1.
Geographic coordinate system
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A geographic coordinate system is a coordinate system used in geography that enables every location on Earth to be specified by a set of numbers, letters or symbols. The coordinates are chosen such that one of the numbers represents a vertical position. A common choice of coordinates is latitude, longitude and elevation, to specify a location on a two-dimensional map requires a map projection. The invention of a coordinate system is generally credited to Eratosthenes of Cyrene. Ptolemy credited him with the adoption of longitude and latitude. Ptolemys 2nd-century Geography used the prime meridian but measured latitude from the equator instead. Mathematical cartography resumed in Europe following Maximus Planudes recovery of Ptolemys text a little before 1300, in 1884, the United States hosted the International Meridian Conference, attended by representatives from twenty-five nations. Twenty-two of them agreed to adopt the longitude of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the Dominican Republic voted against the motion, while France and Brazil abstained. France adopted Greenwich Mean Time in place of local determinations by the Paris Observatory in 1911, the latitude of a point on Earths surface is the angle between the equatorial plane and the straight line that passes through that point and through the center of the Earth. Lines joining points of the same latitude trace circles on the surface of Earth called parallels, as they are parallel to the equator, the north pole is 90° N, the south pole is 90° S. The 0° parallel of latitude is designated the equator, the plane of all geographic coordinate systems. The equator divides the globe into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the longitude of a point on Earths surface is the angle east or west of a reference meridian to another meridian that passes through that point. All meridians are halves of great ellipses, which converge at the north and south poles, the prime meridian determines the proper Eastern and Western Hemispheres, although maps often divide these hemispheres further west in order to keep the Old World on a single side. The antipodal meridian of Greenwich is both 180°W and 180°E, the combination of these two components specifies the position of any location on the surface of Earth, without consideration of altitude or depth. The grid formed by lines of latitude and longitude is known as a graticule, the origin/zero point of this system is located in the Gulf of Guinea about 625 km south of Tema, Ghana. To completely specify a location of a feature on, in, or above Earth. Earth is not a sphere, but a shape approximating a biaxial ellipsoid. It is nearly spherical, but has an equatorial bulge making the radius at the equator about 0. 3% larger than the radius measured through the poles, the shorter axis approximately coincides with the axis of rotation
Geographic coordinate system
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Longitude lines are perpendicular and latitude lines are parallel to the equator.
2.
States and territories of India
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India is a federal union comprising twenty-nine states and seven union territories. The states and union territories are further subdivided into districts and further into smaller administrative divisions, the Constitution of India distributes the sovereign executive and legislative powers exercisable with respect to the territory of any State between the Union and that State. The Indian subcontinent has been ruled by different ethnic groups throughout its history. Between 1947 and 1950, the territories of the states were politically integrated into the Indian Union. The new Constitution of India, which came into force on 26 January 1950, the new republic was also declared to be a Union of States. The nine Part A states were Assam, Bihar, Bombay, Madhya Pradesh, Madras, Orissa, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The eight Part B states were former princely states or groups of states, governed by a rajpramukh, who was usually the ruler of a constituent state. The rajpramukh was appointed by the President of India, the Part B states were Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Bharat, Mysore, Patiala and East Punjab States Union, Rajasthan, Saurashtra, and Travancore-Cochin. The ten Part C states included both the former chief commissioners provinces and some states, and each was governed by a chief commissioner appointed by the President of India. The Part C states were Ajmer, Bhopal, Bilaspur, Coorg, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Cutch, Manipur, Tripura, the only Part D state was the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which were administered by a lieutenant governor appointed by the central government. The Union Territory of Puducherry was created in 1954 comprising the previous French enclaves of Pondichéry, Karaikal, Yanam, Andhra State was created on 1 October 1953 from the Telugu-speaking northern districts of Madras State. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 reorganised the states based on linguistic lines resulting in the creation of the new states, as a result of this act, Madras State retained its name with Kanyakumari district added to from Travancore-Cochin. Andhra Pradesh was created with the merger of Andhra State with the Telugu-speaking districts of Hyderabad State in 1956, kerala was created with the merger of Malabar district and the Kasaragod taluk of South Canara districts of Madras State with Travancore-Cochin. The Laccadive Islands which were divided between South Canara and Malabar districts of Madras State were united and organised into the territory of Lakshadweep. Bombay State was enlarged by the addition of Saurashtra State and Kutch State, Rajasthan and Punjab gained territories from Ajmer and Patiala and East Punjab States Union respectively and certain territories of Bihar was transferred to West Bengal. Bombay State was split into the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra on 1 May 1960 by the Bombay Reorganisation Act. Nagaland was formed on 1 December 1963, the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966 resulted in the creation of Haryana on 1 November and the transfer of the northern districts of Punjab to Himachal Pradesh. The act also designated Chandigarh as a territory and the shared capital of Punjab
States and territories of India
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Hyderabad state in 1909
3.
List of districts of India
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A district is an administrative division of an Indian state or territory. In some cases districts are subdivided into sub-divisions, and in others directly into tehsils or talukas. As of 2016 there are a total of 707 districts, up from the 640 in the 2011 Census of India, mahe of Puducherry is the smallest district of India by area while Kutch of Gujarat is the largest district of India by area. The majority of districts are named after their administrative centre, some are referred to by two names, a traditional one and one that uses the name of the town that is the headquarters. Since most of the districts are named after a town, the district is appended to distinguish between the town and the district. Official websites very often use District with a capital D in this context, the names of the 687 districts are mostly unique. The following tables list the details of various states
List of districts of India
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Districts of India
4.
Paravur, Kollam
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Paravur, or South Paravoor, is a town and a municipality in the Kollam district of the Indian state of Kerala. The lakes and sea coast of Paravur attract visitors and foreigners with the attraction the interconnection of Paravur Kayal. Paravur lies 21 kilometres from Kollam by road and can be reached within 15 minutes by train from Kollam Junction, Paravur Municipality consists of Kottapuram, Koonayil, Thekkumbhagam, Chillakkal, Perumpuzha, Nedungolam, Pozhikara, Maniyamkulam, Kurumandal, Kottamoola, Attinpuram & Kochalummoodu. Paravur Municipality is a Grade-II Municipality of Kerala, Paravur is located at 8.78 N76 E. It has an elevation of 10 metres. Paravur,21 kilometers from the Kollam, is a skirt of land stretching in between the backwaters and the sea. The famous Varkala beach is a mere 12 kilometres drive from here, there is an elevation of 6 metres above sea level, extending to 16 metres on the inland. As of 2011 India census, Paravur has a population of 43,739, males constitute 47% of the population and females 53%. Paravur has an literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy is 81%. In Paravur, 10% of the population are under 6 years of age, total number of households are 9,155. Pozhikara was the headquarters of Paravur. Remnants of the old fort, Thaana and Anchalappees still remain, a mint of the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom for printing and punching their currencies was once situated at Paravur. Paravur panchayat was formed in 1936 as one of the four panchayats sanctioned by Sir C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer, the others were Boothapandi, Nedumangadu, and Perumbavoor. The so formed Paravur panchayat included nine territories-Thekkumbhagam, Kottappuram, Kongal, Pozhikara, Kurumandal, Koonayil, Kalakkode, Bhoothakkulam, sree Ramavarma koyi thampuram from Kilimanoor Palace was the first executive officer of the panchayat. The first election for Paravur panchayat was held in 1942 and Sri Achuthan Pillai became the first elected panchayat president, later Paravur became a Municipality on May 1,1988. For the first seven years it was ruled by special officers, in 1995 after the first Municipal election, Smt. Bhanumati became the first Municipal Chairperson, in April 2016, over 100 people were killed in a fireworks explosion at a local temple in the town. There are so many important roads in Paravur, connecting Kollam city and neighbouring towns like Varkala, Chathannoor, Parippally, Poothakkulam
Paravur, Kollam
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From top:
Paravur railway station,
Paravur Lake(Kaayal), Aayiravilli Temple Festival, Pulimuttu in
Paravur Pozhikara
Paravur, Kollam
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Entrance of
Paravur railway station
Paravur, Kollam
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Paravur Lake – An evening scene from
Paravur Thekkumbhagam
5.
Malayalam language
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Malayalam /mʌləˈjɑːləm/ is a language spoken in India, predominantly in the state of Kerala. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and was designated as a Classical Language in India in 2013 and it was developed to the current form mainly by the influence of the poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan in the 16th century. Malayalam has official status in the state of Kerala and in the union territories of Lakshadweep. It belongs to the Dravidian family of languages and is spoken by some 38 million people, according to one theory, Malayalam originated from Middle Tamil in the 7th century. However, the current understanding proposes the separation of Malayalam from Proto-Dravidian in the pre-historic era, Malayalam incorporated many elements from Sanskrit through the ages. Before Malayalam came into being, Old Tamil was used in literature and courts of a region called Tamilakam, including present day Kerala state, silappatikaramit was written by Chera prince Ilango Adigal from Chunkaparra, and is considered a classic in Sangam literature. Modern Malayalam still preserves many words from the ancient Tamil vocabulary of Sangam literature, the earliest script used to write Malayalam was the Vatteluttu alphabet, and later the Kolezhuttu, which derived from it. As Malayalam began to borrow words as well as the rules of grammar from Sanskrit. This developed into the modern Malayalam script, many medieval liturgical texts were written in an admixture of Sanskrit and early Malayalam, called Manipravalam. The oldest literary work in Malayalam, distinct from the Tamil tradition, is dated from between the 9th and 11th centuries, the first travelogue in any Indian language is the Malayalam Varthamanappusthakam, written by Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar in 1785. Due to its lineage deriving from both Tamil and Sanskrit, the Malayalam script has the largest number of letters among the Indian language orthographies, the Malayalam script includes letters capable of representing almost all the sounds of all Indo-Aryan and Dravidian languages. Malayalam serves as a language on the islands including the Mahl-dominated Minicoy Island. The word Malayalam originated from the Sanskrit resp, Malayalam words malai or mala, meaning hill, and elam, meaning region. Malayalam thus translates as hill region and used to refer to the land of the Chera dynasty, the language Malayalam is alternatively called Alealum, Malayalani, Malayali, Malean, Maliyad, and Mallealle. The word Malayalam originally meant only for the name of the region, Malayanma or Malayayma represented the language. With the emergence of modern Malayalam language, the name of the language started to be known by the name of the region, hence now, the word Malayanma is considered by some to represent the olden Malayalam language. The language got the name Malayalam during the mid 19th century, the origin of Malayalam, an independent offshoot of the proto-Dravidian language, has been and continues to be an engaging pursuit among comparative historical linguists. Together with Tamil, Toda, Kannada and Tulu, Malayalam belongs to the group of Dravidian languages
Malayalam language
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Cover page of Nasranikal okkekkum ariyendunna samkshepavedartham which is the first book to be printed in Malayalam in 1772.
Malayalam language
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Malayalam in Malayalam script
Malayalam language
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Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan
Malayalam language
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Shakuntala writes to Dushyanta. Painting by
Raja Ravi Varma. The poetry was translated by
Kerala Varma as
Abhijnanasakuntalam
6.
English language
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English /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/ is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England and is now the global lingua franca. Named after the Angles, one of the Germanic tribes that migrated to England, English is either the official language or one of the official languages in almost 60 sovereign states. It is the third most common language in the world, after Mandarin. It is the most widely learned second language and a language of the United Nations, of the European Union. It is the most widely spoken Germanic language, accounting for at least 70% of speakers of this Indo-European branch, English has developed over the course of more than 1,400 years. The earliest forms of English, a set of Anglo-Frisian dialects brought to Great Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers in the century, are called Old English. Middle English began in the late 11th century with the Norman conquest of England, Early Modern English began in the late 15th century with the introduction of the printing press to London and the King James Bible, and the start of the Great Vowel Shift. Through the worldwide influence of the British Empire, modern English spread around the world from the 17th to mid-20th centuries, English is an Indo-European language, and belongs to the West Germanic group of the Germanic languages. Most closely related to English are the Frisian languages, and English, Old Saxon and its descendent Low German languages are also closely related, and sometimes Low German, English, and Frisian are grouped together as the Ingvaeonic or North Sea Germanic languages. Modern English descends from Middle English, which in turn descends from Old English, particular dialects of Old and Middle English also developed into a number of other English languages, including Scots and the extinct Fingallian and Forth and Bargy dialects of Ireland. English is classified as a Germanic language because it shares new language features with other Germanic languages such as Dutch, German and these shared innovations show that the languages have descended from a single common ancestor, which linguists call Proto-Germanic. Through Grimms law, the word for foot begins with /f/ in Germanic languages, English is classified as an Anglo-Frisian language because Frisian and English share other features, such as the palatalisation of consonants that were velar consonants in Proto-Germanic. The earliest form of English is called Old English or Anglo-Saxon, in the fifth century, the Anglo-Saxons settled Britain and the Romans withdrew from Britain. England and English are named after the Angles, Old English was divided into four dialects, the Anglian dialects, Mercian and Northumbrian, and the Saxon dialects, Kentish and West Saxon. Through the educational reforms of King Alfred in the century and the influence of the kingdom of Wessex. The epic poem Beowulf is written in West Saxon, and the earliest English poem, Modern English developed mainly from Mercian, but the Scots language developed from Northumbrian. A few short inscriptions from the period of Old English were written using a runic script. By the sixth century, a Latin alphabet was adopted, written with half-uncial letterforms and it included the runic letters wynn ⟨ƿ⟩ and thorn ⟨þ⟩, and the modified Latin letters eth ⟨ð⟩, and ash ⟨æ⟩
English language
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The opening to the Old English epic poem
Beowulf,
handwritten in
half-uncial script: Hƿæt ƿē Gārde/na ingēar dagum þēod cyninga / þrym ge frunon... "Listen! We of the Spear-Danes from days of yore have heard of the glory of the folk-kings..."
English language
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Countries of the world where English is a majority native language
English language
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Title page of Geoffrey Chaucer's
Canterbury Tales c.1400
7.
Indian Standard Time
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Indian Standard Time is the time observed throughout India and Sri Lanka, with a time offset of UTC+05,30. India does not observe daylight saving time or other seasonal adjustments, in military and aviation time IST is designated E*. Indian Standard Time is calculated on the basis of 82.30 E longitude, in Shankargarh Fort, in the tz database, it is represented by Asia/Kolkata. The Central observatory was moved from Chennai to a location at Shankargarh Fort Allahabad district, daylight Saving Time was used briefly during the China–Indian War of 1962 and the Indo–Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971. Inhabitants of the states have to advance their clocks with the early sunrise. In the late 1980s, a team of researchers proposed separating the country two or three time zones to conserve energy. The binary system that they suggested involved a return to British–era time zones, in 2001, the government established a four–member committee under the Ministry of Science and Technology to examine the need for multiple time zones and daylight saving. In Assam, tea gardens follow a separate time zone, known as the Chaibagaan or Bagan time, still Indian Standard Time remains the only officially used time. The filmmaker Jahnu Barua has been campaigning for a time zone for the past 25 years. In 2010, he suggested creating a time zone for the Development of Northeastern Region. In 2014, Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi started campaigning for another time zone for Assam, however, the proposal would need to be cleared by the Central Government of India. Official time signals are generated by the Time and Frequency Standards Laboratory at the National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi, the signals are based on atomic clocks and are synchronised with the worldwide system of clocks that support the Coordinated Universal Time. IST is taken as the time as it passes through almost the centre of India. To communicate the exact time to the people, the time is broadcast over the state-owned All India Radio. Telephone companies have dedicated phone numbers connected to mirror time servers that also relay the precise time, another increasingly popular means of obtaining the time is through Global Positioning System receivers
Indian Standard Time
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IST in relation with the bordering nations
8.
Postal Index Number
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A Postal Index Number or PIN or Pincode is a code in the post office numbering or post code system used by India Post, the Indian postal administration. The code is six digits long, the PIN Code system was introduced on 15 August 1972 by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar, an additional secretary in the Union Ministry of Communications. The system was introduced to simplify the manual sorting and delivery of mail by eliminating confusion over incorrect addresses, similar place names, there are nine PIN zones in India, including eight regional zones and one functional zone. The first digit of the PIN code indicates the region, the second digit indicates the sub-region, and the third digit indicates the sorting district within the region. The final three digits are assigned to individual post offices, a state may have one or more sorting districts depending on the volumes of mail handled. The fourth digit represents the route on which a Delivery office is located in the sorting district and this is 0 for offices in the core area of the sorting district. The last two represent the delivery office within the sorting district starting from 01 which would be the GPO or HO. The numbering of the office is done chronologically with higher numbers assigned to newer delivery offices. If the volume of mails handled at an office is too large, a new delivery office is created. Thus two delivery offices situated next to each other only have the first four digits in common. Each PIN code is mapped to exactly one delivery post office which receives all the mail to be delivered to one or more lower offices within its jurisdiction, all of which share the same code. The delivery office can either be a General Post Office, a Head Office or Sub Office which are located in urban areas. The post from the office is sorted and routed to other delivery offices for a different PIN or to one of the relevant sub offices or branch offices for the same PIN. Branch offices are located in areas and have limited postal services
Postal Index Number
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A post box with PIN (571120) marked on it
Postal Index Number
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2-digit postcode areas in India(defined through the first two postcode digits)
9.
Arabian Sea
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The Arabian Sea is a region of the northern Indian Ocean bounded on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by northeastern Somalia and the Arabian Peninsula, and on the east by India. Historically the sea has been known by names including the Erythraean Sea. Its total area is 3,862,000 km2 and its depth is 4,652 metres. The Gulf of Aden is in the southwest, connecting the Arabian Sea to the Red Sea through the strait of Bab-el-Mandeb, the Arabian Sea has been crossed by important marine trade routes since the third or second millennium BCE. Major seaports include Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, the Port of Karachi and the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, other important ports include in India, Kandla Port, and Mormugao in Goa. The largest islands in the Arabian Sea include Socotra, Masirah Island, Astola Island, the Arabian Seas surface area is about 3,862,000 km2. The maximum width of the Sea is approximately 2,400 km, the biggest river flowing into the Sea is the Indus River. There are also the gulfs of Khambhat and Kutch on the Indian coast, the countries with coastlines on the Arabian Sea are Somalia, Djibouti, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Pakistan, India and the Maldives. There are several cities on the seas coast including Mumbai, Surat, Karachi, Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, Aden, Muscat, Keti Bandar, Salalah, Duqm. International Hydrographic Organization defines the limits of the Arabian Sea as follows, the Eastern limit of the Gulf of Aden. A line joining Ràs al Hadd, East point of Arabia, a line running from the South extremity of Addu Atoll, to the Eastern extreme of Ràs Hafun. The Western limit of the Laccadive Sea, by the time of Julius Caesar, several well-established combined land-sea trade routes depended upon water transport through the Sea around the rough inland terrain features to its north. Each major route involved transhipping to pack animal caravan, travel through country and risk of bandits. Later the kingdom of Axum arose in Ethiopia to rule a mercantile empire rooted in the trade with Europe via Alexandria, Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai is the largest port in the Arabian Sea, and the largest container port in India. The Port of Karachi is Pakistans largest and busiest seaport, handling about 60% of the nations cargo and it is located between the Karachi towns of Kiamari and Saddar, close to the main business district and several industrial areas. The geographic position of the places it in close proximity to major shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The history of the port is intertwined with that of the city of Karachi, several ancient ports have been attributed in the area including Krokola, Morontobara, Barbarikon (the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, and Debal. It warns sailors about whirlpools and advises them to safety in Kaurashi harbour if they found themselves drifting dangerously
Arabian Sea
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Arabian Sea from space
Arabian Sea
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Arabian Sea
Arabian Sea
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17th century map depicting the locations of the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
Arabian Sea
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The
Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, India is the largest port of India and one of the busiest in the Arabian Sea
10.
Ernakulam
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Ernakulam refers to the eastern, mainland portion of the city of Kochi in central Kerala, India. The city is the most urban part of Kochi and has lent its name to the Ernakulam district, Ernakulam is called the commercial capital of the state of Kerala. The Kerala High Court, the Office of the Corporation of Cochin, the Ernakulam Junction or South station, Ernakulam Town or North Station and Ernakulam Terminus railway stations of the Indian Railways lies in Ernakulam. Initially, Ernakulam was the headquarters of the Ernakulam District but was shifted to Kakkanad. Ernakulam was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin and it is located 220 kilometres towards north-west of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. The city has served as an incubator for many Malayali entrepreneurs and is a financial and commercial hub of Kerala. Starting from the Stone Age, Ernakulam has been the site of human settlement, monolithic monuments like Dolmens and rock-cut caves can be seen in many parts of Ernakulam. The region can claim to have played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the world in the ancient and medieval period. The early political history of Ernakulam is interlinked with that of the Chera Dynasty of the Sangam age, after the Cheras, the place was later ruled by the Kingdom of Cochin. Ernakulam was the capital of the erstwhile Cochin State, in the first state census of 1911, the population of Ernakulam was 21,901,11,197 Hindus,9,357 Christians,935 Muslims, and 412 Jews. The City of Ernakulam is situated in Ernakulam District of Central Kerala in India, Ernakulam is located at 9. 98°N76. 28°E /9.98,76.28. It has an elevation of 4 m. Under the Köppen climate classification, City of Ernakulam features a Tropical monsoon climate, since the region lies in the south western coastal state of Kerala, the climate is tropical, with only minor differences in temperatures between day and night, as well as over the year. Summer lasts from March to May, and is followed by the South-west monsoon from June to September, october and November form the post monsoon or retreating monsoon season. Winter from December through February is slightly cooler, and windy, the City is drained in the monsoonal season by heavy showers. The average annual rainfall is 3000 mm, the South-west monsoon generally sets in during the last week of May. On an average, there are 124 rainy days in a year, the maximum average temperature of the City in the summer season is 33 degree Celsius while the minimum temperature recorded is 22.5 degrees Celsius. The winter season records an average of 29 degree Celsius
Ernakulam
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High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam
Ernakulam
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Ernakulam Town Hall
Ernakulam
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Ernakulam skyline.
