Vatakara

Vatakara, town and port, northern Keralam (formerly Kerala) state, southwestern India. It is located on the Malabar Coast, along the Arabian Sea, about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of the city of Kozhikode (Calicut).

Vatakara is a fishing port and trade center for pepper, copra, timber, and other products. It is served by a coastal road and a rail line. The town is also a center of kalari, the traditional martial art of Keralam, and it is the home of Madappalli College. Vatakara is believed to be the birthplace of Thacholi Othanon, hero of popular Malabar ballads. Pop. (2001) 75,847; (2011) 75,295.