees provide shade and coolness to the beach, and create a tropical atmosphere. You can also enjoy fresh coconut water from the local vendors, or buy some coconut products as souvenirs.
Silvery sands:
The sand at Kappad Beach is soft and silvery, and contrasts beautifully with the blue water. The sand is ideal for sunbathing, relaxing, or playing beach games with your friends or family. You can also walk along the beach and feel the sand between your toes, or collect some shells and stones as mementos.
800 year old temple:
On one end of Kappad Beach, there is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is said to be over 800 years old, and is a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The temple is also a popular pilgrimage site for devotees who come to seek blessings from the deity.
Backwaters:
If you want to experience another aspect of Kerala’s nature, you can take a boat ride or a houseboat cruise along the backwaters near Kappad Beach. The backwaters are calm and serene waterways that connect various villages and towns along the coast. You can enjoy the scenic views of the lush greenery, coconut palms, paddy fields, and fishing nets along the way.
Fishing hamlets:
Another attraction of Kappad Beach is the fishing hamlets that dot the coast. These hamlets are home to the local fishermen who live a simple and traditional life. You can visit these hamlets and interact with the friendly locals, learn about their fishing methods and lifestyle, or buy some fresh seafood from them.
How You Can Reach Kappad Beach
By Road:
Kappad Beach is well-connected by road with the rest of Kerala. You can take regular buses operated by KSRTC from Kozhikode or other nearby cities to reach Kappad Beach. The distance from Kozhikode to Kappad Beach is about 16 km, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach by road.
By Train:
Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Kappad Beach by train. It is about 18 km away from the beach, and you can hire a private taxi or a local auto rickshaw from the station to reach the beach. The railway station is well-connected with other major destinations in India by regular trains.
By Air:
Calicut International Airport, also known as Karipur Airport, is the nearest airport to reach Kappad Beach by air. It is about 45 km away from the beach, and you can take a cab or a bus from the airport to reach the beach. The airport has flights from domestic and international destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Dubai, Muscat, etc.
By Backwaters:
Another option to reach Kappad Beach is by taking a boat ride or a houseboat cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. You can start from the Korappuzha River, which is about 10 km away from the beach, and enjoy the scenic views of the coconut palms, paddy fields, and fishing nets along the way. This is a unique and relaxing way to reach Kappad Beach.
Activities at Kappad Beach
Kappad Beach is not only a place to admire nature and culture, but also a place to have fun and adventure. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy at Kappad Beach:
Swimming: The water at Kappad Beach is clear and clean, and suitable for swimming. You can take a dip in the sea and refresh yourself from the heat. The waves are gentle and moderate, and ideal for beginners or children. However, you should always follow the safety instructions and avoid swimming during high tide or rough weather.
Boating: If you want to explore the sea further, you can take a boating trip from Kappad Beach. You can choose from various types of boats, such as speed boats, motor boats, pedal boats, or row boats. You can also rent a kayak or a canoe and paddle along the coast. Boating is a great way to enjoy the breeze and see different views of the beach.
Paragliding: If you are looking for some thrill and excitement, you can try paragliding at Kappad Beach. Paragliding is a sport where you fly in the air with a parachute attached to a motorized vehicle. You can soar high above the beach and enjoy the bird’s eye view of the sea, the rocks, and the coconut trees. Paragliding is a safe and exhilarating activity that you will never forget.
Snorkeling: If you want to discover the underwater world, you can go snorkeling at Kappad Beach. Snorkeling is a sport where you wear a mask, a snorkel, and fins, and swim near the surface of the water. You can see various types of fish, coral, and marine life in the clear water. Snorkeling is a fun and easy activity that anyone can do.
Surfing: If you are a fan of surfing, you can also catch some waves at Kappad Beach. Surfing is a sport where you ride on a surfboard on the crest of a wave. You can enjoy the speed and adrenaline of surfing at Kappad Beach, which has some good spots for beginners or intermediate surfers. You can also rent a surfboard or take a surfing lesson from the local instructors.
Sunbathing: If you just want to relax and unwind, you can simply sunbathe at Kappad Beach. Sunbathing is an activity where you lie on the sand or a sunbed and soak up the sun. You can enjoy the warmth and tan of the sun, or read a book or listen to music. You can also apply some sunscreen or coconut oil to protect your skin from the sun.