11.
Nedungolam
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Nedungolam or Nedumgolam is the Northern border town of Paravur municipality in the Kollam district of Kerala state, India. Nedungolam is very near to the world famous-wetland in Kollam district, Polachira, a census conducted on 2003 reveals that over 26,000 birds belonging to 37 species are visiting or living in the Polachira wetlands. Nedungolam is a town with two major junctions - Hospital Junction and Post Office Junction and it is one of the important attractions of blessed estuary land, Paravur. Most of the resorts in Paravur are very near to Nedungolam, beautiful beaches of Paravur are just 5 km away from Nedungolam. Proximity to the world-famous Kerala wetland, Polachira is another blessing of Nedungolam, in addition to that, one of the heritage sites of Kerala, Pozhikkara is just 5 km from Nedungolam. Taluk Hospital, Paravur - The one and only Taluk Hospital in Chathannoor constituency is in Nedungolam, Paravur Sub-Registrar Office, Padmanabha Rao public library, B. R Hospital - another famous hospital in Paravur etc. - are the other important institutions in Nedungolam. Many Hindu temples, Nedungolam Service Co-operative Bank, Nedungolam Post-office, higher Secondary School are also situated in the locality of Nedungolam. Resorts in Nedungolam area include, Aquasserenne Resort, Paravur Fragrant Nature Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd, Paravur The Tranquil Palms Resort, Paravur Nedungolam is located at the borders of Paravur Municipality and is in Paravur-Chathannoor road. Nedungolam is well connected with almost all the major towns and it is about 18 km from Kollam City and 3 km from Paravur town. Private and KSRTC bus services connect Nedungolam with various towns in Kerala, Paravur Municipal Bus Stand is 4 km away from Nedungolam. Paravur Railway Station is the nearest important railway station to Nedungolam, there are no airports in Kollam district. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 57 kilometres away, daily domestic flight services are available to major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kochi. International flight services connecting to Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat, Male, Doha, Singapore, Paravur Paravur Railway Station Pozhikkara Thekkumbhagam Kollam Paravur Kayal Kollam District
Nedungolam
–
Entrance of Taluk Hospital,
Paravur, Kollam
Nedungolam
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City Corporations
12.
Thekkumbhagam
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Thekkumbhagam or Thekkumbhagom is the southern border town of Paravur municipality in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. It is located at the Southern tip of Kollams coastal area and it is in the Arabian Sea coast. Thekkumbhagam-Kappil estuary point in the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram coastal border is one of the emerging tourism spots in the state, on 1936, during formation, Thekkumbhagam was one of the 9 territories of Paravur Panchayath. The place is famous for its natural beauty. Thekkumbhagam estuary is one among the twin estuary points in Paravur, the other one is Pozhikara estuary. Paravur landmass 3 sides are surrounded by water bodies - Paravur Lake, Nadayara Lake, both north and south tips of Paravur town is having peninsula and estuary. Thekkumbhagam is at south of Paravur, Thekkumbhagam estuary is the most crowd-pulling estuary in the state. It is located at the borders of Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram districts, a stunning beach in this location attracts a huge crowd every day. Beauty of this estuary can be enjoyed by travelling through Paravur-Kappil-Varkala road, pro-Vice Chancellor of Annamalai University Dr. A Hisham, Internationally known Phyto Scientist Paravur Pozhikkara Nedungolam Paravur Kayal Paravur railway station
Thekkumbhagam
–
From Top:Boating at
Paravur Lake, Sunset at Thekkumbhagam beach,
Thekkumbhagam Estuary,
Paravur Lake at Thekkumbhagam, Lakesagar Xavier's resort in Thekkumbhagam
Thekkumbhagam
–
Thekkumbhagam Coast in Paravur
Thekkumbhagam
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Sunset at Paravur Thekkumbhagam beach
13.
Paravur Kayal
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Paravur Kayal is a lake in Paravur, Kerala, India. Although it is small, with an area of only 6.62 km², it is the end point of the Ithikkara River and part of the system of lakes and canals that make up the Kerala Backwaters. It has been connected to Edava and Ashtamudi Kayal as part of the Trivandrum - Shoranur canal system since the late 19th century, the lake meets the sea and in between a small stretch of road which divides them can be viewed on way. Paravur Lake is one of the emerging tourist destinations in the district which attracts a number of tourists. The panoramic views are breath taking if you opt for a birds eye view, not from the sky but from the terraces situated north. Famous Lakesagar Xaviers resort is situated at the banks of Paravur lake, priyadarshini boat club is another major attraction in the vicinity of Paravur lake. The mangroves along both sides of Paravur lake is very famous Paravur lake is about 4 kilometres away from Paravur town. Paravur-Edava-Varkala road passes through the banks of Paravur lake, the nearest important railway station to Paravur lake is Paravur railway station. Fourteen pairs of trains stop at Paravur railway station every day, the nearest major rail head is Kollam Junction railway station, which is about 26 kilometres away from the lake. The nearest KSRTC bus station is Chathannoor bus station, which is 12 km away, Paravur Municipal Bus Stand and railway station are 4 kilometres away from the lake. Paravur Paravur Thekkumbhagam Paravur railway station Pozhikara Nedungolam
Paravur Kayal
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An evening view of Paravur Lake
Paravur Kayal
–
Paravur Lake near
Thekkumbhagam estuary
Paravur Kayal
–
A photo of sunset taken from
Paravur Thekkumbhagam beach
14.
C.P. Ramaswami Iyer
–
He practised as a lawyer in Madras and succeeded S. Srinivasa Iyengar as the Advocate-General of the Madras Presidency. He subsequently served as the Law member of the Governor of Madras, Ramaswami Iyer served as Diwan from 1936 to 1947, during his tenure, many social and administrative reforms were made. However, at the time, he is also remembered for the ruthless suppression of the communist-organised Punnapra-Vayalar revolt. He resigned in 1947 following an assassination attempt. He served as a leader of the Indian National Congress in his early days and he was made a Knight Commander of the Indian Empire in 1926 and a Knight Commander of the Star of India in 1941. He returned these titles when India attained independence in 1947 and he was also a member of the 1926 and 1927 delegations to the League of Nations. In his later life he served in international organisations and on the board of several Indian universities. Ramaswami Iyer died in 1966 at the age of 86 while on a visit to the United Kingdom, the ancestors of C. P. Ramaswami Iyer were Vadadesa Vadama Brahmins whose seat was the town of Chetpet in the North Arcot of Tamil Nadu. As a reward for their piety and scholarship, the migrants were granted the villages of Chetpet, Adayapalayam, Ramaswami Iyers family originated from the group which inherited the village of Chetpet. C. P. was also related to Achan Dikshitar, brother of the famous Advaitist savant Appayya Dikshitar, P. s grandfather, Chetpat Ramaswami Iyer served the British East India Company as Tehsildar of Kumbakonam. C. P. had his schooling at the Wesley College High School in Madras and he had an extremely strict upbringing as a result of a prediction that the child would not pass a single exam in his life. On completion of his schooling, C. P. enrolled at the Presidency College, in college, C. P. won prizes in English, Sanskrit and Mathematics and the Elphinstone Prize for his paper on the Nebular theory. C. P. passed his degree with a gold medal, C. P. had always desired to become an English professor. However, his father, Pattabhirama Iyer wished that his son become a lawyer and accordingly, C. P. spent his college vacations in the Mysore kingdom with the Diwan, Sir K. Seshadri Iyer whom he always claimed as his inspiration. In 1903, C. P. joined V. Krishnaswamy Iyer as an apprentice, just before the death of Pattabhirama Iyer the same year, he arranged for C. P. s admission as a junior to Sir V. Bhashyam Aiyangar, as a result, C. P. practised on his own and made a reputation as a lawyer. He fought and won over 300 cases and was offered a judgeship of the Madras High Court which he, however, in 1920, he was appointed Advocate-General of Madras by the then Governor, Lord Willingdon. During his tenure as a lawyer, C. P. handled a number of prominent cases as the Ashe murder trial, in his early days, C. P. was an admirer of Gopal Krishna Gokhale and desired to join the Servants of India society in Poona
C.P. Ramaswami Iyer
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Portrait of Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, 1940
C.P. Ramaswami Iyer
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Signature
C.P. Ramaswami Iyer
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A sketch of Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer in a London newspaper during the Third Round Table Conference
C.P. Ramaswami Iyer
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Bhaktivilas, the residence of Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer while serving as the Diwan of Travancore
15.
Kottappuram, Paravur
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Kottappuram or Kottapuram is an urban village, situated at Paravur municipality in Kollam district, Kerala. It is one among the two villages in Paravur municipality and one among the 30 villages coming under Kollam Taluk, Kottapuram is situated in between Paravur town and Paravur Thekkumbhagam. It is on the way towards Varkala, Paravur railway station -400 mtr Paravur Thekkumbhagam -1 km Pozhikara -2.5 km Nedungolam -3.5 km Kollam -22.6 km
Kottappuram, Paravur
–
City Corporations
16.
Kollam-Paravur Coastal Road
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Kollam-Paravur Coastal Road is one of the important city roads currently under construction in Kollam city in Kerala, India. The 14.1 km long road starts at Chinnakada in the north and ends at Paravur town in the south, via Kollam Beach, Paapanasam Beach, Kakkathoppu, Mukkom, Thanni and Pozhikara. Coastal road is considered as one of the important roads in Kollam city as it is passing through the suburbs like Kochupilamoodu, Mundakkal, Valathungal and it is also known as Eravipuram-Paravur Coastal road. Kollam-Paravur Coastal road is the most scenic road in the state, 90% of this road is passing through the beautiful coastal areas of Kollam. In addition to that, the Harbour Engineering Department of Kerala is planning to make New port road towards Kollam Port as part of coastal road. So after completion, the road will serve as a bypass for Kollam city. The Harbour Engineering Department had completed the works in Pozhikara-Thanni stretch of coastal road. Bus services through coastal road, connecting Paravur with Kollam, has resumed on 8 July 2016. Roads in Kerala Kollam Kollam District Paravur
Kollam-Paravur Coastal Road
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Kollam-Paravur Coastal Road
17.
Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram trunk line
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Kollam–Thiruvananthapuram trunk line is a busy railway corridor in Southern Railway zone between the cities of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in the state of Kerala, India. The line was opened on 4 January 1918 as the extension of Madras–Quilon line during metre gauge era and this double line is fully electrified and holds 60 pairs of services. All trains operating from/to Thiruvananthapuram run along this route, making it the second busiest railway corridor in Kerala after the Shoranur–Ernakulam line, the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram connects with Thiruvananthapuram–Kanyakumari line in South, Kollam–Kayamkulam line in North and Kollam–Punalur–Sengottai line in the East. The line is under the control of Thiruvananthapuram railway division of the Southern Railway zone, South Indian Railway Company has opened the Quilon–Sengottai railway line in 1902 with an intention to connect Quilon, the commercial capital of Travancore with Madras. Later on 4 January 1918, Thiruvananthapuram South Indian Railway Company has opened the Kollam–Thiruvananthapuram extension up to Chala, the terminus was shifted to Trivandrum Central and was inaugurated in 1931. Stations in between Kollam & Thiruvananthapuram with more than 1 crore of annual passenger ticket revenue
Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram trunk line
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An evening view of
Kollam Junction railway station and
Kollam MEMU Shed from the foot-over bridge
18.
Estuaries of Paravur
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The Paravur Estuaries are a group of estuaries in Paravur, India, near the South-Western coast of Kollam district, Kerala. Paravur is one among the 4 municipal towns in Kollam district, the place is known for its natural beauties, backwater locations, white-sand beaches and concentration of temples. Paravur is a land of beaches, backwaters & estuaries, the Paravur landmasss three sides are surrounded by water bodies - Paravur Lake, Nadayara Lake and the Arabian Sea. Paravur Lake is the body of water in the town area. The peninsula of Paravur is one of the most visited areas in Kollam district, both north and south tips of Paravur town have peninsulas and estuaries. Pozhikara is to the north and Thekkumbhagam is to the south of Paravur, one more estuary mouth is in Pozhikara, which is very close to Pozhikara Devi Temple, which has breached in 2014 under the supervision of Water Resources Department, after a long gap of 14 years. The estuaries can be reached by travelling through Kollam-Paravur Coastal Road, the 600 hectare Polachira Wetland is also close to Paravur. Paravur backwaters on both the north and south ends have Pozhi, both meet the Arabian Sea in the districts beach faces. There is an artificial tidal-regulator in the bridge at Pozhikara estuarine area. Paravur Lake is a lake in Paravur, Kerala, India, although it is small, with an area of only 6.62 km², it is the end point of the Ithikkara River and part of the system of lakes and canals that make up the Kerala Backwaters. It has been connected to Edava and Ashtamudi Kayal as part of the Trivandrum - Shoranur canal system since the late 19th century
Estuaries of Paravur
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Boating at
Paravur Lake
Estuaries of Paravur
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Thekkumbhagam -
Kappil bridge as seen from Paravur Estuary. This bridge is the official border of
Paravur town towards south
Estuaries of Paravur
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Pozhikkara peninsula in the north of
Paravur town
Estuaries of Paravur
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Paravur Estuary mouth at
Thekkumbhagam
19.
Paravur Lake
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Paravur Kayal is a lake in Paravur, Kerala, India. Although it is small, with an area of only 6.62 km², it is the end point of the Ithikkara River and part of the system of lakes and canals that make up the Kerala Backwaters. It has been connected to Edava and Ashtamudi Kayal as part of the Trivandrum - Shoranur canal system since the late 19th century, the lake meets the sea and in between a small stretch of road which divides them can be viewed on way. Paravur Lake is one of the emerging tourist destinations in the district which attracts a number of tourists. The panoramic views are breath taking if you opt for a birds eye view, not from the sky but from the terraces situated north. Famous Lakesagar Xaviers resort is situated at the banks of Paravur lake, priyadarshini boat club is another major attraction in the vicinity of Paravur lake. The mangroves along both sides of Paravur lake is very famous Paravur lake is about 4 kilometres away from Paravur town. Paravur-Edava-Varkala road passes through the banks of Paravur lake, the nearest important railway station to Paravur lake is Paravur railway station. Fourteen pairs of trains stop at Paravur railway station every day, the nearest major rail head is Kollam Junction railway station, which is about 26 kilometres away from the lake. The nearest KSRTC bus station is Chathannoor bus station, which is 12 km away, Paravur Municipal Bus Stand and railway station are 4 kilometres away from the lake. Paravur Paravur Thekkumbhagam Paravur railway station Pozhikara Nedungolam
Paravur Lake
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An evening view of Paravur Lake
Paravur Lake
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Paravur Lake near
Thekkumbhagam estuary
Paravur Lake
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A photo of sunset taken from
Paravur Thekkumbhagam beach
20.
Nehru Park, Paravur
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Nehru Park or Childrens Park, Paravur is a public park situated at Paravur in Kollam Metropolitan Area, India. It is situated close to Paravur railway station. Nehru Park is one of the centres of recreational activities in Paravur town. Devarajan Master, most popular musician of Malayalam film industry, was cremated at this park, a bronze statue of Devarajan Master sculpted by Kanayi Kunhiraman is there in the park. The compositions of Devarajan Master will be played in the park on every evenings, Paravur Paravur railway station Paravur Thekkumbhagam Pozhikara Estuaries of Paravur Paravur Puttingal Temple Nedungolam
Nehru Park, Paravur
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Entrance of Nehru Park,
Paravur
21.
Polachira
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Polachira is a wetland spread over 600 hectares located near Paravur Municipality in Kollam District of Kerala, India. Formerly part of the Chathannoor Grama Panchayath, it is now located in the Chirakkara Grama Panchayath, Polachira is about 5 km south of Chathannoor town and 6 km north east of Paravur town. Chathannoor-Polachira-Ozhukupara Bund Across Road is the access to Polchira. As a result of the biodiversity and abundance of fish and mussels, a 2003 census conducted at Polachira recorded over 26000 birds belonging to 37 species. The famous Anathavalam, where one can watch or even travel on domestic elephants, is located near Polachira, Polachira consists entirely of paddy fields where farmers can cultivate paddy three times a year. As the soil has high fertility value there is no need of fertilizer to cultivate paddy which will give high yields to the farmers, however, the main problem faced by farmers is that the fields are covered with water for the whole year. If needed, farmers association takes initiatives to dry the fields by using water pumps, if the fields in Polachira get dry and are suitable for paddy cultivation during May, November, January. Unscientific construction of bund affeted three times paddy cultivations. There is a scope to develop Polachira as a tourist spot. But the relevant authorities not yet took action for it, presence of migratory birds, cool wind, eye catching sceneries, etc. will attract all. An organization formed in the name of Ithikkara-Polachira Tourism Development Agency with an aim to explore Polachiras tourism possibilities, sivaraja Pillai Memorial ITC, Paravur 4. Ozhukupara Govt W L P School Paravur Paravur Railway Station Kollam Kollam district Kollam Junction railway station Pozhikkara Paravur Municipality Website Chirakkara Grama Panchayat Website
Polachira
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Migratory birds at Polachira
Polachira
Polachira
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Elephant near Polachira Bund Acros Road
22.
Meenad
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Meenad is a village in Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is just 6 km away from Paravur Town, as of 2001 India census, Meenad had a population of 29497 with 14087 males and 15410 females. Meenad is well connected with Paravur Town and Chathannoor, the well furnished Paravur-Chathannoor road is passing through Meenad. The proximity of this place to Paravur Railway Station and National Highway-47 makes Meenad a major area in the district. Paravur Railway Station is an Adersh Railway Station, so a number of important daily trains have halts here
Meenad
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Paravur -
Chathannoor road at Meenad
Meenad
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City Corporations
23.
Parippally
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Parippally is a village town in Kollam district, Kerala, India. Paripally town is 26 km away from Kollam city centre along the NH66 and it is just 2 km away from the border of Kollam district on the way to Trivandrum District. Parippally is also near to Varkala beach and Varkala Temple, nearest Airport is Trivandrum International Airport. Kollam Helipad is about 23 km away from Parippally and Varkala Helipad is about 13 km away, Paravur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Parippally. Paravur is well connected to Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Salem, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mangalore, Coimbatore, Pune, Tirunelveli, Trichy and it is the nearest railway station to the newly inaugurated ESIC Medical College, Parippally. There are 4 major roads which connects Madathara, Paravur, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and it is only 13 kilometers away from the famous Varkala Sivagiri, Varkala Beach and Varkala Temple. Parippally is the part of Kalluvathukkal Panchayath, famous schools are KPHS Kalluvathukkal, ASHSS Parippally. UKF Engineering College is in Paripally, there are more than 7 temples in this village. Kodimoottil Sri Bhadrakaali Temple is one among the most famous temples in kerala, Gajamela and Ponkala which are associated with the temple festival are very famous. Thousands of devotees come to watch the Gajamela, ] - the one and only medical college in Kerala run by ESI Corporation is situated at Parippally. Kerala Atlas Manorama year book,2006 Parippally Gajamela http, //www. census2011. co. in/data/village/628437-parippally-kerala. html
Parippally
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Vayalil Thrikkovil Temple
Parippally
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Entrance of
Employee's State Insurance Corporation Medical College Hospital in Parippally
24.
Kappil, Thiruvananthapuram
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Kappil is a tourist place near paravur, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala state, India. It is located in Edava Panchayat at the cost of Arabian Sea, currently kappil is under Attingal Constituency. Scenic backwaters, beach and facilities for watersport are available, nellatil, Edava, Paravur, Nadayara, Varkala etc. are locations in the vicinity which are worth visiting. Kappil is also famous for Kappil Bhagavathy Temple and a tourist spot during the festival season, though connected by rail, only shuttle trains stop at Kappil. It lies on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam railway route, nearest main Railway Station is Paravur at 4.5 km away. Paravur Railway Station is an Adersh Railway Station and a total of 14 pairs of trains have stops here, bus service is available to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Paravur and Varkala. Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Varkala papanasham, Little Flower School, Salmiya Nursery, Jawahar balabhavan, New Vadakkey Veedu, K P Sirang, Kappil Devi Temple, Media related to Kappil at Wikimedia Commons
Kappil, Thiruvananthapuram
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Kappil boatclub
Kappil, Thiruvananthapuram
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The lonely beach
Kappil, Thiruvananthapuram
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A beautiful evening view from Paravur-Kappil bridge
25.
Mayyanad
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Mayyanad is a village in Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India. Mayyanad is located in the western suburbs of Kollam district. Mayyanad can be reached by frequent buses from Kollam city and Kottiyam town, the bridge connecting Mayyand and Paravur was completed in 2012, making travel to Kollam city easier. Mayyanad is situated on the banks of the Paravur Lake and has an Arabian Sea coastline noted for its fishing, Mayyanad railway station is one among the major railway stations in Kollam district. Several temples, churches and mosques are situated in Mayyanad including the Umayanalloor Sri Balasubramanya Swami Temple, tourists are attracted to the location by the meeting of a lagoon with the sea while the long sandy scenic beaches are ideal for swimming. It is the birthplace of prominent social reformers, such as C. This land also set stage for the childhood and later times of Raman Rajan, the first Panchayat President was Prof. K. Ravindran who went on to become the founder principal of Mahatma Gandhi Government Arts College in Mahe and Tagore Arts College in Pondicherry. The Malayalam daily newspaper Kerala Kaumudi was founded in Mayyanad in 1911
Mayyanad
–
Mayyanad
Mayyanad
–
City Corporations
26.
