Vatakara (Malayalam: ) is a coastal Municipality in Kozhikode district of Kerala, a South Indian state, spread over an area of 21.32km. It is the headquarters of Vatakara taluk. This place is erstwhile Kadathanadu and was part of North Malabar province of Malabar District in Madras State during British Raj. Vatakara is located at 1136N 7535E / 11.60N 75.58E / 11.60; 75.58. It has an average elevation of 15m (49ft). Geographically, Vatakara is situated about 48km to the north of Kozhikode City, approximately 44km to the south of Kannur City and it is proximate to Mahe (Mahe district). This is the third largest town of North Malabar. The town lies by the side of a river known by different names as Moorad river, Kuttiadi river or Kotakkal river. Originally known as Vadakkekara (north shore) due to its position with respect to the Kottakkal puzha, the place came to be called as Vatakara by popular usage later. This city is also known as Badagara. Vatakara is the capital...