Shopping: If you want to do some shopping at Kappad Beach, you can visit some of the beachside shacks or stalls that sell various items. You can buy some coconut products, such as oil, milk, cream, or chips, or some spices, such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, or cloves. You can also buy some handicrafts, such as pottery, wood carving, or coir products, or some souvenirs, such as shells, stones, or magnets.
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Sightseeing & Places To Visit Near Kappad Beach
If you want to see some more attractions near Kappad Beach, you can take a sightseeing tour from the beach. You can visit some of the nearby places, such as:
Kozhikode:
Kozhikode is the nearest city to Kappad Beach, and is famous for its history, culture, and cuisine. You can visit some of the landmarks of Kozhikode, such as the Kozhikode Beach, the Mananchira Square, the Tali Temple, the Pazhassi Raja Museum, and the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. You can also taste some of the delicacies of Kozhikode, such as halwa, biryani, kallummakaya, and banana chips.
Wayanad:
Wayanad is a hill station in Kerala that is known for its natural beauty and wildlife. You can visit some of the attractions of Wayanad, such as the Chembra Peak, the Edakkal Caves, the Banasura Sagar Dam, the Pookode Lake, and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also enjoy some activities, such as trekking, camping, boating, and safari.
Beypore:
Beypore is a coastal town in Kerala that is famous for its shipbuilding industry and fishing port. You can visit some of the attractions of Beypore, such as the Beypore Beach, the Beypore Lighthouse, the Beypore Fort, and the Beypore Stone Pier. You can also see some of the traditional wooden ships, called uru, that are made by the skilled craftsmen of Beypore.
Best time to visit Kappad Beach
The best time to visit Kappad Beach is during the winter season (October to March). This is because the weather is cool and pleasant, and the beach is dry and clean. You can enjoy various activities such as swimming, boating, paragliding, snorkeling, surfing, sunbathing, shopping, sightseeing, etc. without any discomfort or inconvenience.
The summer season, (April to June), is also a good time to visit Kappad Beach, but it can be hot and humid. However, you can still enjoy the beach with the help of the sea breezes and coconut water. You can also get some discounts on accommodation and travel during this season.
The monsoon season (July to September) is not a very ideal time to visit Kappad Beach, as it can be rainy and windy. The beach can be muddy and dirty, and some of the activities may not be available or safe. However, you can still witness the beauty of nature and experience the greenery and freshness of Kerala during this season.
Accommodations near Kappad Beach
Kappad Beach offers a variety of accommodations for different budgets and preferences. You can choose from resorts, hotels, homestays, lodges, villas, etc. Here are some of the best options for staying near Kappad Beach:
Kappad Beach Resort: This is a luxury resort that is located right on Kappad Beach. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms with sea views, balconies, and modern amenities. It also has a swimming pool, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and a conference hall. It is ideal for couples, families, or business travelers who want to enjoy a relaxing and lavish stay at Kappad Beach.
Park Residency: This is a budget hotel that is located about 7 km from Kappad Beach. It offers cozy and clean rooms with basic amenities and services. It also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a banquet hall, and a travel desk. It is suitable for solo travelers, backpackers, or groups who want to save money and stay near Kappad Beach.
Nexstay Treats Inn: This is a mid-range hotel that is located about 14 km from Kappad Beach. It offers elegant and spacious rooms with modern amenities and services. It also has a fitness center, a restaurant, a lounge bar, and a business center. It is perfect for families, friends, or corporate travelers who want to enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay near Kappad Beach.
Kozhikode Homestay: This is a homestay that is located about 15 km from Kappad Beach. It offers homely and cozy rooms with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. It also has a garden, a terrace, and a shared lounge. It is ideal for travelers who want to experience the local culture and hospitality of Kozhikode.
Kappad Beach is a historic and scenic destination in Kerala that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, you will find it at Kappad Beach. You can also enjoy various attractions and activities near Kappad Beach, such as Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Beypore. You can also choose from various accommodation options near Kappad Beach to suit your budget and preference.
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If you are looking for a memorable and enjoyable holiday in Kerala, you should definitely visit Kappad Beach. You will not regret it.
Thank you for reading this article. We hope you found it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or feedback about Kappad Beach or this article, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