K. C. Kesava Pillai
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Kesava Pillai was a composer of Carnatic music, Poet Laureate of Travancore and made contributions to Malayalam literature K. C. Kesava Pillai was born in Paravur in Kollam District of Kerala in India in 1868 and he had a school education up to the 5th grade and gained a proficiency in music. He watched Kathakali learnt the basics of Kathakali literature, costumes, Kesava Pillai died in 1914, aged 46 years. On account of his musical and poetical achievements, he was awarded the title of Sarasa Gayaka Kavimani by Sangeethasahityakovda Kerala Varma Valiya Koyi Thampuran. It has a connection with C. S. Subramanian Pottis Oruvilapam, V. C. Balakrishna Panikkars Oruvilapam. ‘Adimalarina’, A ragamalika in four languages, Malayalam, Tamil, English, aasannamaranachintasatakam, a work consisting of 104 slokas in Saardoolavikriditham. Kerala Bhashaa Narayaneeyam, a translation of Narayaneeyam in Malayalam, subhashitha Ratnakaram Abhinayamalika Kesaviyam, A mahakavya modeled on the Sanskrit pattern, adhering to the rules of structure and style of the classical rhetorician, Dandi. Lekshmi Kalyanam Raghava Madhavam Vikramorvaseeyam Sadaarama Pillai composed over 100 keerthanas, K. C. Kesava Pillai was a composer of songs, whose standard is comparable to that of Swati Tirunal and Irayimman Thampi, both Kerala musicians. 1. http, //www. kerala. gov. in/music/music7. pdf Kerala Government website 2. K. C. Kritikal, Department of Cultural Publications, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
K. C. Kesava Pillai
–
K. C. Kesava Pillai
27.
G. Devarajan
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Paravoor Govindan Devarajan, popularly known as G. Devarajan or Devarajan master, was a Malayalam music composer. He is considered one of the greatest music directors in Indian film music arena and he has scored music for more than three hundred Malayalam films, many dramas, and twenty Tamil and four Kannada movies. Many of his compositions remain ever green classics in Malayalam and his music in the Tamil film Annai Velankanni has received many accolades. Devarajan received Kerala Governments Best Music Director award five times, among other honours, born at Paravur, Kollam district in Kerala, Devarajan performed his first classical concert at the age of 18. He was soon attracted to the Communist movement and decided to dedicate his creative energy to popular music and he joined the once famous drama troupe of Kerala, the Kerala Peoples Arts Club. The work that brought him to the limelight was the song titled Ponnarivaal ambiliyil kanneriyunnoole, written by his friend O. N. V. Kurup and composed. KPAC and its members had a leaning towards the communist ideology. Through his compositions, Devarajan would cast an indelible imprint in the Malayali theatre arena, especially after the famous KPAC drama Ningalenne Communistaakki, the first movie for which he composed music was Kaalam Maarunnu. He teamed up with poet-lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma in Chathurangam in 1959 and his third movie – and the second with Vayalar – Bharya became a huge hit and made them a popular combination. His music earned him pride of place among those who had strived to earn a dignified status for film songs and his collaborations with Vayalar produced the golden era of Malayalam film music. Devarajan is remembered by prominent singers in Malayalam like K. J. Yesudas, in fact, it was the compositions by him that brought laurels to the main singers of that age. In 1973, he composed the hit song Malayala Baashathan in Prethangalude Thaazhvazha, Devarajan was at one point regarded as the doyen of film music in South India. He was much respected by all musicians and singers of that period and it might be due to this dominance he had over others that he was widely known as arrogant. But he enjoyed a royal status till his death among the music circles, Devarajan was the one who used the most number of raagas in Malayalam film music. His music embraced different styles with the Carnatic and Hindustani melody lines meeting folk idioms, also, he is particularly noted for his remarkable ability to blend the words of the lyrics with the mood of the situation in his film song compositions. Most of his hit songs were written by Vayalar Ramavarma and the combination of Vayalar-Devarajan-P Susheela-Yesudas was synonymous with beautiful songs, the Vayalar-Devarajan combine proved the most successful team till the death of Vayalar in the mid 1970s. Hundreds of songs contributed by the team are part of Malayalis nostalgia. Apart from Vayalar, he has also given tunes to lyrics by other eminent poets and songwriters like O. N. V. Kurup, P. Bhaskaran, and Sreekumaran Thampi
G. Devarajan
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G. Devarajan
28.
Kollam Metropolitan Area
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Kollam Metropolitan Area or Kollam Urban Agglomeration is the 14th largest Urban Agglomeration in South India and 7th largest in Kerala. The metropolitan area, constituted on the basis of 2011 census data, consists of Kollam Municipal Corporation,2 municipalities,22 Panchayaths, the two municipalities are Paravur and Karunagappalli. Outgrowth of Neendakara, Eravipuram and Thrikkadavoor panchayaths are also included in the Kollam Metropolitan Area, List of million-plus urban agglomerations in India List of most populous urban agglomerations in Kerala
Kollam Metropolitan Area
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Aerial view of
Kollam city from
Chinnakada
29.
Thiruvananthapuram
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Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Kerala. It is located on the west coast of India near the south of the mainland. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the Evergreen city of India, Thiruvananthapuram was a trading post for spices, sandalwood and ivory. The city was ruled by the Ays and was captured by the rulers of Venad in tenth century A. D, in 1729, Marthanda Varma founded the princely state of Thiruvithamkoor and made Thiruvananthapuram the capital in 1745. It remained as a state ruled by Travancore under the loose governance of the British before joining the Indian Union in 1948. With nearly 80% of the software exports, Thiruvananthapuram is a major IT hub with the Technopark. Indias first and only magic academy, Magic Academy Research Centre run by Merlin award-winning magician Gopinath Muthukad is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the city is home to animation companies like Toonz India Ltd and Tata Elxsi Ltd. The Kinfra Film and Video Park is one of the most advanced film and it is consistently ranked among the best cities to live in Kerala as well as India. The city was referred to as Trivandrum until 1991, when the government decided to reinstate the citys original name Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient region with trading traditions dating back to 1000 BCE, the city was a trading post for spices, sandalwood and ivory. The early rulers of the city were the Ays and after their fall in the 10th century, in 1729, Marthanda Varma founded the princely state of Thiruvithamkoor and Thiruvananthapuram was made the capital in 1745 after shifting the capital from Padmanabhapuram in Tamil Nadu. In the mid-19th century, the city was under the reign of Swathi Thirunal, an observatory was established in 1837 with the Oriental Research Institute & Manuscripts Library and the University College established in 1873. Several colleges were established by Moolam Thirunal, sree Moolam Assembly, established in 1904, was the first democratically elected legislative council in any Indian state. After Indian Independence in 1947, Travancore chose to join the Indian union, in 1949, Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Travancore-Cochin, the state formed by the integration of Travancore with the Kingdom of Cochin. The king of Travancore, Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma, became the Rajpramukh of the Travancore-Cochin Union from 1 July 1949 until 31 October 1956, when the state of Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956, Thiruvananthapuram became its capital. The city has a population of 752,490 according to the 2011 census, the sex ratio is 1,032 females for every 1,000 males. In October 2010, the number of wards was increased from 86 to 100 post expansion of city limits by adding Sreekaryam, Vattiyoorkavu, Kudappanakunnu, hindus comprise 68. 5% of the population, Christians about 16. 7% and Muslims form 13. 7%. The major languages spoken are Malayalam and English, in Palayam in the city centre, there is a mosque, a temple and a Christian church next to each other as neighbours, establishing the communal harmony of Keralites
Thiruvananthapuram
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Clockwise from top right:
Kovalam Beach,
Napier Museum,
Trivandrum Central,
Kowdiar Palace,
Niyamasabha Mandiram,
Infosys Building,
The Sculpture of Jalakanyaka Mermaid
Thiruvananthapuram
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Seal
Thiruvananthapuram
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Painting by
Raja Ravi Varma depicting
Richard Temple-Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos being greeted by
Visakham Thirunal, with
Ayilyam Thirunal of Travancore looking on, during Buckingham's visit to Thiruvananthapuram,
Travancore in early 1880.
Thiruvananthapuram
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Kowdiar Palace built in 1915 was the official residence of the
Travancore Royal Family.
30.
Indian elephant
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The Indian elephant is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as Endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last 60 to 75 years or three generations, Asian elephants are threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. In general, Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants and have the highest body point on the head, the tip of their trunk has one finger-like process. Their back is convex or level, Indian elephants reach a shoulder height of between 2 and 3.5 m, weigh between 2,000 and 5,000 kg, and have 19 pairs of ribs. Their skin color is lighter than of maximus with smaller patches of depigmentation, females are usually smaller than males, and have short or no tusks. The largest Indian elephant was 3.43 metres high at the shoulder, in 1985, two large elephant bulls were spotted for the first time in Bardia National Park, and named Raja Gaj and Kanchha. They roamed the area together and made occasional visits to the females. Raja Gaj stood 11.3 ft tall at the shoulder and had a body weight. His appearance has been compared to that of a due to his high bi-domed shaped head. His forehead and domes were more prominent than in other Asian bull elephants, Indian elephants have smaller ears, but relatively broader skulls and larger trunks than African elephants. Unlike their African cousins, their abdomen is proportionate with their body weight, Indian elephants are native to mainland Asia, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malay Peninsular, Laos, China, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They are regionally extinct from Pakistan and they inhabit grasslands, dry deciduous, moist deciduous, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Elephants are classified as megaherbivores and consume up to 150 kg of plant matter per day and they are generalist feeders, and both grazers and browsers. They graze on the grasses, but the portion consumed varies with season. When the new flush appears in April, they remove the tender blades in small clumps, later, when grasses are higher than 0.5 m, they uproot entire clumps, dust them skilfully and consume the fresh leave tops, but discard the roots. When grasses are mature in autumn, they clean and consume the succulent basal portions with the roots, from the bamboos, they eat seedlings, culms and lateral shoots. They feed on the bark of white thorn and other flowering plants, in Nepals Bardia National Park, elephants consume large amounts of the floodplain grass, particularly during the monsoon season. They browse more in the dry season with bark constituting a part of their diet in the cool part of that season
Indian elephant
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Indian elephant
Indian elephant
Indian elephant
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Wild elephants in
Munnar, Kerala
Indian elephant
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An elephant herd in
Jim Corbett National Park
31.
Coconut
–
The coconut tree is a member of the family Arecaceae and the only species of the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the coconut palm or the seed, or the fruit. The spelling cocoanut is a form of the word. The term is derived from the 16th-century Portuguese and Spanish word coco meaning head or skull, coconuts are known for their great versatility, as evidenced by many traditional uses, ranging from food to cosmetics. They form a part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are distinct from other fruits for their quantity of water. When mature, they can be used as seed nuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell, the endosperm is initially in its nuclear phase suspended within the coconut water. As development continues, cellular layers of endosperm deposit along the walls of the coconut, when dried, the coconut flesh is called copra. The oil and milk derived from it are used in cooking and frying, as well as in soaps. The husks and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating, the coconut also has cultural and religious significance in certain societies, particularly in India, where it is used in Hindu rituals. Cocos nucifera is a palm, growing up to 30 m tall, with pinnate leaves 4–6 m long. Coconuts are generally classified into two types, tall and dwarf. On fertile soil, a coconut palm tree can yield up to 75 fruits per year. Given proper care and growing conditions, coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten years, botanically, the coconut fruit is a drupe, not a true nut. Like other fruits, it has three layers, the exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp, the exocarp and mesocarp make up the husk of the coconuts. Coconuts sold in the shops of nontropical countries often have had the exocarp removed, the mesocarp is composed of a fiber, called coir, which has many traditional and commercial uses. The shell has three germination pores or eyes that are visible on its outside surface once the husk is removed. A full-sized coconut weighs about 1.44 kg and it takes around 6,000 full-grown coconuts to produce a tonne of copra
Coconut
Coconut
–
Coconut flowers
Coconut
–
A cut coconut shell
Coconut
–
Manual harvesting of coconuts
32.
Golden shower tree
–
Cassia fistula, known as the golden rain tree, canafistula and by other names, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions of Southeast Asia and it ranges from southern Pakistan eastward throughout India to Myanmar and Thailand and south to Sri Lanka. In ancient Tamil literature, it is called கொன்றை and is associated with the Mullai region of Sangam landscape. It is the tree of Thailand, and its flower is Thailands national flower. It is also the flower of Kerala in India and of immense importance amongst the Malayali population. It is an ornamental plant and is also used in herbal medicine. The golden shower tree is a tree, growing to 10–20 m tall with fast growth. The leaves are deciduous, 15–60 cm long, and pinnate with three to eight pairs of leaflets, each leaflet 7–21 cm long and 4–9 cm broad. The flowers are produced in pendulous racemes 20–40 cm long, each flower 4–7 cm diameter with five petals of equal size. The fruit is a legume, 30–60 cm long and 1. 5–2.5 centimetres broad, with a pungent odor and containing several seeds. The tree has strong and very durable wood, and has used to construct Ahala Kanuwa, a place at Adams Peak, Sri Lanka. Cassia fistula is widely grown as a plant in tropical and subtropical areas. Flowering is profuse, with trees being covered with yellow flowers and it will grow well in dry climates. Growth for this tree is best in full sun on well-drained soil, it is relatively drought-tolerant and it will tolerate light brief frost, but can get damaged if the cold persists. It can be subject to mildew or leaf spot, especially during the half of the growing season. The tree will bloom better where there is pronounced difference between summer and winter temperatures, various species of bees and butterflies are known to be pollinators of Cassia fistula flowers, especially carpenter bees. In 1911, Robert Scott Troup conducted an experiment to determine how the seeds of C. fistula are dispersed and he found that golden jackals feed on the fruits and help in seed dispersal. In Ayurvedic medicine, the golden shower tree is known as aragvadha, the fruit pulp is considered a purgative, and self-medication or any use without medical supervision is strongly advised against in Ayurvedic texts
Golden shower tree
–
Cassia fistula
Golden shower tree
–
Cassia fistula flower detail
Golden shower tree
–
Cassia Fistula (Golden Shower tree / Konnappoo) inside forest in eastern parts of
Kerala state in
India
Golden shower tree
–
A flower in
Chandigarh,
India
33.
Karimeen
–
The green chromide is a species of cichlid fish from freshwater and brackish water in southern India and Sri Lanka. Other common names include pearlspot cichlid, banded pearlspot, and striped chromide, in Kerala in India it is known locally as the karimeen. This fish is native to Sri Lanka and coastal regions of India and it is also introduced in Singapore, where it occurs in estuaries. The adult is oval in shape with a short snout and it is gray-green in color with dark barring and a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin. It commonly reaches 20 centimetres in length, and the length is twice that. This species lives in brackish habitat types, such as river deltas. It eats mainly aquatic plants, but it consumes the occasional mollusc, diatoms and this species engages in attentive parental care in which several adults care for each brood. In 2010 this species was named the state fish of Kerala. The following year was declared The Year of the Karimeen, Karimeen pollichadhu, a fried dish, is a delicacy served in restaurants. It is familiar to tourists, but because it is very expensive it is not easily accessible to the common man, production of the species for food is expected to increase in the near future. They are more related to the Paretroplus fishes from Madagascar. For scientific information see Etroplus suratensis in Wikispecies
Karimeen
–
Green chromide
Karimeen
Karimeen
–
Green chromide (കരിമീന്)
34.
Education in Kerala
–
The importance and antiquity of education in Kerala is underscored by the states ranking as among the most literate in the country. There were many sabha mathams that imparted Vedic knowledge, apart from kalaris, which taught martial arts, there were village schools run by Ezhuthachans or Asans. Christian missionaries brought the school education system to Kerala. A significant figure in the 19th century was Rev. fr, kuriakose Elias Chavara, who started a system called A school along with every church to make education available for both poor and rich. That system still continues in the present and his work has resulted in the promotion of education for girls and has become a model for the educational system in Kerala after independence. Keralas high literacy rate is attributed to a literacy rate among girls, as it is said, When a woman is educated. The school flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries and the discoveries of the school seems to have ended with Narayana Bhattathiri. In attempting to solve problems, the Kerala school independently created a number of important mathematics concepts. Their work, completed two centuries before the invention of calculus in Europe, provided what is now considered the first example of a power series. However, they did not formulate a theory of differentiation and integration. Schools and colleges are run by the government, private trusts. Each school is affiliated with either the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, English is the language of instruction in most private schools, while government run schools offer English or Malayalam as the medium of instruction. Government run schools in the districts bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu also offer instruction in Kannada or Tamil languages, a handful of Government Sanskrit Schools provide instruction in Sanskrit supplemented by Malayalam, English, Tamil or Kannada. After 10 years of schooling, students typically enroll at Higher Secondary School in one of the three streams—liberal arts, commerce or science. Upon completing the coursework, students can enroll in general or professional degree programmes. Kerala topped the Education Development Index among 21 major states in India in year 2006-2007, in January 2016, Kerala became the 1st Indian state to achieve 100% primary education through its literacy programme Athulyam. This is particularly true of SC/ST students, Schools showed that only 73% of the students joining at 1st Standard reach the 10th Standard. In the case of scheduled caste students, only 59% reach the 10th standard, 60% of Scheduled Tribe students drop out by the 10th standard
Education in Kerala
–
The University of Kerala's administrative building in Thiruvananthapuram.
35.
Government of Kerala
–
The Government of Kerala headquartered at Thiruvananthapuram is a democratically elected body that governs the State of Kerala, India. The state government is headed by the Governor of Kerala as the head of state. The state government maintains its capital at Thiruvananthapuram and is seated at the Kerala Government Secretariat or the Hajur Kutcheri. The Government of Kerala was formed on November 1,1956 after merging of State of Travancore-Cochin with the Malabar district of the Madras state as part of States Reorganisation Act,1956, the Governor is appointed by the President for a term of five years. The executive and legislative powers lie with the Chief Minister and his council of ministers, the Governors of the states and territories of India have similar powers and functions at the state level as that of the President of India at Union level. Only Indian citizens above 35 years of age are eligible for appointment, P Sathasivam is the present governor. The Governor enjoys many different types of powers, Executive powers related to administration, appointments, Legislative powers related to lawmaking and the state legislature. Discretionary powers to be carried out according to the discretion of the Governor, the legislature comprises the governor and the legislative assembly, which is the highest political organ in state. The governor has the power to summon the assembly or to close the same, all members of the legislative assembly are directly elected, normally once in every five years by the eligible voters who are above 18 years of age. The current assembly consists of 140 elected members and one nominated by the governor from the Anglo-Indian Community. The elected members one of its own members as its chairman who is called the speaker. The speaker is assisted by the deputy speaker who is elected by the members. The conduct of meeting in the house is the responsibility of the Speaker, the main function of the assembly is to pass laws and rules. Every bill passed by the house has to be approved by the governor before it becomes applicable. The normal term of the assembly is five years from the date appointed for its first meeting. But while a proclamation of state of emergency is in operation, the High Court of Kerala is the apex court for the state, it also hears cases from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. It is a court of record and has all the powers of such a court including the authority to punish an individual for contempt of court. Like all other High Courts of India, this court also consists of a Chief Justice, at present, the sanctioned Judge strength of the High Court of Kerala is 27 Permanent Judges including the Chief Justice H. L. Dattu and two additional judges
Government of Kerala
–
The state assembly building in
Trivandrum.
Government of Kerala
–
Government of Kerala
Government of Kerala
–
High Court of Kerala at
Ernakulam
Government of Kerala
–
The
Government Secretariat Complex in
Thiruvananthapuram, which houses offices of ministers and secretaries
36.
Tourism in Kerala
–
Kerala, a state situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler, Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives and its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13. 31%, the industry is a major contributor to the states economy. Until the early 1980s, Kerala was an unknown destination. In the decades that followed, Kerala Tourism was able to transform itself into one of the holiday destinations in India. The tag line Kerala – Gods Own Country was adopted in its tourism promotions, Kerala is regarded as one of the destinations with the highest brand recall. In 2010, Kerala attracted 660,000 foreign tourist arrivals, Kerala is an established destination for both domestic as well as foreign tourists. Kerala is well known for its beaches, backwaters in Alappuzha and Kollam, mountain ranges, the backwaters region—an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam, also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Hill Palace, the city of Trivandrum ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourists in Kerala. To further promote tourism in Kerala, the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival was started by the Government of Kerala in 2007, since then it has been held every year during the December–January period. The states tourism agenda promotes ecologically sustained tourism, which focuses on the culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering. Efforts are taken to minimise the effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment. Since its incorporation as a state, Keralas economy largely operated under welfare-based democratic socialist principles. This mode of development, though it resulted in a high Human Development Index and standard of living among the people, led to a stagnation in the 1980s. )This apparent paradox—high human development and low economic development—led to a large number of educated unemployed seeking jobs overseas. Due to the number of expatriates, many travel operators. However, the trends soon reciprocated, with the travel agencies noticing the potential of the state as a tourist destination. The first travel agency in Kerala, Kerala Travels, was founded by Col G. V, raja of the Travancore royal family along with P. G. C. By 1986, tourism had gained an industry status, Kerala Tourism subsequently adopted the tagline Gods Own Country in its advertisement campaigns
Tourism in Kerala
–
A house Boat View from
Kollam
Tourism in Kerala
–
The official logo of Kerala Tourism
Tourism in Kerala
–
An evening view of
Kollam Beach
Tourism in Kerala
–
Resorts dot the lengths and breadths of Kerala.
