Vatakara (also spelled Badagara or Vadakara) is a coastal town in the Kozhikode district, state of Kerala, India; spread over an area of 21.32 km2. It is the headquarters of Vatakara taluk. This place is erstwhile Kadathanadu and was part of North Malabar province of Malabar District, state of Madras during British Raj. Vatakara is the second biggest town in the Kozhikode.The Lokanaarkav temple is situated in vatakara.

Vatakara is located at 11.60°N 75.58°E. It has an average elevation of 15 m (49 ft). Geographically, Vatakara is situated about 45 km to the north of Kozhikode City, approximately 44 km 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, Kuttiady 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 name was also spelled as Badagara in English. Vatakara is also one of the most famous city in the district of Kozhikode. It has a good beach called Sand Banks that's near Vatakara municipality, mosques and traditional homes, giving the entire area a quaint charm. The entire square is bordered by a laterite-sculpted wall. The Square houses many important buildings including the Public Library, Town Hall and Commonwealth Trust office.