On 27 th of May 1498, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama and 120 men in three ships came to Kappad beach beginning India's colonial era and association with Europeans. This is a rock-studded beach with a main rock jutting out to sea. The locals call this Kappakkadavu and for them it's a favourite picnic spot. There is an 800-year-old temple on the rock jutting out to sea. There is a monument on the beach to commemorate this historic event. The best route to Kappad is along the bewitching backwaters. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha River brings you to the beach