37.
Districts of Kerala
–
The Indian state of Kerala borders with the states of Tamil Nadu on the south and east, Karnataka on the north and the Lakshadweep Sea coastline on the west. The Western Ghats, bordering the eastern boundary of the State, form an almost continuous mountain wall, when the independent India amalgamated small states together Travancore and Cochin states were integrated to form Travancore-Cochin state on 1 July 1949. However, Malabar remained under the Madras province, the States Reorganisation Act of 1 November 1956 elevated Kerala to statehood. The state of Kerala is divided into 14 revenue districts, such a regional division occurred being part of historical Kingdoms of Kochi, Travancore and British Province of Malabar. The Travancore region is divided into three zones as Northern Travancore, Central Travancore and Southern Travancore. Almost all of the districts in Kerala have the name as the important town or city in the district. The 14 districts are divided into 75 taluks, and 941 Gram panchayats. Some of the districts and their towns were renamed in 1990 like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kerala State has been divided into 14 districts,75 taluks,152 community development blocks,978 Gram panchayats,6 corporations and 87 municipalities. A district is governed by a District Collector, who is an officer from Indian Administrative Service of Kerala cadre and is appointed by the State Government of Kerala. Functionally the district administration is carried on through the various Departments of the State Government each of which has an office of its own the district level, the District Collector is a key functionary of Government having large powers and responsibilities. He has a role to both as the agent of the Government of the state and also as the representative of the people in the district. He is also responsible for the maintenance of the law and order of the district, other than urban units such as town municipalities and rural units called Gram panchayats, other government administrative subdivisions includes taluks and community development blocks. A taluk consists of units such as census towns and rural units called gram panchayats. The Tahsildar is assisted in each village by village officers and village assistants, a block also consists of such as census towns and Gram panchayats. A block is administered by a Block Development Officer, who is appointed by the Government of Kerala, a gram panchayat, which consists of a group of villages, is administered by a village council headed by a Gram Panchayat President. A District Superintendent of Police, better known as a Superintendent of Police and this is as per the Police Act of 1861, which is applicable to the whole of India. The Superintendents of Police are officers of the Indian Police Service, for every subdivision, there is a Subdivision Police, headed by a Police officer of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police or Deputy Superintendent of Police. Under subdivisions, there are Police Circles, each headed by an Inspector of Police, a Police Circle consists of Police Stations, each headed by an Inspector of Police, or in case of rural areas, by a Sub-Inspector of Police
Districts of Kerala
–
Districts of
Kerala,
south India.
38.
Thiruvananthapuram district
–
Thiruvananthapuram District is the southernmost district of the coastal state of Kerala. It is the largest city in Kerala and it came into existence in the year 1957. The headquarters is the city of Thiruvananthapuram which is also the city of Kerala. The district has an area of 2,192 square kilometres and a population of 3,307,284 and it is the densest district in Kerala with 1,509 inhabitants per square kilometre. It is divided into six taluks, Thiruvananthapuram, Chirayinkeezhu, Neyyattinkara, Nedumangadu, Varkala, the urban bodies in the district are the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Varkala, Neyyattinkara, Attingal and Nedumangad municipalities. Thiruvananthapuram district is situated between north latitudes 8°17 and 8°54 and east longitudes 76°41 and 77°17, the southern-most extremity, Kaliyikkavila, is 56 kilometres away from Kanyakumari, the Lands End of mainland India. The district has three rivers, several freshwater lakes and more than 300 ponds. The eastern region is forested, northern regions are mostly under rubber cultivation, built up areas and rice fields complete the land use. The district has the name as its headquarters city, Thiruvananthapuram. The city gets its name from the word Thiru-anantha-puram, meaning the Abode of Lord Anantha, the name derives from the deity of the Hindu temple at the center of the Thiruvananthapuram city. Anantha is the serpent Shesha on whom Padmanabhan or Vishnu reclines, the district was officially referred to as Trivandrum in English until 1991, when the government decided to reinstate the citys original name, Thiruvananthapuram, in all languages. Thiruvananthapuram city and several places in the district loom large in ancient tradition. The place had earlier been frequented by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch and it was from here that the English gradually extended their domain to other parts of Travancore. Modern history begins with Marthanda Varma,1729 CE–1758 CE, who is regarded as the Father of modern Travancore. Thiruvananthapuram was known as a center of intellectual and artistic activities in those days. The temple of Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, along with the presiding deity of Padmanabha, this temple has temples inside it, dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Narasimha, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Ayyappa. The temple was built by King Marthanda Varma of the Travancore royal family when, in 1745, he shifted the Travancore capital from Padmanabhapuram, King Marthanda Varma started reigning as Sree Padmanabhadasa, the Slave of Sree Padmanabha. The vast temple complex, with its tall Gopuram decorated with detailed carvings reflected in the temple tank, is today a center of attraction for the pious, the tourist
Thiruvananthapuram district
–
Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram district
–
Location of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram district
–
Cliffs at
Varkala, Thiruvanatnthapuram district. It is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the
Arabian Sea
Thiruvananthapuram district
–
A view from
Ponmudi Hills
39.
Pathanamthitta district
–
Pathanamthitta District is a district in the southern part of Kerala, India. The district headquarters is in the town of Pathanamthitta, however, Tiruvalla city is the largest commercial centre in the district. The district is surrounded by the Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and it has a border with the state of Tamil Nadu in the east. Pathanamthitta, Tiruvalla, Adoor, Konni, Ranni and Mallapally are the taluks in the district, there are four municipalities in Pathanamthitta. They are Tiruvalla, Adoor, Pathanamthitta and Pandalam, having three rivers and a forest cover which includes a tiger reserve, the district also attracts many wildlife and nature enthusiasts. According to the 2001 Census of India, the population was 1,231,577, making it the third least populous district in Kerala, after Wayanad, Pathanamthitta has been declared the first polio-free district in India. Pathanamthitta is one of the richest districts in India with just 1. 17% poverty as of 2013, the districts name is a combination of two Malayalam words, pathanam and thitta, which together mean array of houses on the river side. The district capital is located on the banks of the river Achankovil and it is presumed that the regions that form the district were formerly under the rule of Pandalam, which had connections with the Pandya kingdom. When Pandalam was added to the state of Travancore in 1820. The district was formed on 1 November 1982 in the interest of speeding up development, the formation was done by incorporating various portions of the erstwhile Kollam, Alappuzha and Idukki districts. While the taluks Pathanamthitta, Adoor, Ranni, Konni and Kozhencherry were taken from Kollam district, Pandalam, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta being also a land of culture and learning could bring forth the literary talents of two centuries together in single volume named Desathuti, Pathanamthitta Kavithakal. Unnikrishnan Poozhikkad collected 184 poems of different poets of Pathanamthitta starting from 18th century, later on Desathuti was formed into a cultural organization which organizes literary symposiums and musical festivals. Pathanamthitta is a district, located at 9°16′N 76°47′E, spanning over an area of 2,637 square kilometres. The district is bordered by the districts Kottayam and Idukki in the north, Alappuzha in the west, to the east it has border with the Tamil Nadu state. The district can be divided into three geographical regions, the highland, the midland and the lowland. The highland stretches through the Western Ghats, where the hills are tall, Western Ghats maintains an average altitude of around 800 m. It descends to the hills of midland in the centre. The lowland with its abundance of trees, lies along the eastern borders of Alappuzha district
Pathanamthitta district
–
Pathanamthitta, the district headquarters
Pathanamthitta district
–
Pepper - the king of spices - on a pepper vine
Pathanamthitta district
–
Cocoa pods in various stages of ripening
Pathanamthitta district
–
Sugar cane field
40.
Kottayam district
–
Kottayam is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. Though the district is 157 km south to Kunnamkulam, the center of kerala, it is located in an area with biggest diameter and it is the only district having no border with either Western Ghats or Arabian sea. The Kerala government and Central govt both agreed to built an airport near Sabarimala, cheruvally Estate in Erumeli may be the site. Given it is a plateau with strong soil, Aviation ministry estimated that the airport could be completed in just six months. The district has its headquarters at Kottayam town, located at 9. 36° N and 76. 17° E. Pala or Kidangoor may be the point of district. Rubber Board campus located in Puthuppally with head office in Kottayam town is the central govt organization in the district. Kottayam is known as city of three Ls - Literacy, Lakes and Latex, Kottayam is the first town to achieve 100% literacy rate in India. On 27 September 2008, Kottayam district also became the first tobacco free districts in India, Kottayam City is also known as Akshara Nagari and Chuvar Chitra Nagari. Bordered by hills on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, rulers of Munjanad and Thekkumkur had their headquarters at Thazhathangadi near Kottayam town. Marthanda Varma of Travancore attacked Thekkumkur and destroyed the palace and the Thaliyil Fort, the remnants of the palaces and forts are still seen here. Kottayam has played its role in all the political agitations of modern times, the Malayali Memorial agitation may be said to have had its origin in Kottayam. The Malayali Memorial sought to secure representation for educated Travancoreans in the Travancore civil service against persons from outside. The Memorial, which was presented to the Maharaja Sri Moolam Thirunal was drafted at a meeting held in the Kottayam Public Library. The event marked the beginning of the political movement in the state. It was in Kottayam that the famous Vaikom Satyagraha, a struggle for eradication of untouchability. Scheduled castes and other classes in Travancore were denied not only entry into temples. Vaikom, the seat of a celebrated Siva Temple, was the venue of the symbolic satyagraha and it is of immense historic significance that national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, C. Rajagopalachari, Acharya Vinoba Bhave and E. V, ramswami Naykar, associated with this struggle
Kottayam district
–
House boat in Kumarakam
Kottayam district
–
Location in Kerala
Kottayam district
–
Cheria Pally Church
41.
Thrissur district
–
Thrissur is a revenue district of Kerala situated in the central part of that state. Spanning an area of about 3,032 km2, Thrissur district is home to over 10% of Kerala’s population, Thrissur district was formed on July 1,1949, with the headquarters at Thrissur City. Thrissur is known as the capital of Kerala, and the land of Poorams. The district is famous for its ancient temples, churches, Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala. The district was formed on July 1,1949, the name Thrissur is derived from Thiru-Shiva-Perur, which translates to The city with the name of the Lord Siva. Thrissur was also known as Vrishabhadripuram and Then Kailasam in ancient days, from ancient times, Thrissur District has played a part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the District is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, the whole of the present Thrissur District was included in the early Chera Empire. The District can claim to have played a part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the world in the ancient and medieval period. Kodungalloor, which had the distinction of being the Primum Emporium India and these three communities are the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims. In 1790 Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Saktan Tampuran ascended the throne of Cochin, with the accession of this ruler the English or modern period in the history of Cochin and of the District began. Saktan Tampuran was mainly responsible for the destruction of the power of the feudal Nair chieftains, another force in the public life of Trichur and its suburbs was the Namboodithiri community and Menons of Royal ancestry. A large part of the Trichur Taluk was for long under the domination of the Yogiatiripppads, the wave of nationalism and political consciousness which swept through the country since the early decades of this century has its repercussions in the District as well. Thrissur District has been in the forefront of the movement for temple entry. The Guruvayur Satyagraha is an episode in the history of the national movement. According to the 2011 census Thrissur district has a population of 3,110,327 and this gives it a ranking of 113th in India. The district has a density of 1,026 inhabitants per square kilometre. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 4. 58%, Thrissur has a sex ratio of 1109 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 95. 32%. Thrissur was also the second highest urbanized district in Kerala after Ernakulam, according to the 2001 India census, Thrissur District had a population of 2,975,440
Thrissur district
–
Cheraman Jama Masjid built around 612 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar. First mosque constructed in India. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca.
Thrissur district
–
Chimmony dam - 30 km from
Thrissur City.
Thrissur district
42.
Malappuram district
–
Malappuram district, First e-literate district in India, with its headquarters at Malappuram, is a district in the state of Kerala, India. The district was formed on 16 June 1969, the ancient Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics though mainly centred in Thrissur also had namboodiri and nair scholars coming from malappuram. Today the district includes Thirunavaya, the medieval centre of Vedic learning, Kottakkal. Islam came to Malappuram early in prophet Mohammeds era itself, as a religion Islam spread in Malappuram district and slowly it became the major religion in the region. The caste system present on those days was the factor which made people to think about Islam. Ponnani, one of the oldest centres of Islamic education in the region is located here, in 1921 the present-day Malappuram district was part of the Moplah rebellions, followed by decades of stagnant economic, social and political development. In the early years of Communist rule in Kerala, Malappuram experienced land reform under the Land Reform Ordinance, during the 1970s Persian Gulf oil reserves were opened to commercial extraction, and thousands of unskilled workers migrated to the Gulf. They sent money home, supporting the economy, and by the late 20th century the region had First World health standards. Malappuram is one of two Muslim-majority districts in south India, the Hindu temples and Moplah mosques of the region are known for their colorful festivals, and it is the most populous district in Kerala. Religions practised in the district include Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Malappuram, meaning terraced place atop the hills, derives from the geography of the district headquarters. Before the districts formation, the region was known as Eranad, Valluvanad, Vettathunad etc, the district has a rich cultural and political heritage. The port of Ponnani was a centre of trade with Ancient Rome, after the Chera Dynasty a number of dynasties controlled the area, and by the ninth century the region was ruled by the Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram. After the disintegration of the Kulasekhara kingdom a number of Nair city-states emerged, including Valluvanad, Vettattunadu, Parappanad, during the 13th century, the Samoothiri of Calicut expanded their territories to Malabar. Thirunavaya, the seat of Mamankam, was in Malappuram district, european colonial powers first landed in Malabar during the 15th century, and the Samoothiris often allied with foreign powers. During the 18th century, the de facto Mysore kingdom rulers Hyder Ali, Malappuram has been part of movements such as Khilafat Movement and Moplah Rebellion in the early 20th century. Before Indian independence in 1947, Malappuram was part of Malabar District in the Madras Presidency of British India, the present district was administered as parts of Kozhikode, Eranad taluk, Valluvanad Taluk and Ponnani taluk. Malabar District remained part of Madras state for some time after independence, large-scale changes in the territorial jurisdiction of the region took place in 1957 and 1969. On 1 January 1957, Tirur taluk was formed from portions of Eranad taluk, another portion of Ponnani taluk was transferred to the new Chavakkad taluk, and the remainder is present-day Ponnani taluk
Malappuram district
–
Thunjan Parambu in Tirur
Malappuram district
–
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Malappuram district
–
Ali Musliyar, one of the chief Moplah rebels
Malappuram district
–
Kadalundi River
43.
Kozhikode district
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Kozhikode District is a district of Kerala state, on the southwest coast of India. The city of Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut, is the district headquarters, Kozhikode district is bordered by the districts of Kannur and Mahe in Pondichery state to the north, Wayanad to the east, and Malappuram to the south. The Arabian Sea lies to the west and it is between latitudes 11° 08N and 11° 50N and longitudes 75° 30E and 76° 8E. In 2001 the district was divided into four talukas, Kozhikode, Vatakara, Koyilandy, by the 2011 census there are 12 block panchayats, Balusseri, Chelannur, Koduvally, Kozhikode, Kunnamangalam, Kunnummal, Melady, Panthalayani, Perambraa, Thodannur, Thuneri, and Vatakara. Present-day Kozhikode District was among the territories ceded to the British East India Company by Tipu Sultan of Mysore in 1792, at the conclusion of the Third Anglo-Mysore War. The newly acquired British possessions on the Malabar Coast were organized into Malabar District, which included the districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad. Kozhikode served as the headquarters of the district. Malabar District was part of the Madras Presidency, a province of British India, after Indias Independence in 1947, Madras Presidency was renamed Madras State. Malabar District was considered too large for effective administration and it was divided into the districts of Kozhikode, Kannur, and Palakkad on 1 January 1957. The district had five taluks, Vatakara, Koyilandy, Kozhikode, Ernad, on 16 June 1969, Ernad and Tirur Taluks became part of the newly created Malappuram District. South Wayanad, which forms the southern portion of present-day Wayanad District, was added to Kozhikode for a time, the history of the district is inevitably intertwined with the history of the city of Kozhikode. Calicut is the form of Kalikat, the name used by Mappilas to refer to Kozhikode. It was also called the Cock Fort, a usage that may have come from kozhi kodu, krishnan Iyer, the word Kozhikode is derived from koyil kotai, meaning Fortified Palace. Koyilkotai further evolved into Koliykode, which evolved into its present form Kozhikode, the ports of the Malabar Coast have participated in the Indian Ocean trade of spices, silk, and other goods for over two millennia. Kozhikode emerged as the centre of an independent kingdom in the 14th century, during the Yong Le era of the Ming Dynasty of China, Admiral Zheng He and his treasure fleet visited Kozhikode. Their visits were documented by on-board Arab language translators Ma Huan, Fei Xin, each one of them published a book documented their visits to countries, including Calicut. The king of Calicut was a Brahmin and a Buddhist, the throne passes to the kings sisters son. Admiral Zheng He erected a pavilion with stone tablet in Calicut to celebrate this event
Kozhikode district
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Admiral Zheng He's navigation chart from Hormuz to Calicut, 1430
Kozhikode district
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Mananchira, Kozhikode
Kozhikode district
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View of Kappad beach
44.
Kannur district
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Kannur District is one of the 14 districts along the west coast in the state of Kerala, India. The town of Kannur is the headquarters and gives the district its name. The old name, Cannanore is the form of the Malayalam name Kannur. Kannur district is bounded by Kasaragod District to the north, Kozhikode district to the south, to the east the district is bounded by the Western Ghats, which forms the border with the state of Karnataka. The Arabian Sea lies to the west, the district was established in 1957. Kannur is the sixth-most urbanized district in Kerala, with more than 50% of its residents living in urban areas, Kannur has an urban population of 1,212,898, which is the second largest in Kerala after Ernakulam district. Kannur District is known as the land of looms and lores, because of the loom industries, the district is a major centre of Theyyam, a ritual dance of northern Kerala. Small shrines known as kavus, associated with the Theyyam, dot the district, the proposed Kannur International Airport will be the fourth international airport in Kerala and is situated in Mattannur, 26-km away from Kannur. There are many myths and legends associated with the name Kannur and it is said to be a portmanteau derived from two Malayalam words, ‘Kannan’, and ‘Ur’, making it the place of Lord Krishna. One theory supporting this theory is that the deity of the Kadalayi Srikrishna Temple was originally installed in a shrine at Kadalayi Kotta in the part of the present Kannur town. During the British Raj, the city was known as Cannanore, Kannur was an important trading center in the 12th century with active business connections with Persia and Arabia. It served as the British military headquarters on Indias west coast until 1887, in conjunction with her sister city, Tellicherry, it was the third largest city on the western coast of British India in the 18th century after Bombay and Karachi. St. Angelo Fort was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida and they modernised the fort and built the bastions Hollandia, Zeelandia and Frieslandia that are the major features of the present structure. The original Portuguese fort was pulled down later, a painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind it can be seen in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. The Dutch sold the fort to king Ali Raja of Arakkal in 1772, the British conquered it in 1790 and used it as one of their major military stations on the Malabar Coast. During the 17th century, Kannur was the city of the only Muslim Sultanate in the malabar region. During the British Raj, Kannur was part of the Madras province in the North Malabar District, the guerrilla war by Pazhassi Raja, the ruler of Kottayam province, against the British had a huge impact in the history of Kannur. Changes in the socio-economic and political sectors in Kerala during the decades of 20th century created conditions congenial for the growth of the Communist Party
Kannur district
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Sunset at
Payyambalam Beach
Kannur district
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Veera Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja. Painting by Raja Ravi Varma
Kannur district
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Payyambalam Beach
Kannur district
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A view of
Valapattanam river from the bridge built across it
45.
Kottarakkara
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Kottarakkara, also transliterated as Kottarakara, is a town and municipality in Kollam District, in Kerala state, India. The town is close to Kollam Port, which has a history linked to the early medieval period as well as a reputation as an important commercial, industrial. Kottarakkara lies 27 kilometres to the east of Kollam city centre and 18 kilometres to the west of Punalur city on National Highway 208/220 and it lies 35 kilometres north-east of Paravur. Kottarakkara, also known in the ancient days of the kings as the Elayadathu Swarupam, was a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family, other historical places of interest include the Ganapathi Temple, Edakkidom Thettikkunil Maha Devi Temple and the more-than-700-year-old Mar Thomas Church. Kottarakkara, a word made up of the words Kottaram, meaning palace. The area which had several palaces was thus named Kottarakkara, Kottarakkara is a small principality close to Kollam. It is now a modern town with all essential facilities. As a taluk headquarters, it has six panchayats, NH208 meets the MC road at Kottarakkara. Kottarakkara is linked with Kollam, both by road and rail, at a distance of 27 km and it is 72 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram and 80 km to the south of Kottayam. Kottarakara Assembly Constituency is part of the Mavelikkara, shiva in the form of a fierce hunter is deified here. Another shrine next to it is a Durga temple, where the deity installed is known as Pazenadu Bhagavathy, Devi The idol of was carved out from the root of the jack tree by Perumthachan. It is well connected to the city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram by KSRTC Fast Passenger, super fast, deluxe. There are six pairs of services now and heard that many more services would be inducted in this route since the Punalur-Schengotta ghat section has been closed for Broad Gauge conversion. Once the conversion is over, this serve as the shortest route from Kollam to Chennai. Further, a new line from Chengannur to Thiruvananthapuram via Kottarakkara, Kottarakkara will become a junction once the new line materializes. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram, a new green field airport has been proposed at Aranmula,45 kilometres from Kottarakkara. Salim Yusuf - Physician, world-renowned cardiologist and epidemiologist and he is one of the most cited scientists ever in the world. Bobby Kottarakkara, Malayalam actor K. B, Kollam District official website National Informatics Centre
Kottarakkara
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Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram
Kottarakkara
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A close-up of a Kathakali artist
Kottarakkara
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Kottarakkara Palace
Kottarakkara
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City Corporations
46.
