Kappkadavu (Kappad) is a small coastal village in the Kozhikode district of Kerala state, south India. On 27 May 1498, Vasco Da Gama landed here with three vessels and 170 men.
If you travel 16 km north of Kozhikode by Kannur road, a small road from Tiruvangoor will guide you to this beach of historical importance. A monument is here to commemorate the historical landing. An ancient temple on a hillock, facing the deep sea, is an added attraction.
The Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on May 27, 1498. A small stone monument commemorates the landing with the inscription, "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498." His expedition gave the Europeans a sea route to reach the wealth of the Malabar coast, and resulted in European domination of India for about 450 years. At that time Malabar was ruled by the Zamorins (Samoothiris, spoken locally) who gave a warm welcome to Da Gama. Malabar was abundant in spices, and produced a calico textile.