Kappad beach has a place in history of India, near Calicut, India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on May 27, 1498.

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Kozhikode (Calicut)

Northern Kerala's largest city, Kozhikode (still widely known as Calicut), has been a prosperous trading town since at least the 14th century and was once the capital of the formidable Zamorin dynasty. Vasco da Gama first landed at Kappad, 9 miles (15km) north of the city, in 1498, on his way to colonize part of the subcontinent for king and country (Portugal that is) – though the Zamorins resisted and remained independent until Tipu Sultan's army invaded in the 1760s, with the city then colonized by the British in 1792.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Miskhal Masjid

    Miskhal Masjid

    Kozhikode (Calicut)

    Around 2km southwest of Mananchira Sq, this 650-year-old mosque is an attractive (mostly) wooden four-storey building supported by impressive wooden…

  • Church of South India

    Church of South India

    Kozhikode (Calicut)

    This bright-white church opposite Mananchira Sq was established by Swiss missionaries in 1842; its unique European-Keralan architecture features a three…

  • Tali Temple

    Tali Temple

    Kozhikode (Calicut)

    Dating back to the 14th century but restored in the 18th century, Calicut's major temple is dedicated to Shiva and open only to Hindus.

  • Calicut Beach

    Calicut Beach

    Kozhikode (Calicut)

    The city beach, 1km west of the city centre, is enjoyable for a sunset promenade stroll but not really a place for swimming.

  • Mananchira Square

    Mananchira Square

    Kozhikode (Calicut)

    The former courtyard of the Zamorins, this large central park still preserves its original spring-fed tank.

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