Ranni
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Ranni sometimes spelled Ranny, is one of the 5 Taluks in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, in India. According to the Census of India 2001, the population was 207,782, the taluk headquarters is a small township on both sides of the Pamba River. Ranni is also one of the largest taluks in Kerala, the renowned Hindu temple of Sabarimala is in this taluk, situated approximately 66 km from the main town, Ittiappara. Ranni is known for its beauty, forests, hills, river. King Krishnabrahma of Rannys son, Ameeth, was rumored to attend the University of Florida and is an active booster, Ranni is derived from similar word in malayalam which means Queen or Rani. Ranni is known as The Queen of the Eastern Hill Lands, the history of Ranni can be traced 5000 years back to the early settlement activity of Adi Dravidans around Sabarimala and Nilakkal. The temple at Sabarimala is a temple of Kerala, dating back to around 2000 years. The deitys sitting posture and resemblance of the prayer Sharanam vili to Buddham Sharanam / Sangam Sharanam points to the Buddhist past, Buddhist hermits always prefer to stay in interior jungles for solitary contemplation to attain Nirvana. The word Ayya is a Buddhist Pali word means Lord/God, a church at Nilackal is believed to be one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas in AD54. There was an ancient trade passed through Nilackal between Kerala and Pandian kingdom. Ranni Karthas Kioyikal were stand at a place called Areekkal, in the 18th century, Knanaya Christians migrated to Ranni from Kallissery and later established the church, St. Thomas Church of Ranni. A significant number of Malankara Orthodox Christians & Mar Thomites also migrated from surrounding areas, in the early 19th century, Dr. Claudius Buchanan visited Ranni and was presented an old hand written Syriac Bible, from Ranni St. Thomas church. Ranni was a part of Central Travancore region before the unification, until the formation of Pathanamthitta district in 1982, Ranni was a part of Kollam district. Ranni is located at 9. 38°N76. 81°E /9.38,76.81 and it has an average elevation of 131 m above sea level. The location and elevation is measured around the township, however, towards the east, the elevation is much higher. The township is situated on side of the river. According to the Census of India, Ranni has a total of 1,004.61 square kilometres, out of the total area,708 square kilometres or 70% is forest. This forest cover gives Ranni its lush green and scenic beauty, like the rest of the state, Ranni has a wet and maritime tropical climate
Ranni
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Ranni market on a rainy evening.
Ranni
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Rubber Trees in a Plantation
Ranni
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Edakulam Valla Kadavu
47.
Chengannur
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Chengannur is a developing municipal town in the Alappuzha district of the state of Kerala in South India. Chengannur is located in the eastern part of Alappuzha district. It is 117 kilometres north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on the MC Road, Chengannur is connected to Kollam and Kottayam by NH220. Chengannur is noted for Chengannur Mahadeva Temple and its Old Syrian Church, Chengannur is also a major destination of Sabarimala pilgrims known as the Gateway of Sabarimala. The nearby municipal towns are Pandalam and Adoor to the south, Mavelikkara to the west, Aranmula, Kozhencherry and Pathanamthitta to the east and Tiruvalla to the north. The taluk comprises villages such as Kurattissery, Mannar, Ennakkad, Pandanad, Thiruvanvandoor, Chengannur, Mulakuzha, Ala, Puliyoor, Cheriyanad, Budhanoor, as of the 2001 Indian census, Chengannur Taluk had a population of 125,391. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. Chengannur means land of the red soil and this soil is different from the soil of surrounding Kuttanad, hence the name Chengannur. In early modern period, Chengannur was a part of Kayamkulam dynasty, pepper, popularly known as black gold, was a major export item of Chengannur. Angadical was the market in Chengannur. Current Chengannur market is developed by Velu Thampi Dalawa, during 19th century and 20th century, this market played a major role in selling and buying goods produced in eastern region of the state with the coastal part of Kerala. Chengannurs Munsif court, which completed its centenary, was long the most important judicial center of the region. Chengannur Municipality was formed in the year 1980 with Shri, P. K John Plammoottil as its First Municipal Chairman. The cultural background of Chengannur originates from the era of Royal rule, Chengannur was a part of Vanjippuzha Principality which was under the rule of Travancore. Chengannur town is in the banks of Holy river Pamba which influenced the culture of this town, there are many Chundan Vallam participating in Aranmula Boat Race hails from Chengannur and nearby areas. Padayani is a traditional temple art-form which is performed as part of the festival in Vadasserikkavu Devi Temple, Chengannur has produced several great artists. The most famous one is the famous Kathakali artist Chenganoor Raman Pillai, Chengannur is famous for the craftsman who were brought by Kings of Travancore to build the temple in Sabarimala. Later generations of these craftsmen also famous for their skills and idols of many temples in Kerala are crafted by them, Mannar is a place in Chengannur Taluk which is famous for the Bronze industry
Chengannur
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Main Central Road - SH1 near chengannur
Chengannur
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Chengannur Taluk
Chengannur
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Mahadeva temple at Chengannur, Alappuzha, Kerala
48.
Mavelikkara
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Mavelikara is a taluk and municipality in the Alappuzha district of the Indian state of Kerala. Located in the part of the district on the banks of the Achankovil River. The name Mavelikara is believed to be turned out from the words Maveli the mythical king of Kerala and this land is believed to be the place where king Mahabali knelt before Vamana, offering his head for Vamana to keep his feet. The town boasts about a historical and cultural background. It was also a centre of trade and commerce in ancient Kerala. As a result of the association with the Travancore Royal Family. It is one of the oldest municipalities of the state, even before India attained independence, Mavelikara had a super express transport service to Trivandrum. According to the 2001 Indian census, Mavelikara town has a population of 28,440 with males constituting 47% of the population. The average literacy rate is 86%, much higher than the average of 59. 5%, with male literacy at 87%. Approximately 10% of the population is under 6 years old, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has a sub depot at Mavelikkara which is one among the 46 sub depots in the state. The KSRTC sub depot at Mavelikkara has a state bus service which is operated to Tenkasi. The Municipal Private bus stand is located at Mitchel Junction with buses to Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, Pandalam, Thiruvalla, Charummood, Haripad, other nearby stations are Kayamkulam Junction railway station, Chengannur Railway Station, Harippad Railway Station and Kollam Junction railway station. The nearest airports are Trivandrum International Airport and Cochin International Airport, Mavelikara has its own constituency in the Lok Sabha. Until the 2002 Lok Sabha Delimitation took effect in 2008, the constituency consisted of Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayamkulam, Pandalam, Thiruvalla, since then, the assembly constituencies have comprised Changanassery, Kuttanad, Mavelikara, Chengannur, Kunnathur, Kottarakkara and Pathanapuram. The constituency is now reserved for a scheduled caste candidate, kodikunnil Suresh of the INC has represented the Mavelikkara constituency since 2009. R. Rajesh from the CPI is the representative of Mavelikkara in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, the formation of a long-awaited central travancore district is not yet came true. The proposal has been in the air since the late eighties, the new district will have five taluks, namely, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Pandalam Mavelikara and Kayamkulam. The Central Travancore region has an identity of its own, its geographical topography is unique
Mavelikkara
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Mavelikara Railway Station
Mavelikkara
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9th century Buddha statue at Mavelikara
Mavelikkara
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C.S.I. Christ Church
49.
Ambalappuzha
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Ambalappuzha is a small town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala state, south India. It is located 14 km south of Alappuzha which is the district headquarters, Ambalapuzha is divided into the two panchayats of Ambalapuzha North and Ambalapuzha South. The headquarters of the historic Chempakasseri Ambalapuzha rajahs were near the temple, Ambalappuzha remained an independent principality under the Chempakasseris until the mid-18th century when it was conquered and absorbed by the Kingdom of Travancore under Marthanda Varma. Thereafter, the Chempakasseri royal family went into decline, Ambalapuzha is a coastal town, near National Highway 47, about 13 kilometres south of Allepey. The Sree Krishna Temple is located 1.5 kilometres east of the town junction, the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed to have been built in 790 M. E by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The payasam served at the Ambalappuzha Temple is widely known among Hindu devotees and this sweet pudding made of rice and milk has an interesting mythological legend behind it. In this temple Pallipana is performed by velans or sorcerers once every twelve years, human sacrifice was conducted in ancient times, but cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar. Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar also spent his youth at Ambalappuzha and this is a ceremonial procession by members of the Ambanattu Panikkar family who bring pots of honey as ritual offerings to the deity at Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalapuzha. Ambalapuzha assembly constituency is part of Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha Temple from the book, Temples and Legends of Kerala
Ambalappuzha
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Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Ambalappuzha
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50.
Changanassery
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Changanacherry is a municipality in Kottayam district in the state of Kerala, India. The city is governed by the Changanacherry Municipal Council, sebastien Mathew is the chairperson of the municipality and the vice chairperson is Smt. It also heads the Munsiffs court and the Judicial First class magistrates court, Changanassery is located 18 ks court. m south of Kottayam and 8 km north of Thiruvalla and Adoor on the Main Central road. With a population of about 50,000, its population was already 36,000 as early as the 1951 census, the town is situated near the tripoint of Kottayam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. As of 2001 India census, Changanacherry had a population of 51,960, males constituted 48% of the population and females 52%. Changanacherry has an literacy rate of 94%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, with male literacy of 93. 9%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age, a large percentage of population from Changanacherry resides abroad in the Gulf, Europe and America. Changanacherry market, It is one of the oldest markets of central travancore, anandasramam was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Changanassery is the largest Catholic Diocese in India, Changanacherry assembly constituency was a part of Kottayam. Almost last 4 decades Sri. C. F Thomas represented Chanaganacherry constituency in Kerala Legislative Assembly. It is now affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala and has been reaccredited by NAAC at A+ level, as of 2014 the SB College had 16 departments and offered 35 courses for the students. It has a chapel, library, digital library and a research center, the alumni of SB occupy important positions in different parts of India as well as foreign countries like the United States, Germany, Austria, Kuwait, Qatar, Doha and the UAE. Assumption College, is a NAAC re-accredited Autonomous womens college in Kerala and it is affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University. The college offers both bachelors and masters degrees in a variety of subjects. N. S. S College, Changanacherry, It is a college affiliated to the Mahatma Gandhi University. Established in 1947, it is one of the largest colleges under Mahatma Gandhi University, the Sacred Heart High School, also called SH School locally, Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, also known as S. H. Changanacherry 9°2644. 4588N 76°333. 888E is a pioneer among the recognized English Medium Schools in the sector in Kerala. The school was founded by Fr, antony Kaithara, a member of the Sacred Heart Institution, under the patronage of Mar Mathew Kavukattu, the late Archbishop of Changanacherry in 1964. The ICSE wing started in 2002, and it was raised to a college in 2008. The manager of the school is Very Rev. Monsignor Joseph Neduvilezham, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chanagancherry, Joseph M. Cheruvelil is the Principal and Rev. Fr
Changanassery
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Top left:Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple, Top right:Anchu Vilaku Lamps, Middle left:Saint Berchmans College, Middle right:Saint Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral, Bottom left:Vandipetta Boat Jetty, Bottom right:Main gate in Nair Service Society Headquarters
Changanassery
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NSS headquarters
Changanassery
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St. Berchman's College
Changanassery
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St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Metropolitan Church
51.
Peermade
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Peermade, also spelt Peerumedu is a hill station in the state of Kerala, India. It lies 915 metres above sea level in the Western Ghats some 85 kilometres east of Kottayam on the way to Thekkady through the city of Kanjirappally. The landscape of Peermade includes spectacular waterfalls, open grass lands, predominantly it is classified as Malanad with an elevation ranging from 3,000 ft from the mean sea level. Peermade was once the retreat of the Maharajas of Travancore. Once these regions were quite unaccessible which were covered by forests and was inhabited by certain tribes like Malappandarams. Tamil people make up the majority of Peermades population, the archaeological excavations points out that there was an ancient Neolithic culture flourished in the high-ranges which wasnt written or recorded. But the findings of cultural remnants from the tracks near Kumily. Peermade was the highest elevation on the route that connected the Travancore with Madurai in ancient Tamilakam. The mountain barriers created by the ghats separated these two regions, periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, is 43 kilometres away. It has herds of elephants and other wildlife as well as lakes, the name is sometimes related to the Sufi saint, Peer Mohammed, as hill of the Peer. The area is fertile and until recently featured lush plantations of coffee, tea, cardamon. With a long history of growing, the focus is now on the production of organic black pepper, white pepper, ginger. Oils of thyme and rosemary were also displayed, mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology and Marian College are located at Kuttikanam in Peermade. Peermade assembly constituency is part of Idukki, E S Bijimol is the current MLA of peermade. Thodupuzha Erattupetta Palai Kumily Kuttikkanam Kottayam Vagamon The Story of Peermade by George Thengummoottil http, //www. theindia. info/Peermade/ History of Peermade
Peermade
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Lush green tea estates in Peermade,
Idukki district
Peermade
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Monsoon stream flowing through a tea estate in Peermade,
Idukki
52.
Idukki
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Idukki is one of the 14 districts of Kerala state, India, created on 26 January 1972. At that time, the headquarters was at Kottayam. In June 1976 it was moved to Painavu, Idukki which lies in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Idukki is the second largest district in area but has the lowest population density, Idukki has a vast forest reserve area, more than a half of the district is covered by forests. The urban areas are densely populated villages are sparsely populated. The name of the district is derived from the Malayalam word Idukku, Idukki has an area of 4,358 km2 and is the second largest District of Kerala. Rugged mountains and forests cover about 97 percent of the area of the District. The district is only by road. Rail and airlink is not available, National Highway NH49 and State highways 13 and 33 passes through the district. Anamudi, the highest peak in India south of the Himalayas, is in the Kuttampuzha Panchayat of Adimali Block, thirteen other peaks in the district exceed a height of 2,000 m. The Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar are the important rivers of the district, Idukki Dam, Asias largest Arch Dam is located at Idukki Township of Idukki Taluk. The point where the Periyar flows through the gorge formed between two massive rocks known as Kuravan and Kurathi is the site of the Idukki arch dam. The Idukki Hydroelectic project caters for more than 60% of the requirements of the state of Kerala. According to the 2011 census Idukki district has a population of 1,107,453 and this ranks it as 416th among the 640 districts of India. The district has a density of 254 inhabitants per square kilometre. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was −1. 93%, Idukki has a sex ratio of 1006 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 92.2 per cent. According to the 2011 census, Hindus make up 48, 86% of the population, Christians 43. 42%, Muslims 7. 41%. Idukki district is the first district in India to get connected with super-fast broad band system as a part of Digital India Munnar was the resort of the British Government in the south
Idukki
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Anamudi Peak
Idukki
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Scenic view of Idukki Reservoir.
53.
Thodupuzha
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Thodupuzha is the largest town and municipality in Idukki district in the Kerala state of India, spread over an area of 35.43 km2. Thodupuzha is 57 km from Kottayam and 62 km south east of Kochi, Thodupuzha is 200 km from the state capital, Trivandrum. Geographical classification of Thodupuzha Region is Malanad or Idanad, Thodupuzha is also the name of the river that flows through the town. It is one of the largest town in the district and is a commercial center. The town is being modernised with the help of a program sponsored by the World Bank and it was once part of the territory of the princely state, Travancore. It lies in central Kerala, southeast of Muvattupuzha, the Thodupuzha municipality area is characterized by hilly terrain with a lot of green vegetation. The name Thodupuzha might have come from two words, thodu and puzha and it is believed that the stream developed into a river, and the town on the banks of the river came to be known as Thodupuzha. There is another version which defines the word ‘thodu’ as ‘touch’, thus the town touching the river became Thodupuzha. Mattathil Kovilakam was the protectors and rulers of the Desham Thodupuzha that they were in, Naadu, which is a group of Deshams, came to known as Thodupuzha. The last ruler of the desam was Elasamprathi Shri Narayana Menon originally from Trivandrum and his official residence was Mattathil Kovilakam located in Chalamkode Village. Official Headquarters of Keezhmalainadu were Karikodu, in records of Kerala state Archaeology Department Sarvadhikari Elasamprathi Shri Narayana Menon of Keezhmalainadu/Vadakku was the ruler and father of Thodupuzha. The Kings of Vadakkumkoor used to live at Karikode for several years, at the time of King Marthanda Varma, Vadakkumkoor became part of the state of Travancore. He appointed his representative sarvadhikari Elasamprathi Narayanamenon of MATTATHIL from Neyyattinkara to flourish Thodupuzha, the period of his reign was the golden age of Keezhmalainadu. He erected many monuments, the most famous of which is the government offices, Pandika Shala. The Karikode Mosque and many buildings in Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha also date from his reign. He was also the founder of the new tax collection in this region. He traveled every day from Chalamkode to Karikkodu in a Pallakku, the relics of the fort is still there at Karikode. The Annamalai Temple, which carries the traits of Tamil Architecture is at Karikode. At this temple one can see many statues and lamps made out of stone and metal, Thodupuzha is an ancient town with a history dating back to many centuries
Thodupuzha
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Thodupuzha Civil Station
Thodupuzha
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The private bus stand at Thodupuzha
Thodupuzha
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Thommankuthu waterfalls
Thodupuzha
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Morning view of Malankara Dam reservoir from
Kudayathoor
54.
Kothamangalam
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Kothamangalam is a Municipality in the eastern part of Ernakulam district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is around 14 km northeast of the town of Muvattupuzha and 55 km north east of Kochi city, the town is in the foothills of the Western Ghats mountain ranges. The highway NH-49 Ernakulam – Madurai – Rameswaram passes through Kothamangalam, the town serves as the headquarters of a taluk and a municipality of the same name. Kothamangalam is known as a center for spices and forest products. It is also famous for its ancient Syrian Christian churches, Cheras were also known as Kothai. The capital of Chera Kingdom was Karur and this has led some historians like Professor Joseph Mundasseri etc. to claim that Thrikkariyoor, a village 3 km north of Kothamangalam could have been the ancient Karur, the capital of Cheras. This claim has not found wide support, several historians believe Karur was near the present-day Pattanam. It is evident from the Sangam literature of the period and the finds from the area prove that the place had, indeed. The description of places mentioned in Silappatikaram fits the description of places adjoining Kothamangalam. The Siva temple at Thrikkariyoor dates back to the centuries of first millennium. Thrikkariyoor also has one of the earliest Brahmin settlements in Kerala, chelamalai, near Bhoothathankettu in Kothamangalam, is regarded by some as the Summer Palace of Cheras. Stone ruins were found there and Nanangadis have been excavated from the place, egyptian coins of the 7th and 8th centuries were recovered from places near Kothamangalam in 1962. The ancient trade route to Madhurai was also through Kothamangalam, Marth Maryam Church belonging to the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church was completed during fourth century AD by a few Syrian families. A division happened among the members of the church and this group established one cross near the church. Later, these eighteen families constructed a church like the parent church in the name of St. Thomas, the Marthoman CheriyaPally was built during AD1455 by some members of Marth Mariam Church. This church is the place of Catholicos Baselios Yeldo, a saint of the Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church. The church is a very popular Christian pilgrimage centre in Kerala, later, the importance of Kothamangalam dwindled. Kothamangalam was first under the rule of Karthakkanmar related to Vemopolinadu royalty, after Indian Independence, from 1949 to 1956, Kothamangalam was under Muvattupuzha taluk which was a part of the Kottayam district in Travancore-Cochin state
Kothamangalam
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Marth Mariam Church, Kothamangalam
55.
Aluva
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Aluva, is second biggest town of Greater Cochin City in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India which is also considered as the Industrial and Commercial City of Kochi. Located on the River Periyar, Aluva is the epicentre of the state. A major transportation hub, with access to all major forms of transportation. Cochin International Airport Limited – CIAL at Nedumbassery, is 11.7 km away from Aluva, Aluva is more famous for its accessibility through Rail, Air and Metro. Aluva, home to the residency of the Travancore royal family – the Alwaye Palace - is also famous for the Sivarathri festival celebrated annually at the sandbanks of Periyar. The Advaita Ashrams in Aluva founded in 1913 by Sree Narayana Guru, today, whilst part of the Kochi urban agglomeration, Aluva is an autonomous municipality, its civic administration conducted by Aluva Municipal Council. Archaeologists have found evidence of settlements in Aluva as far back as 250 BC, the place used to be a continuous area of land spread across Kakkanad and Alangad, historians have recorded that it was so up to AD1341. The town, by then populated, became a holiday resort. Mangalappuzha, a branch of Periyar which bifurcates at Aluva was known to be the centre of trade. Before Indian independence, Aluva was part of the Kingdom of Travancore and was the summer residence of the royal family. The etymology of the name of the town of Aluva has been the subject of speculation for centuries, one of the more accepted version relates to the story of Hindu god Shiva drinking the Kalakootam poison to save the world. It is said that Shiva with the poison -Alam- in his mouth -Vaa- was made into a deity which was then rested in a temple in Aluva, the Sivarathri festival for which the town is famous for is celebrated in the honour of Shiva. In the twentieth century, when there was a community of Jews in Cochin and it also has a name gate way to east Aluva is a constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The Aluva assembly constituency is part of the Chalakudy, anwar Sadath is the MLA of Aluva. The current municipal council is ruled by Indian National Congress Party, regular domestic and international connections are available from the airport. Aluva railway station in the town, is the second largest railway station in Kochi UA after Ernakulam South, all passenger, express trains bound to southern Kerala do have a stop in this station. Some leaflets/websites still refer the towns old name, by Metro Kochi Metro starts from Aluva Bypass which will change the face of Aluva. The project was started on mid of 2013 and expected to complete by 2017 end, Kochi Metro is expected to overcome the traffic problems in Aluva – Ernakulam route
Aluva
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Federal Bank Head Office Aluva,
Kochi
Aluva
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Aluva Railway Station
Aluva
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Bank Junction, Aluva
56.
