Vatakara

Vatakara, also spelled Vadakara, formerly Badagara, town and port, northern 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 centre for pepper, copra, timber, and other products. It is served by a coastal road and a rail line. The town is also a centre of kalari, the traditional martial art of Kerala, 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.