Chalakudy
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Chalakudy is a municipal town situated on the banks of Chalakudy River in Thrissur District of the Kerala State in India. It has already become a taluk called Chalakudy Taluk and it is the base camp for travellers to Athirappilly and Vazhachal Falls. Chalakudy lies on National Highway 47 and located about 47 km north of the city of Kochi, the name Chalakudy is derived from two words Yagashala and kody. Once Chalakudy was famous all over India as a place for conducting sacrifices, many rishis used to come over here as it was considered as a sacred land. In order to identify these settlements, they hoisted flags next to it, thus those entire area got its name yagashalakody. It was also an old seminary at Sanpaulur at the bank of chalakudy river and he kept the nearby places of Chalakudy as a Southern Army Base for attacking Travancore and southern provinces of Cochin. In 2013 new Chalakudy taluk was formed by UDF Government led by Shri Oommen Chandy, as of the 2011 census, Chalakudy had a population of 114,901 with a density of 4,554 per km2. The male population of which is 55,276 while female population is 59,625, the children population of Chalakudy UA is around 8. 86% of total Chalakudy UA population which is lower than National Urban average of 10. 93%. Total children in Chalakudy Urban region were 10,176 of which 5,225 were male and 4,951 female, the literacy rate of Chalakudy Agglomeration is 96. 42% which is higher than National Urban average of 85%. Literacy rate for male and female for Chalakudy stood at 97. 53% and 95. 41% respectively, total literates in Chalakudy UA were 100,977 of which males were 48,815 and remaining 52,162 were females. The sex ratio of female to male in Chalakudy UA was found higher with figure of 1079 females against national average of 926 females per 1000 males. For children, girls were 948 per 1000 boys in Chalakudy Urban region against national average of 902 girls per 1000 boys, Chalakudy Municipality came into existence in the year 1970. The municipality covering an area of 25.23 km2 is divided into 36 electoral wards, Chalakudy assembly constituency was a segment of Mukundapuram. Later it became a segment of Chalakudi, in the last local body elections, the Left Democratic Front won the Chalakudy Municipality. Currently, Usha Parameshwaran is the Municipal Chairman of Chalakudy, in the year 2013, Chalakudy was declared as a Taluk by K. M Mani. Chalakudy is a destination of tourists, especially those who love nature. The best season to visit Chalakudy is December to March and also in monsoon season, Chalakudy is blessed with scenic beauty and refreshing weather, has all the amenities of a suburb and is well connected by National Highway and Railways. It is being developed as a high demand residential area and the cost of land is shooting up, new IT park, Kinfra park @ Koratti, easiness to reach Kochi and Thrissur etc. make Chalakudy a real estate attraction
Chalakudy
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Chalakudy ചാലക്കുടി Chalakudy,Thrissur
Chalakudy
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Chalakudy River bank on a summer sunrise
Chalakudy
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A view of Chalakudy river from the Chalakudy Bridge
Chalakudy
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A morning in Chalakudy market
57.
Chittur
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Chittur is a town in Palakkad district of Kerala, South India and was once part of the erstwhile Cochin state. Chittur Thathamangalam town consists of the famous Chittur Bhagavathi temple, which is under the Cochin Devaswom board, the other major temples are the Pazhayannur Bhagavathi temple, Durga temple, and Sivakshethram. The municipality consists of Chittur, Tathamangalam, pallimokku, kammanthara, puzhampalam, Kacherimedu, Anicode, Thekkegramam, Chittur M. L. A is K. Krishnan Kutty of Janatha Dal. Agriculture is the occupation of the people. The town is home to some of the major Menon tharavads of Kerala, there are also many agraharams and Moothan tharas. Sokanashini river flows through Chittur, and it is on the banks of this river Thunjathu Ramanujan Ezuthachan and his final resting place is famous for Vidyarambham celebrations, where young children are initiated into the world of words and knowledge. Chittur was formerly a military cantonment, music is a part of the lifestyle of the people here with the Government College training students towards higher degrees in music. Kongan pada is the celebration of Chittur and it is celebrated in the month of March. Sooranporu, Niramala and Ayyappan vilakku are also celebrated here, others include Onam, Pongal, Vishu, Deepavali and Navarathri. At the time of Vishu, vishu vela is also celebrated, there are music concerts in Chittur Kavu at the time of Navarathri and Konganpada. As of 2001 India census, Chittur-Tattamangalam had a population of 31,884, males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Chittur-Tattamangalam has an literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, with male literacy of 84%. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age, Chittur is sometimes called as Keralas nellara along with Alappuzha, meaning the rice bowl. Chittur-Thathamangalam town connects to other parts of India through Palakkad city, National Highway No.544 connects to Coimbatore and Bangalore. Other parts of Kerala is accessed through National Highway No.66 going through Thrissur, the nearest major railway station is Palakkad
Chittur
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Chittur Municipal Office
Chittur
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Chittur River. A view from the bridge near Chittur Govt. College
58.
Palakkad
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In earlier times, Palakkad was known as Palakkattussery. Palakkad is the seventh most populous town in Kerala and lies near the Palghat Gap, Malayalam is the generally spoken language in Palakkad. The commonly held belief is that the name Palakkad is a fusion of two Malayalam words, Pala, which was the name given for barren land during the Sangam period, and Kadu, which means forest. Palakkad is the gateway to Kerala due to the presence of the Palakkad Gap, Malayalam is the generally spoken language in Palakkad as it is the official language. The town is blessed with many small and medium rivers, which are tributaries of the Bharathapuzha River, of the number of dams in Palakkad district, the largest Malampuzha dam is 12 km from Palakkad town. Palakkad has a wet and dry climate. Temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, with exception in March, a very high amount of precipitation is received in Palakkad, mainly due to the South-West monsoon. July is the wettest month, and the annual rainfall is around 83 inches. The nearest international airport is Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 62 km from Palakkad, there has been a proposal for a mini domestic airport at East Yakkara with respect to setting up domestic airports for enhanced air connectivity by the civil aviation ministry of India. 60 acres has been identified for the project at East Yakkara Palakkad, there are two railway stations serving Palakkad - Palakkad Junction is a broad gauge railway junction and Palakkad Town railway station located in the heart of the Palakkad town. Close to Palakkad Junction is the office of Palakkad Railway Division, the cities of Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode and Ernakulam are connected by the broad gauge line. Train services to Pollachi, Dindigul and Madurai are through the broad gauge line through Palakkad Town station, Palakkad is well connected by roads. As per Census 2011, population of Palakkad in 2011 is 130,955, total literates in Palakkad city are 112,479 of which 56,065 are males while 56,414 are females. Average literacy rate of Palakkad city is 94.20 percent of male and female literacy was 96.83 and 91.73 percent. Hindus form 68% of the population with 89098 members, muslims constitute 27. 9% of the population with 36620 members. Christians constitute 3. 8% of the population with 5006 members, the metropolitan area of Palakkad includes Hemambikanagar, Marutharode, Palakkad municipality, Pirayiri, Pudussery Central, Pudussery West, and Puthuppariyaram. Its urban / metropolitan population is 293,566 of which 143,650 are males and 149,916 are females, the literacy rate of Palakkad Metropolitan Area is 92. 14%, much higher than the national average of 59. 5%. Malayalam is the most spoken language, Palakkad Fort – Fort dating from 1766, built by Hyder Ali of Mysore
Palakkad
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View from outside the northern wall of
Palakkad Fort
Palakkad
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Paddy fields in Palakkad
Palakkad
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59.
Ottapalam
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Ottapalam is a town in Ottapalam taluk, Palakkad district, Kerala, India. Chinakathoor Pooram, an event held every year at Chinakkathoor Temple in Palappuram near Ottapalam, is one of the festivals in Kerala. Ottapalam was once part of the Valluvanad Swaroopam dynasty, Valluvanad was a late medieval feudal state in what is now the state of Kerala in South India. The state extended from the Bharathapuzha River in the south to the town of Pandalur in the north during its hight in the early Middle Ages. In the west, it was bound by the Arabian Sea at the port Ponnani, according to local legends, the last Later Chera ruler gave a vast quantity of land in South Malabar to one of their governors, Valluvakkonithiri, before leaving on a hajj. The Vellatiri rajas were hereditary enemies of the Samoothiri, Ottapalam is also called as The New Film City of Kerala. Ottapalam is located at 10. 77°N76. 38°E /10.77,76.38 and it has an average elevation of 54 metres. Ottapalam is sub district of the Palakkad District, over the last 10 years, the population growth has been 9. 2%. The Town is listed in the top 18 most populous Urban Agglomeration In Kerala. The First Defence Park in India will be established in Ottapalam KINFRA industrial park, a film district is also under discussion. The Ottapalam assembly constituency is part of Palakkad Lok Sabha constituency, the Palakkad-Shoranur State Highway passes through the town. Fifty-four Indian Railways trains stop at the station, P. S. Menon, first Foreign Secretary of India
Ottapalam
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Ottapalam Town Bus Stand and main road
Ottapalam
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Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Ottapalam
60.
Koyilandy
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Koyilandy is a taluk and a Municipality town in the Kozhikode district in the North Malabar region, state of Kerala. This town is between Kozhikode and Vatakara and is on NH66 and it is sometimes identified with Tyndis in Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. The freedom fighter K. Kelappan was born in a nearby village, Koyilandy is located at 11. 43°N75. 70°E /11.43,75.70. It has an elevation of 2 m. As of 2001 India census, Koyilandy had a population of 68,970, males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Koyilandy has an literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy is 86%. In Koyilandy, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age, Koyilandy is the thaluk headquarters of 34 villages. Koyilandy hookahs, traditional smoking pipes, of Kozhikode made in Koyilandy were famous across North India, prepared by Moosari, a coppersmith community, these Hookahs were once considered a pride of Koyilandy. However it is not so any more, but in Gulf countries, Koyilandy hookahs are still very popular as Malabar Hookah. The craft owes it origin to a group of Yemeni merchants who had taken up residence at Koyilandy about 500 years ago and they commissioned the local craftsmen to make hookah, an object of oriental culture. Made by local craftsmen, the Hookah impressed Yemeni traders and soon came to be known as Koyilandy Hookah, besides being ornately designed with attractive motifs, the Koyilandy Hookahs have a coconut shell as the water holder. Even today, these hookahs are exported to gulf countries, economy of Koyilandy revolves around fishing, local businesses and remittance from Gulf. Railway Station- Koyilandy railway station, established in 1901 Nearest Airport- Calicut International Airport, road- Koyilandy is only 25 kilometres from Kozhikode city. The road from Kozhikode to Koyilandy passes through Nadakkavu, West Hill, Elathur, after Pavangad junction, the road passes through villages like Pookkad, Chemencheri, Poyilkavu, Chengottu kavu and Melur before reaching Koyilandy town. The town of Koyilandy is situated on side of the busy national highway going to Kannur. Koyilandy Taluk Hospital Rakesh Hospital Co-operative Hospital Aswini Hospital Kollam Sarada Hospital M. M, Hospital Sakalya Ayurveda Hospital Minhans homeopathy, Multispecialty Clinic Koyilandy assembly constituency is part of Vatakara. Temple located at the shore of arabian sea Kollam Parappally Makham of Thameemul Ansari and this is an attraction for tourists and students. An Initiative of Dept of Tourism, Govt of Kerala Sargaalaya, the craft village is set up on 20 acres of land on the banks of the Moorad River, just 200 meters off Kozhikode – Kannur National Highway near Koyilandy
Koyilandy
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The intricate work on a Malabar hookah
Koyilandy
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The railway station at Koyilandy
61.
Vatakara
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Vatakara is a coastal taluk and municipality town in the Kozhikode district, state of Kerala, India, spread over an area of 21.32 km2. It is the headquarters of Vatakara taluk and this place is erstwhile Kadathanadu and was part of North Malabar province of Malabar District, state of Madras during British Raj. Vatakar) is the second biggest town in the Kozhikode. The Lokanaarkav temple is situated in vatakara Vatakara is located at 11. 60°N75. 58°E /11.60,75.58 and it has an average elevation of 15 m. Geographically, Vatakara is situated about 45 km to the north of Kozhikode City, approximately 44 km to the south of Kannur City and this is the third largest town of North Malabar. The town lies by the side of a known by different names as Moorad river. Originally known as Vadakkekara due to its position with respect to the Kottakkal puzha and this city name was also spelled as Badagara in English. Vatakara is also one of the most famous city in the district of Kozhikode and it has a good beach called Sand Banks thats near Vatakara municipality. Vatakara is the capital of old Kurumbanadu, which was inhabited by a tribal folk known as Kurumbrar, the name Kurumbranadu has its origin in the name of this tribe. A Nambiar Lord known as Vatakara Vazhunnore was the ruler of this area. Vatakara is known as the birthplace of Unniyarcha, Aromal Chekavar, Thacholi Othenan and these ballads of oral tradition are considered to be of great literary and aesthetic value. Thacholi Tharavadu is still preserved and the anniversary of Thacholi Othenan is celebrated. Lokanarkavu is one of the temples in this area. Also the temple for the memory of legend Thacholi Othenan is located at Vatakara and this temple is named as Thacholi Manikkothu Kavu temple. The world-famous martial art Kalaripayattu is Vatakaras own one, Kottakkal Bhagavathi Temple, the second richest temple in North Malabar is situated near Edodi Junction in the heart of the city. This Temple is owned by a nair Tarwad known as Edodi who once owned a part of Vatakara Town. Also a temple resides near to Vatakara town named as Kalariyullathil Temple, in 1934 Mahatma Gandhi visited Vatakara as part of a fund raising trip to North Malabar. Most of the people are labourers and farmers, as of 2001 India census, Vatakara had a population of 75,740. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%, Vatakara has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 80%
Vatakara
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Vatakara railway station
Vatakara
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Vadakara Sand Banks View From Payam Kuttimala
62.
Mananthavady
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Mananthavady is a municipality and taluk in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is the largest town in Wayanad. The town is located on the banks of Mananthavady Puzha, Mananthavady has been referred to as Hosenkadi in a dictum scribbled under a copper artifact found at the Ananthanathaswamy Temple at Varadoor. The dominant view on the etymology is that the word is derived from Mane Eytha Vady and this view is strengthened by the existence of a place called Ambukuthy, literally the location where the arrow pierced, on the outskirts of the town. This area was ruled by the Pazhassi dynasty and the tomb of Pazhassi Raja is an important heritage site located in the heart of the town. Mananthavady was an army camp for the British during their campaign against Pazhassi. One can still see the vestiges of the colonial period - canteen, club, barracks, rest house and this is also the headquarters of the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha. The District Hospital in Mananthavady is the only major treatment facility for the service of the tribal communities, Mananthavady is connected with Mysore, via Kartikulam, Bavali and H D Kote through Nagarhole National Park. This road is parallel to Kabini River and closed during the time to protect wild animals. This road has recently declared as a National Highway by the central government. The proposed highway starts from Kainatty till Mysore via Bavali, Jayapura, another road goes to Gonikoppal in Kodagu, via Kartikulam, Tholpetty forest, Kutta and Ponnampet. The Government College Mananthavady was established in 1981 and it was the only centre for higher learning in North Wayanad for a long time. In 1995 Mary Matha Arts & Science College was started in the Government aided sector, College of Engineering was started in 1999, the first engineering college in Wayanad. In the unaided sector there are two colleges - P. K. K. M, College of Applied Science and W. M. O Imam Gazzali Arts & Science College. All the colleges are affiliated to Kannur University, *The university also has a centre in Mananthavady with three departments. Government Engineering College Wayanad was established in 1999 and it is one of the 9 Government Engineering Colleges in Kerala and is affiliated to Kerala Technological University. There are 4 B. Tech courses and 2 M. Tech courses, MGM HSS, Mananthavady Mananthavady GVHSS, Mananthavady Thalappuzha GHSS, Thalappuzha Fr. G. K. M. Pakshi Pathalam is a site some seven kilometers from Thirunelli temple near Kattikkkulam. There is an ancient cave on the hillock with plenty of birds, Pazhassi kudeeram, Tomb of Pazhassi Raja who fought the British to his death
Mananthavady
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Pazhassi Kudeeram in Mananthavady
Mananthavady
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Veera Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja- Painting by Raja Ravi Varma
Mananthavady
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Valliyoorkkavu temple
Mananthavady
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Boys Town near Mananthavady
63.
Iritty
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Iritty is a Municipality and a taluk in the district of Kannur in the state of Kerala, India. The town is the market place for the farmer communities in the surrounding regions. Iritty is known as The Coorg Valley in Gods Own Country, Iritty is one of the fast upcoming towns in Kerala and one among four taluks in Kannur district. Iritty is located on the banks of Valapattanam River, which is originated from nearby Kodagu hills, Iritty is situated on the Thalassery-Coorg-Mysore highway. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 8 kilometres from Iritty, a river flowing through Iritty is more commonly known as Iritty Puzha/Iritty River. Tourists visiting Iritty have the option of staying at a number of riverside Tourist homes, there is a steel girder bridge, built in 1933, over the river. There is a Dam in the place Pazhassi for irrigation purpose named PazhassiDam and it is almost 10 km from the town. Wayanad tourist destinations are near from this place. The nearby areas are depending for their most of the shopping Iritty. are the small towns around. The steel bridge in Iritty is a 10-ton bridge constructed in 1933 by the British authorities to connect the towns of Kodagu and it was designed by George Anderson of the Institution of Civil Engineers. A July 2015 death of a man after being accidentally wedged between the handrail and a private bus raised concerns about the bridges age, the beauty of Iritty lies together with the unique rivers, streams, green hills and valleys. The main Streams of Iritty river are by the three such as Bavali river, Aralam river and Barapuzha. Before the name Iritty, made the first cry, this land was nourished by two rivers, one Barapuzha and Bavalipuzha. People started calling both the confluence as Iratta puzha, and in course of time the land became Iritty. Iritty lies at a distance from the nearby cities of Kannur, Thalassery, Mahe, Taliparamba. An interstate highway passes through Iritty connecting Thalassery and Kodagu and this was initially called the TC Road by the British. Now it refers to the Thalassery end of the highway and this highway is used by interstate bus services plying to Madikeri, Mysore and Bangalore. Keezhur is the point of Iritty town. This place is well-connected by road from both Kannur and Thalassery, there are frequent buses from Iritty and to both these places and to several places across Kerala including Kottayam, Cochin, Kasaragod, Panathur, Malom, Cherupuzha, Wayanad and Kozhikode
Iritty
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View of Iritty Bridge built in 1933
64.
Municipalities of Kerala
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Municipalities are the urban local 2governments that deal with civic functions and local development functions in the municipal area. The 74th Constitutional amendment provided for a framework for municipal governance in the country. Kerala Municipalities Act 1994, enacted as per the amendment, governs the pattern, functions. The state of Kerala has 87 municipalities and 6 municipal corporations, the present form of urban local government owes its genesis to the British rule. Since then, the structure of bodies has essentially remained the same. The Kerala Municipality Act 1994 envisage creation of three kinds of local governments Town panchayats for transitional areas. Municipalities for less urbanised areas and Municipal corporations for more urbanised areas, Kerala has not created any town panchayats so far. Chairperson is the authority of the municipalities. Elected councillors and officers are the other functionaries, two types of officers now exist - officers belonging to the municipality as full-time officers and officers transferred to the municipality from the state government
Municipalities of Kerala
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Districts of Kerala
65.
Attingal
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Attingal is a municipality in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala state, India. It is the headquarters of Chirayinkeezhu Taluk, and the important government institutions of the such as the Taluk office. It is in the suburb of the metropolitan region of Thiruvananthapuram city. Located 30 kilometres north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is the largest and most important town in Trivandrum district after the capital, according to the 2011 census, Attingal has a population of 37,346. Males constitute 17,009 of the population and females 20,337, Attingal has an average literacy rate of 88%. 9% of the population is under the age of 6, the town is famed for its cleanliness in recent years. The municipality has many plans which had been succeeded. The municipality also achieved a couple of awards for the success, the Attingal assembly constituency is part of Attingal. The Attingal Palace had an important role in the history of Kerala and it played a significant role in the growth of the Tranvancore Dynasty. The Attingal Palace gained prominence in the 14th century when Udaya Marthanda Varma ascended the throne of Travancore and he adopted two princesses from the royal family of the Kolathiris of North Malabar. A palace for one of them was built by the king at Attingal. The palace witnessed the first ever united rebellion against the British, the first uprising took place on April 15,1721. A British contingent comprising 140 men were killed and it triggered off a series of insurrections. The walls of the palace are adorned with murals, the main edifice of the palace is now under the control of the Devaswom Board. Veeralam Sree Krishna temple, also called as Veera-Keralapuram temple, is the hallmark of the town, sarkara Devi Temple located in Chirayinkizhu 4 km from the town. It is 15 km from the town to reach Janardanaswamy temple Varkala which is considered as one among the 108 sacred Dhams of Lord Vishnu, there is also a monument to the great poet of Kerala, Sri Kumaran Asan, who was born and brought up at Kaikkara. The monument is at Thonnakkal, just 5 km south of Attingal alongside National Highway 47, Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest Airport. Due to the prolonged traffic hassles of the town, a new NH-bypass is on the anvil, Attingal Outbreak refers to the massacre of 140 East India Company officers by native Indians and the following siege of Fort Anjengo
Attingal
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Attingal Kacheri Nada Junction
Attingal
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NH47 at Attingal
Attingal
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Avanavanchery Sri Indilayappan Temple
66.
Guruvayur
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Guruvayur, also written as Guruvayoor or Gurupavanapuri, is a municipal town in Thrissur District, of Kerala State in India. It houses the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, the fourth largest temple in India in terms of the number of devotees visiting per day, Guruvayur, according to the legends may be 5,000 years old as the Guruvayur temple idol is. There are no records to establish it. It is also believed that Lord Krishna, asked 2 sages to take the idol from his temple in Dwarka while the city was being destroyed, the idol of lord krishna was brought by Vayu deva and brhaspathi and was placed in guruvayur. The name guruvayur is a merge of both their names (guru brahaspathi and vayu deva, in the 14th century, Tamil literature Kokasandesam, references about a place called Kuruvayur is made. As early as the 16th century, many references are seen about Kuruvayur, in ancient Dravidic, Kuruvai means sea, hence the village on the coast may be called Kuruvayur. According to eminent historian Professor K. V. Krishna Iyer, Guruvayur was a subordinate shrine of Trikkunavay Shiva temple before the latter was destroyed by the Dutch in 1755. Trikkunavay in the Guruvayur documents is the same as Thrikkanamathilakam or Mathilakam mentioned in the Dutch, and this place was in between Guruvayur and Kodungallur. The story of Pandyan King building a shrine here may be a reference to the Azhavars and it was Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiris Narayaniyam through which the Guruvayur temple got famous all over India. As of the Indian census of 2001, Guruvayur had a population of 21,187, males constitute 46% of the population and females 54%. Guruvayur has an literacy rate of 85%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy is 86%. In Guruvayoor, 10% of the population is under 10 years of age, Guruvayoor Township was formed on January 26,1962 with four electoral wards with an area of 6.49 km2. Later the wards were increased to 10 and in 1994 to 20 when the township was upgraded to Municipality status with an area of 29.66 km2, in 2010, the electoral wards were increased to 43. The Municipality has a population of 20,216 with a population density of 31,14 per km2. Guruvayoor assembly constituency is part of Trichur, Ekadasi, the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, is very auspicious to the Hindus. Of the 24 Ekadasis in a year, the Vrishchika Ekadasi has got special significance in Guruvayur temple, a memorial honour for Gajarajan Kesavan is conducted in Guruvayur. The Karanavar or head of the elephant family places a wreath at the statue of Kesavan in front of Sreevalsam guest house and all the other elephants stand around, on Ekadasi day, the Udayasthamana Pooja is conducted by the Devaswom itself. After the morning seeveli, on Ekadasi there is a grand elephant procession to the Parthasarathi temple since it is regarded as Geethopadesam Day also, on Ekadasi after night pooja, the famous Ekadasi Vilakku with elephant procession takes place and provides a fitting finale to the festival
Guruvayur
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Guruvayur ഗുരുവായൂർ Guruvayupuram, Gurupavanapuram
Guruvayur
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Guruvayur Municipal Office
Guruvayur
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Inscription on the
Guruvayoor temple
Guruvayur
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Guruvayur Municipal town hall
67.
Irinjalakuda
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Irinjalakuda is a Municipal town in Thrissur district, Kerala, India. Irinjalakuda is headquarters of Mukundapuram Taluk, according to Hindu mythology, Irinjalakuda was created by sage Parasurama. According to Keralolpatthi, out of the 64 gramas established in Kerala, Irinjalakuda was one of the most prominent among these Gramas. Boundaries of this grama extends up to Potta in the east and Kakkathuruthi in the west. Like the other Gramas this Grama also followed Sankara Smruthi, the name Irinjalakuda has been derived from Iru and Chaal, meaning two streams. According to another legend, the origin of the name Irinjalakuda came from Irinjalikoodal, koodal simply means merge, merging of two rivers. So it shows that Irinjalakuda may have gradually developed, from Irinjalikoodal, that derived from Inangikoodal, means merge. At present there is no river in Irinjalakuda, only the myth of river, another legend suggests that the origin of the name Irinjalakuda were heard, Irunnu Salayil Koodai, and Virinja Alu Kuda. There is a huge Banyan tree still standing in the centre of the Irinjalakuda spreading the branches to the sky like an umbrella, before the arrival of Tipu Sulthan to Mukundapuram Taluk in December 1789 the headquarters of Padruado Archbishops of Cranganoreof Syro-Indian Christians was at Pookkatt. Sakthan Thampuran brought four Christian families for improving commerce and trade to the known as ‘Chanthappura’. When they struck gold in field, more of this community migrated from Kombara chantha and settled in the area. Besides Hindu and Christian communities this area consists of Muslims, nagapattinam Chandrashekhara Vasanthakokilam a carnatic singer and actress, was born as Kamakshi in Irinjalakkuda, Cochin State of British India, the present Kerala. Padmasree Ammanur Madhav Chakyar, a great Kudiyattam-artist, who brought laurels, kapila Venu, his daughter, a nationally and internationally renowned Kudiyattam-actor. Mohiniyattam Guru Nirmala Panicker, founder of Natanakaisiki, a centre for research, as of 2011 India census, Irinjalakuda had a population of 51,585. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%, Irinjalakuda has an average literacy rate of 96% which is much higher than the national average of 74. 65%. While male literacy stands at 97. 12%, female literacy is 94. 56%, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. In the 18th century, the ruler of Kingdom of Cochin, Sakthan Thampuran, brought four Christian families for improving commerce and trade to the place known as Chanthappura in Irinjalakuda. Economic development took place and Kochi Divan Shanmughan Chetty constructed a link known as Shanmugham Canal to Cochin which improved the water transport of goods. The canal still exists even it has lost the past glory, some of the famous brands from Irinjalakuda are The ayurvedic soap, Chandrika, made by C. R. Kesavan Vaidyar originated in Irinjalakuda and was bought by the Bangalore company Wipro. Another company which had made it big is Bombay Stock Exchange listed is Kerala Solvent Extractions Ltd, the company manufacture cattle feed, edible oils and dairy products
Irinjalakuda
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Irinjalakuda Muncipality Map
Irinjalakuda
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Irinjalakuda ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട
Irinjalakuda
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Irinjalakuda Court Complex
68.
Kalpetta
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Kalpetta is a town and a municipality in the Wayanad district, state of Kerala, India. Kalpetta is the headquarters of Wayanad district as well as the headquarters of Vythiri taluk and it is a bustling town surrounded by dense coffee and tea plantations and mountains. It lies on the Kozhikode-Mysore National Highway NH766 at an altitude of about 780 m above sea level, Kalpetta is 72 km from Kozhikode and 140 km from Mysore. There is a number of hotels and resorts within and surrounding Kalpetta town. It is believed that the early Jain residents who migrated from Karnataka have named the place Kalpetta, in Kannada, the words Kal and Pettah means deposits of stones. Rocks -large and small- are found throughout the landscape of Kalpetta, Kalpetta was under the rule of Western Ganga dynasty until AD930. Through ages this region fell into the rule of Hoysala Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Pazhassi Raja was the next to rule the region. Kalpetta Nair administered the place as the representative for Pazhassi Raja, mysorean invasion of Kerala made Kalpetta a part of Tipu Sultans empire. This continued until the demise of Tipu Sultan, along with the rest of Malabar, Kalpetta also came under British rule after Tipu Sultans demise. In Wayanad, the Indian independence movement started first at Kalpetta, the first political conference was held in 1921 under the leadership of Dharmaraja Iyer. K. P. Kesava Menon and A. K. Gopalan participated in this meeting, formation of the committee of Indian National Congress also occurred around the same time. Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi visited Kalpetta on 1934 January 14, Kalpetta became the headquarters when Wayanad district was formed on 1 November 1980. Kalpetta was still a Village Panchayath when it became district headquarters, as of 2011 India census, Kalpetta had a population of 31,580. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%, in Kalpetta, 11% of the population is under the age of 6. Being the district headquarters, Kalpetta is home to a number of government offices. Besides, the district offices of Media Houses, Political Parties etc. also function out of Kalpetta. Hence a large section of the population of Kalpetta are office-goers, like elsewhere in Kerala, Hindus, Muslims and Christians live in harmony in Kalpetta. There is a significant Jain population also in Kalpetta, Kalpetta has very good road connectivity with the rest of Kerala and neighboring South Indian cities
Kalpetta
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Civil Station, administrative headquarters of Wayanad District, at Kalpetta
Kalpetta
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Wayanad Ghat Road (Mountain Pass) on NH 212
Kalpetta
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Botanical Garden at the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Regional Center at Kalpetta
Kalpetta
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Myladippara
69.
Kanhangad
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Kanhangad or Kanjangad is a major town and a municipality in the Kasaragod District, state of Kerala, India. It is 28 km from the headquarters of Kasaragod town and 79 km from Mangalore city. Some parts of Kanhangad town is called Ajanur, but Ajanur is only a bureaucratic nicety. Some parts of Kanhangad town is put under a unit called Ajanur Panchayath. The suburb continues to be part and parcel of Kanhangad town, as of 2001 India census, Kanhangad had a population of 65,499. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%, Kanhangad has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 74%. In Kanhangad, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age, the most widely spoken language is Malayalam. Other prominent languages spoken by communities living here include Konkani, Tulu, a large Goud Saraswat Brahmin community lives here. The Gowda Saraswat Brahmin temple, Lakshmi Venkatesh temple is situated in Kanhangad. There is also a small Palghat Iyer Brahmin community which speaks a mix of Malayalam, agriculture and fishing are the primary source of income for residents of the region. In the coastal areas are grown, coconut, rice and tobacco, since the oil boom of the 80’s, young people have migrated to the oil producing Gulf countries in pursuit of lucrative job opportunities. This has considerably changed the situation and life style of the residents. Many families depend on money sent home by family members working in the Gulf, Nityananda Ashramam, which is situated on the hillock about half a km south of the Hosdurg taluk office, was founded by Swami Nityananda. The spot was at first part of a forest area, here Swami Nityananda constructed 45 guhas in a mountain slope. There is a built in 1963, after the style. A full size statue of Swami Nityananda in sitting posture made of panchaloha is one of the attractions of the asramam and our Lady of Sorrows Church - oldest in the district constructed in 1890 CE.15 km north of Kasargod. This Gothic style Roman Catholic church which is under the Manglore Diocese, has celebrated its centenary recently, birthplace of Poet P Kunhiraman Nair, veteran freedom fighter and playwright Vidwan P Kelu Nair and Rasika siromani Kanan Nair. A cultural centre of the district, madiyan Kulom temple is situated in Ajanur panchayat
Kanhangad
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Meditation Niche at Anandashram, Kanhangad
Kanhangad
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A view of Kanhangad Town
Kanhangad
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Cave Temple of Nithyananda
70.
Kasaragod
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Kasaragod, is a town and a municipality in the Kasaragod district, state of Kerala. Kasargod is located 585 km north of Thiruvananthapuram and 50 km south of Mangalore, the major political parties are Indian Union Muslim League, CPI, INC, INL Indian National League and BJP. North Kasaragod is dominated by Indian Union Muslim League and the part of Kasaragod is dominated by CPI. The central part and some of the rural and urban areas is dominated by INC. NA Nellikkunnu is the present Member of Legislative Assembly, Kasaragod assembly constituency is part of Kasaragod. CPI member P. Karunakaran is the present MP from Kasargod, Kasaragod is home to the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, originally established in 1916 as the Coconut Research Station. It is part of Indias National Agricultural Research System under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, according to the Institute, Kerala lies in the heart of the major coconut growing areas of the country. It is also home to the Indian Society for Plantation Crops, the primary and administrative language of the town is Malayalam. Tulu, Beary bhashe and Konkani are also used and Hindi. Havyaka speakers have a base in Kannada. The Malayalam spoken here has influences from Beary bhashe and also from the languages of Kannada, Urdu, Konkani, the Kannada and Tulu spoken here are also influenced by Malayalam. Kasaragod district is a worst HIV infected area in Kerala,970 HIV cases were registered in Kasaragod district. Ten HIV deaths were reported from Kasaragod district within a period of two months in 2016. There is no special facility or doctors for HIV patients in this area, HIV affected areas in Kasaragod include Dharmathadka, Nileshwaram, Manjeshwar, Bhandiyod, Vellarikundu, Kasaragod town and Padannakkad. Kasaragod experiences a Tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification. P. C. R. I CPCRI Official Website of the District Administration
Kasaragod
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A bird's eye view of kasaragod town
Kasaragod
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Madhur Temple
Kasaragod
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Malik Deenar Mosque
Kasaragod
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Chandragiri bridge which connects Kasaragod town with
Chemnad panchayath
71.
Malappuram
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Malappuram is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 33.61 km2. The first municipality in the formed in 1970, Malappuram serves as the administrative headquarters of Malappuram district. Divided into 40 electoral wards, the city has a density of 2,083 per square kilometre. As per the 2011 census Malappuram Urban Agglomeration is the fourth largest urban agglomeration in Kerala state with a population of 1,698,645. Malappuram is situated 54 km southeast of Calicut,90 km northwest of Palghat, the name Malappuram means terraced place atop the hills or simply hilltop, derived from the general geographical characteristics of the city. Malappuram was a headquarters from ancient times though the ancient history of the city is hardly seen recorded. However, there are some relics, particularly Rock-cut caves found in some parts of the city like Oorakam, Melmuri, Ponmala. Locality named like Valiyangadi, Kootilangadi, Pallipuram etc points to the Jain - Buddhist history of Malappuram, notably, the 1500 year old Jain Temple above 2000ft sea level at Oorakam Hill of Malappuram undoubtedly proves the same. During the Sangam period, Eranadan Malappuram was under the Chera Empire, places like Pattar Kadav, Panakkad etc are possibly evolved out of Pattars and Panars having lived there. But no further details are available about the life and culture of the people either during the Sangam age or in the post-Sangam age, archeological relics found in Malappuram also include the remnants of palaces of the eastern branch of the Zamorin reign. The later history of the city is interwoven with the history of Zamorins rule, Malappuram is situated in the mid land area of the state. As the name suggests, it is covered with beautiful mountains of lush greenery. Kadalundi Puzha, a river in Kerala is flowing around the city. Malappuram is one of the few municipalities in the state with a track record of keeping city clean. The recognition as best municipality in up keeping the cleanliness and health by state government acknowledges this sincere efforts of municipality, Malappuram is centrally located in the district which makes it the biggest potential nod of the district. Unlike other district headquarters, Malappuram holds significant position in west-east transit along with north-south and it makes the city accessible for everyone in the district through either NH or SH. The strategical location of the city is yet to be exploited in many aspects, the city has more or less the same climatic conditions prevalent else-where the state. The climate is generally hot and humid in nature
Malappuram
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Malabar Special Police HQ entrance
Malappuram
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Typical landscape of Malappuram. Kadalundi River as seen from Up Hill
Malappuram
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Kottakkunnu, a view from giant wheel
72.
Neyyattinkara
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Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district is a municipal Town 20 km south of the kerala State capital Trivandrum on the National Highway 66 to Kanyakumari. The town spreads over an area of 16.21 km2 on the banks of the Neyyar River and is the headquarters of the Neyyattinkara taluk and it is a suburb of the extended metropolitan region of Thiruvananthapuram city. The name Neyyattinkara in Malayalam regional language means shore of Neyyar River and this river flows from Agasthyarkoodam, the highest peak in southern end of the Western Ghats. The town comes under the surveillance of Neyyattinkara Municipality and it is the town on the banks of Neyyar River. The rapidly growing Thiruvananthapuram city has almost reached its outskirts, the town is mostly residential, with lots of service sector establishments. There is 24 hours to and fro bus service in NH47 connecting Nagarcoil » Neyyattinkara » Trivandrum, further, there is to and fro rail service connecting Nagarcoil » Neyyattinkara » Trivandrum. Cave pictures, probably by Neolithic people, are found in Pandavanpara and this famous cave will come under Perumkadavila panchayath. The name of this portion of land, before Marthanda Varma became the ruler of Travancore, was Thenganad, Neyyattinkara is located at 8. 4°N77. 08°E /8.4,77.08. It has an elevation of 26 metres. The town is situated on the Neyyar River side, one of the rivers in Trivandrum district. The river flows to the part of the town. Water Supply for the town and the adjacent places is obtained from this river, topography of the town is rather uneven, with higher areas in the downtown. Nearby the town is the hillock Aruvippuram, the Western Ghats form a scenic backdrop to the town. The town is sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, the nearby sea shore is just 10 km. away in west, and seven kilometres to the east can take you to the mammoth hillocks of Western ghats. The geology is said to be typical of the Kerala soil - the Laterite, the town can still boast of a good green cover in residential and non-residential areas. The Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is situated in the centre of the town and is an important pilgrimage centre, the annual festival is an important attraction for people in the district. Besides the religious significance, the temple holds a place in Travancore history. Legend has it that the then Crown Prince Marthanda Marthanda Varma was redirected by a boy to a Jackfruit Tree near the Temple while he was being chased by his enemies
Neyyattinkara
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Unfinished Cave Temple in Vizhinjam [South-West side of NTA Town, constructed by the rulers of the Ay kingdom (857-885 AD)]
Neyyattinkara
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Sreekrishna Swami Temple, Neyyattinkara Town founded by Marthanda Varma in 1775
Neyyattinkara
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Christ Nagar in NTA Town (CSI Town Church, Neyyattinkara area)
73.
Pathanamthitta
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Pathanamthitta is a town and a municipality situated in the Central Travancore region in the state of Kerala, south India, spread over an area of 23.50 km2. It is the capital of Pathanamthitta district. The town has a population of 37,538, the Hindu pilgrim centre Sabarimala is situated in the Pathanamthitta district, as the main transport hub to Sabarimala, the town is known as the Pilgrim Capital of Kerala. District, the thirteenth district of the State of Kerala. It was formed with effect from the 1st November,1982 vide G. O. No. 1026/82/RD dated 29 October 1982, forest covers more than half of the total area of the District. Pathanamthitta District ranks the 7th in area in the State, Pathanamthitta has an average elevation of 18 metres above sea level. The main trunk road to Sabarimala is from Pathanamthitta, the Main Eastern Highway and T. K. Road pass through Pathanamthitta. Main Roads passing through pathanamthitta are T. K Road, Adoor Road, Azhoor Road, Mannarakulanji Road Pathanamthitta has a moderate climate, annual temperatures range between 20 °C and 39 °C. The district experiences three weather conditions, winter, summer and the monsoon. The winter season is experienced from December to February and summer season from March to May, there are two rainy seasons, The South-West monsoon and the North-East monsoon. The South-West monsoon is very heavy. About 75% of its rainfall is received during this season. The town enjoys a climate, the monsoons start in June. The months of April–May can get pretty humid, the best weather is from October to February. Pathanamthitta experiences three seasons, summer, monsoon and winter. Typical summer months are from March to May, the warmest month in Pathanamthitta is April. Although summer doesnt end until May, the city often receives locally developed heavy thundershowers in May, the monsoon lasts from June to August, with moderate rainfall. Most of the rainfall in the city fall between June and July, and June is the wettest month of the year
Pathanamthitta
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Town Street after a monsoon shower
Pathanamthitta
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A Skyview of Thiruvalla. The Biggest Town and Commercial Centre of Pathanamthitta District
Pathanamthitta
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A sign-board that indicates the direction to Sabarimala. The multilingual board is written in
Hindi,
Malayalam,
Tamil,
Kannada,
Telugu and
English
Pathanamthitta
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The General Hospital Road stretch of the T.K. Road
74.
Payyanur
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Payyanur is a Thaluk and city in Kannur district in the state of Kerala in India. This municipality consists of three villages, Vellur, Korom and Payyanur. Other villages are, Annur and Kokkanissery, the City is situated on the banks of Perumba River. As of 2001 India census, Payyanur had a population of 68,711, males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Payyanur has an literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy is 86%. In Payyanur, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age, the place derives its name from the renowned Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple located here. Payyan is an appellation of Lord Subrahmanya and ooru means the place, thus Payyanur means the land of Lord Subrahmanya. Payyanur is also known for astrology, Pavithra Mothiram, art forms like Theyyam and Poorakkali. It is considered as the hub of astrology sometimes. Payyanur is located at 12. 1°N75. 2°E /12.1,75.2 and it has an average elevation of 16 metres. Payyanur is one of extant ancient civilized places in Kerala and this northern town of Kerala claims a rich and glorious recorded history. The archeological remains excavated from Payyanur and nearby places prove the existence of a city in this centuries ago. The earliest known mention of town is in the Brahmanda Purana. The famous travellers, who visited here, have described about this area with high praise, the famous traveler Ibn Bathutha visited Ezhimala in AD1342 and wrote about the large seaport and the Chinese ships anchored here. The Portuguese Scholar and traveler Barbosa had also described this place, centuries back, Payyanur was a part of the Ezhimala/Mushika/Kolathiri Kingdom. King Nandan who ruled this Kingdom was mighty and well known as a great warrior, the books written during the Sangam period describe about this country and this King with much importance. At certain times, Ezhimala was also under the rule of the Cheras, during the past the city centre was Kachil Patanam was the main town because of the waterways through Kavvayi River and its big Seaport. It was the administrative as well as business centre during that time, according to historians ships from China and other countries used to visit this port and anchored in the nearby river Changoorichal
Payyanur
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Payyanur Railway Station
Payyanur
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Back stage of a Theyyam
75.
Shoranur
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Shoranur is a town and a municipality located in the Palakkad district, in the Indian state of Kerala, located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. Shoranur Junction Railway Station is the largest Railway Station in Kerala, shornur is named in revenue records as ‘Chiramannur/ Cheramannur’ and in railway records ‘Cherumannur’. This name Chiramannur might have derived from the relation of this place to Bharathapuzha, shoranur is located at 10. 77°N76. 28°E /10.77,76.28. It has an elevation of 49 metres. This place was part of the Valluvanad Swaroopam Dynasty. On the west, it was bounded by the Arabian Sea at the port Ponnani, according to local legends, the last Later Chera ruler gave a vast extension of land in South Malabar to one of their governors, Valluvakkonithiri and left for a hajj. The Valluvakkonithiri was also given last Later Chera rulers shield, not surprisingly, the Vellatiri rajas were hereditary enemies of the Samoothiri. Valluvanad is famous for the Mamankam festivals, held once in 12 years, by the late 18th century, Vellatiri or Walluwanad proper was the sole remaining territory of the Walluvanad raja, who once exercised suzerain rights over a large portion of Southern Malabar. Shornur became a municipality in 1978 and is divided into 33 electoral wards, National Highway No.544 connects to Coimbatore and Bangalore. Other parts of Kerala is accessed through National Highway No.66 going through Thrissur, calicut International Airport, Cochin International Airport and Coimbatore Airport are the nearest airports. Shoranur Junction railway station is the nearest major railway station, shornur Junction Valluvanad Palakkad district Kulapully
Shoranur
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Shornur junction
Shoranur
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Shoranur
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mayilvahanam bus
76.
Thrippunithura
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Thrippunithura or Tripunithura is a suburb of the city of Kochi in the state of Kerala, India and a part of the Kochi metropolitan area. In local administration it is a municipality named Tripunithura Municipality, in the state administrative structure, Thrippunithura is part of the Ernakulam District in the state of Kerala. Thrippunithura was the capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Cochin, the descendants of the Cochin royal family still live here. The Hill Palace situated near Thripunithura was the palace of Maharaja of Cochin, some latter day Sanskrit enthusiasts ascribe the origin of the name to Poorna Veda Puri - the town of Vedas in its entirety. Another possible origin to name comes from the meaning the land on the shores of Poorna river, the Raja nagari or the royal city is one of the most prominent centers of traditional Kerala cultural heritage. The erstwhile rulers of Kingdom of Cochin were great patrons of art and this made fine arts and architecture flourish under them in many ways. The town is also a prominent centre of learning for arts like Carnatic music, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam besides percussion instruments like mridangam, chenda. Much of this is facilitated by the RLV College of Music, another center of learning is Kalmandalam. Tripunithura also has many dedicated centers for stage performances and promotion of art, the Bharath Cafe near the Sree Poornathrayesa temple offers excellent vegetarian choices, and is popular for its sweets. Expect basic service at all places, the Statue Junction of the town is filled with lots of refreshment centres including Restaurants and Juice bars. The main lodgings available are in Vadakkekota - Prasanth Hotel and also many others, the Abhishekam Convention Hall is one of the meeting halls available in Tripunithura. As of 2001 India census, Tripunithura had a population of 59,881, males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Thrippunithura has an literacy rate of 87%, higher than the national average of 71. 5%, male literacy is 88%. In Tripunithura, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. religion hinduism 82. 78%, christianity 15. 28%, Thrippunithura is administered by an elected municipal council headed by the chairman. LDF is currently ruling the municipality with Chandrika devi as its chairman, tripunithura-Nadama Thekkumbhagam Thiruvankulam Tripunithura has a lot of Educational institutions which makes the place a good haven for education. Primary, High and Higher Secondary School Education is available in many schools, the landmark of the town is the RLV Music College which provides proteges with training in Classical music and has also produced many great singers most notably K. J Yeshudas. Tripunithura also has colleges like the Sanskrit College and the NSS College for Women, Thripunithura is surrounded by stretches of Vembanad Lake and Canals which sustain inland navigation. The Town is situated almost 8 meters above Mean Sea Level, the Town is extends up to the East Till Thiruvankulam
Thrippunithura
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A view of Tripunithura during
Onam
Thrippunithura
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Caparisoned elephants during
Sree Poornathrayesa temple
Thrippunithura
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Chakkamkulangara Temple
Thrippunithura
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Thripunithura Cricket Club Name Board
77.
Tirur
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Tirur is a Town and municipality in Malappuram district in the Indian state of Kerala spread over an area of 62.34 square kilometres. Tirur is also a regional trading centre for fish and betel leaf and has an average elevation of 2 metres. As of 2001 India census, Tirur had a population of 53,650, of which 48% are male, Tirur has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%, male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 78%. In Tirur, 14% of the population is under six years of age, Tirur assembly constituency is part of Ponnani. Tirur was part of the Kingdom of Tanur in medieval times, the 16th-century poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, who is considered to be the father of the Malayalam language literature, lived in the town. Thunchan Parambu in Tirur is highly venerated and its sand is believed to be sacred, the sand is used in Vidyāraṃbhaṃ, especially on Vijayadashami. The birthplace of Thunjathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language, the famous Thunjan Utsavam is held here every year in the first week of February. During this festival many literary luminaries, singers and classical dancers gather here, Thunjan Paramba is located in Annara,1.5 km away from Tirur railway station. A memorial for the poet has been built at Thunjan Paramba. This place is sacred for all who speak Malayalam, people in thousands reach Thunjan Paramba with their children, to initiate them into the world of letters on the Vijayadasami day. Children are made to write on the sands of Thunjan Paramba with their fingers. Also young poets of Kerala come on that day to offer their first poem, a Nux vomica tree, the leaves of which are not bitter, is a surprise at the Thunjan Paramba. Keralas Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the Thunchathu Ezhuthachan Malayalam University at Tirur Thunchanparambu on 1 November 2012, the second intake of students were inducted on 18 August 2014. Thirunavaya is a town in Tirur. The historically important land of ancient Mamankam, Thirunavaya is 7 kilometres south of Tirur on the banks of Bharathapuzha River. The area has three dedicated to the Trimurtis, the gods of creation, sustenance and annihilation of life. The well-known vedic Vidyalaya Othanmar Madom of ancient times, is on the bank of Bharathapuzha and this madom was a centre of Aryanisation through Sanskrit and Vedic education, as Thirunavaya was believed to be the main centre where Parasurama brought and settled Brahmins. The Palace of Puranic fame Azhvanchery Thamprakkal is 2 kilometres north of Thirunnavaya, chandanakavu, the birthplace of the great 16th-century Sanskrit poet and grammarian Melapthur Narayana Bahttathiri, is 10 kilometres from Tirur on the Thirunnavaya-Kottakal road
Tirur
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Thunjan Parambu
Tirur
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Tirur Railway Station
78.
Parassala
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Parassala is a town of Trivandrum, Kerala, India, at the southern end of Kerala, bordering Tamil Nadu. The residents of this town speak both Malayalam and Tamil and this is south most town of Kerala. The main Banks in the town are Federal Bank, SBI, SBT, South Indian Bank, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India and KSFE, Muthoot Fincorp, Muthoot Finance, Mini Muthoot, etc. A railway station, telephone exchange, bus depot give an image to the town. It is famous for its Mahadeva Temple, the Place have a pond called the Thavala Ella kollam which is in English means No Frog Pond which is as the name have no Frogs in it. A part of the population are involved in the collecting of palmyra nectar, the typical nectar collected on pots from atop palmyra trees are also used for making karupatti which is known for its medicinal properties and is what the town is mostly known for. The major hospitals in the town are Saraswathy Multispeciality Hospital and SP Multispeciality Hospital, Saraswathy Multispeciality Hospital is the first Multispeciality Hospital in Parassala. The panchayat also holds a Medical College at Karakonam and it also have Dakshna Bharat Hindi Prachara Sabha Hindi Class. Sree Kaleeswary, Sree Saraswathy, Thameens Maxx, IMP are the movie comes under Parassala Grama Panchayat. Sree Kaleeswary and Sree Saraswathy are one of the 3D platinum movie theatres in kerala, people are extremely industrious and innovative. Due to the confluence of two cultures Tamil and Malayalam, people have a sense of appreciation for arts and culture. Most of the people are bilingual - Tamil and Malayalam, ponnammal, an elderly woman who was the first female singer in the famous Navarathri Mandapam of Thiruvananthapuram during 2006 comes from this town. Parassala assembly constituency is part of Trivandrum, the former late deputy speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Sundaran Nadar, is from Parassala. The current MLA is C. K. Harindren and the current Panchayath president is T. K Sarojini, now, from November 2015, local self election conducted by state election commission and won Left Democratic front and Com. Parassala Sree Mahadeva temple is one of the foremost centres of worship in south Kerala, here the deity, Lord Siva is facing the west, which is considered as a rare phenomenon, and devotees even from far off places attend the worship. It was built by Mallen Chembakaraman Delava of Venad royal family, the temple is centuries old and the structure is rare stone architecture and Parvathy devi and Vighneswara are the upadevathas. Parassala, the place is well known for communal harmony. Elankam Bhuvaneswary temple is another attraction in Parassala
Parassala
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Abbs Memorial Church
79.
Oachira
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Oachira or Ochira is an ancient temple town located 32 km away from Kollam city in Kollam district in Kerala, India. Oachira is one of the sacred places of Kerala and in India. Oachira is on the border of Kollam and Allappuzha Districts, next to the National Highway 47 and it is a very ancient pilgrimage center that is centered on the ParaBrahma Temple, which covers thirty-six acres of land. Oachira North Muslim Masjid is another historical monument near Oachira town, the major annual festivals are Oachira Kali or Oachirakali and the twelve-day Panthrandu Vilakku, which is held in November/December. Oachira Kali is celebrated in commemoration of the battle of Kayamkulam and it is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam. They perform a martial dance standing in water, brandishing swords and shields. A big cattle fair is held as part of the festival. Yet another festival celebrated in Oachira Temple is the Irupathiyettam Onam and it is considered the Onam of cows and bulls and is celebrated on Thiruvonam. These concepts are related to Shiva Vahana, the first twelve days are celebrated as Panthrantu vilakku. Days are filled with speeches of Eminent scholars, religious leaders, for pilgrims these days will be truly rejuvenating experience. There is no sanctorum in Oachira Temple, the statues of the deities are placed below large banyan trees, the Prasadam is holy mud from the temple, which supposedly has medicinal value. The temple has a tradition of religious harmony, which is open to people of all religion. The main offering of the temple is Annadanam-offering food to the poor, the temple administration manages a speciality hospital, nursing college and two guest houses. Recently built guest house Omkaram is having 102 rooms with all modern amnities to cater the need of pilgrims, for the Muslim community, Daras at Oachira Muslim Jama-ath is well known in south Kerala. Late Vazhakkad Ustad was one of the famous mudaris, with the contribution of king of Krishnapuram, he made a well- reputed institution in this village. Many famous religious scholars learned Islamic teachings from here, the Juma Masjid renovated in 2010, and can accommodate a capacity of more than 5000 people. Remarkable Muslim personalities like late Pathi Abdul Khader Musliyar, late Ummarkutty Musliyar, cartoonist Shankar is another remarked personality near Oachira. The government of Kerala paid a tribute that a museum in memory of the country’s best known, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi was behind the ambitious initiative with an estimated initial cost of Rs.3
Oachira
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City Corporations
80.
Sasthamkotta
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Sasthamkotta or Sasthamcotta is a village in the Kunnathoor Tehsil of Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India. Kunnathoor taluk headquarters is located at Sasthamkotta, Sasthamkotta fresh water lake is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala. Shasthamcotta is 25 kilometres from Kollam, the headquarters, a few kilometres from Adoor,18 kilometres and 24 kilometres from Karunagappalli town and 42 kilometres away from Paravur. It is the location of the Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, the place is naturally beautiful and is surrounded by hills and valleys. In the midst of the hills is the Fresh Water Lake, the extensive freshwater lake here is the biggest of its kind in Kerala. Water supply to the Kollam town is met by purifying the water from this lake. One of the features of Sasthamcotta temple is the abundance of monkeys that camp around, the Second World Religion Conference had been held in Sasthamcotta, in which the global religious leaders had particularly participated. As of 2001 India census, Sasthamkotta had a population of 32,330 with 15,818 males and 16,512 females, Sasthamkotta is connected to Adoor municipality via SH-37. Adoor-Kollam KSRTC Venad chain bus service passes through Sasthamkotta, Sasthamkotta railway station falls under the Thiruvananthapuram railway division of the Southern Railway Zone of Indian Railways. It is coming in between Munrothuruthu railway station and Karunagappalli railway station, the nearest important major rail head to Sasthamkotta is Kollam Junction railway station and Karunagappalli railway station K. R. Meera P. C. Vishnunath Abdul Nasser Mahdani - founder of the Peoples Democratic Party C. P, rajasekharan Journalist& Writer Ravi Saraswathi Joel M George prof. C. Chandramathi, Short story Writer Dr. G. Sumithran Appus Sportings & Recreation Club Kovoor
Sasthamkotta
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Evening at Sasthamcotta Lake
Sasthamkotta
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An Evening view of Sasthamcotta Lake
Sasthamkotta
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City Corporations
81.
Aranmula
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Aranmula is a temple village in the state of Kerala, India. At a distance of around 116 km from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, a centre of pilgrimage from time immemorial and a trade post of eminence, when the river was the chief means of transport, it is near Kozhenchery in Pathanamthitta District. Aranmula is famous for the famous tourist attraction Vallam Kali, Aranmula is a heritage site enlisted by the United Nations. It is a site for the Hindus and comprises the central temple of Lord Parthasarathi with a network of temples. Boat race is part of the temple festival here, fertile wetlands, locally called Puncha, rich biodiversity and a soothing climate make Aranmula an apex model of the ecofriendly culture of Kerala. The region, as remote sensing maps show, has a stock of ground water which feeds the river Pampa. The rice producing belts like Kuttanad downstream benefit from the water cycle, nearby important towns are Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, Pandalam. The nearest railway station is at Chengannur and airports are in Kochi, India, the annual snake boat race on the Pampa river, called Uthrittathi Vallamkali, attracts devotees and also national and international tourists. Fifty two Karas, from ancient chieftains, own the snake boats take part in the boat races. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, known as Aranmula kannadi. The palace at Aranmula built mostly in wood is a marvel and has a history of around 200 years. It was here that the Thiru Abharanam, ornaments of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala, were originally kept, Aranmula is located at 9. 33°N76. 68°E /9.33,76.68. It has an elevation of 7 m. The Aranmula Parthasarathi Temple is a temple in Kerala and has a great antiquity. It is one of the venerated 108 Vaishnava temples in India, spread over a vast area the temple is on the banks of the river Pampa and the whole temple complex is at a high elevation. Main idol is of Lord Krishna, who is the charioteer of warrior Arjuna in Kurukshetra War and it is believed that this temple was originally built near Sabarimala near Nilackal later shifting here. Nilackal was an important human settlement in the beginning of Christian era, and had one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, the disciple of Christ. The temple has a flight of 18 steps that lead to the Eastern Tower while 57 descending steps from the Northern tower reaches the Pampa River, the temple here has fine murals from the 18th century
Aranmula
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Aranmula Pardhasaradhi Temple
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Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race
Aranmula
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The famous Uthrittathy Vallamkali
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Kuravilangad
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Kuravilangad is a town located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. The town is situated in the Meenachil Taluk, about 22 km north of Kottayam and it includes entire Kuravilangad panchayath and areas like Kattampack, kappumthala, Vakkad, Kurianad, Mannakkanad, Elakkad and Kalathoor. Kuravilangad is known as The Vatican of India, Kuravilangad is also known as Kizhakkinte Lourde, Kuravilla Naad, Kuravilla Angadi. Our Lady appeared to a few children at Kuravilangad, who were tending their flock in the bushes and our Lady asked them to build a church at the place from where a miraculous perpetual spring sprouted, a spring which exists even today. The children reported the events to the elders and a church was built there, Kuravilangad church is noted for its old bell, which contains inscriptions belonging to some unknown script. Another significant artifact is a model of a made from wood. St. Marys Parish at Kuravilangad tried its level best to add splendor to Moonnu Nompu functions during Lent. Amidst the surging mass of humanity the spectacle makes one imagine that the sea is furious, the people of the Kadappoor locality has the privilege to carry the vessel during the procession. This privilege is start from the 400 AD, the festival is marked by inter-religious harmony and mutual cooperation, as the inhabitants of the neighboring villages participate in the festivities. Nowadays, the Ettu nompu is also observed. St. Pauls CMS Anglican Church, Kuravilangad is the local hub of education, which caters education to students from both Kottayam and Ernakulam District. Dr. K. R. Narayanan, The former president of Republic India and he did his schooling from St. Marys Boys High School, Kuravilangad. Official website of Kottayam District kozha sree narasimhaswami temple, kuravilangadu St. Mary Church Deva Matha College The tomb of Archdeacons- Kuravilangadu
Kuravilangad
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Cross in front of the Marth Mariam Syro- Malabar Catholic Church
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Thalayolaparambu
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Thalayolaparambu is a village-town situated in the northern part of Kottayam district in Kerala, South India. Belonging to the Vaikom legislative assembly and Kottayam parliament constituency, it is one of the towns situated on the Ernakulam-Kottayam route. Thalayolaparambu also hosts the market established during the administration of Velu Thampi Dalawa. History of this region is related to Venad, venattarachan gave a part of his kingdom to the minister of Chazhi Illam as a gift for killing the king of Vadakkumkoor. Those places which was written in the first Thaaliola came to be known as Thalayoalaparambu, another story says that this region is at the head area of Kuttanad and was known as Thalapparambu and later it became Thalayolaparambu. This town hosts the biggest market of the locality which was founded by Velu Thampi Dalawa and this market opens twice in a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It attracts producers, consumers and businessmen from the nearby panchayats including Vaikom, Keezhoor, in olden times the products from the Kottayam Division High Range were sent to Kochi- Alappuzha markets through this market. Previously economy of region was mainly concentrated on this markets activities. Muvattupuzha river which passes through this region is an important factor for the activity of this region. In earlier times, large barges, much like country boats, agriculture is the main occupation of the people here. Currently construction Industry is a contributor to the economy of this region. River sand mining, manufacturing of cement bricks, clay bricks, previously Sand mining industry was a major job provider in the area. New regulatory reforms in the industry has brought down the attractiveness of this industry, a small portion of the population is in Persian Gulf countries. Access to credit of the region has improved a lot from the past, currently 6 banks including Federal Bank, South Indian Bank, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of India, North Malabar Gramin Bank, and Canara Bank have branches at Thalayolaparambu. Canara Bank, South Indian Bank, State Bank of Travancore, UAE Xchange, Manappuram Finance and Muthoot Group is also have its branches at Thalayolaparambu. The religious harmony of the place is evident as one can see the churches, temples and mosques situated close to each other, Thalayolaparambu is home for eight Hindu Temples, four Churches and two Mosques. These places hosts ancient and modern artworks, tourists from all over the world are attracted to these places. The four churches in Thalayolaparambu are St. George Church, St. Michaels Church, Infant Jesus Church, St. George Church, Thalayolaparambu is an important Catholic church in Kerala
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Thalayolaparambu Market
Thalayolaparambu
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Thalayolaparambu Town
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An old picture of Mohiyudheen Masjid, Thalayolaparambu
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Munnar
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Munnar is a town and hill station located in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres above sea level. The name Munnar is believed to mean three rivers, referring to its location at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers, geographic coordinates of Munnar is 10°05′21″N 77°03′35″E. Munnar town is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 square kilometres, Munnar is well connected by both National highways, state highways and rural roads. The town lies in the Kochi - Dhanushkodi National highway, about 130 km from Cochin,31 km from Adimali,85 km from Udumalpettu in Tamil Nadu and 60 km from Neriyamangalam. Distance from major cities from Kochi - Ernakulam -150 km The nearest major stations are at Ernakulam. The Nearest Functioning Railway station is at Udumalaipettai, the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres away. The Coimbatore and Madurai airports is 165 km from Munnar, the panchayath of Munnar formed in 1961 January 24 is divided into 21 wards for administrative convenience. Coimbatore district lies in the north, Pallivasal in south, Devikulam and Marayoor in east and Mankulam, most of the native flora and fauna of Munnar have disappeared due to severe habitat fragmentation resultant from the creation of the plantations. There has been action to address the problems of property takeovers by the mafia that have, according to successive governments. In 2011, the government estimated that 20,000 hectares of land had been illegally appropriated, the temperature ranges between 5 °C and 25 °C in winter and 15 °C and 25 °C in summer. Temperatures as low as −4 °C have been recorded in the Sevenmallay region of Munnar, köppen-Geiger climate classification system classifies it as subtropical highland. Bisonvalley Kolukkumalai Kunchithanny Marayur Mattupetty Dam Munnar Tea Museum Pallivasal Rajakkad Munnar travel guide from Wikivoyage Kerala Tourism
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Munnar Hill station
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Tea plantations in Munnar
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Hills around the tea plantations, Munnar
85.
Adimali
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Adimaly is a town in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Adimali is located on the National Highway 85 connecting Kochi and Madurai, Adimaly is located about 83 kilometers from aluva. From Adimaly, it is only 27 kilometers to Munnar, which is a hill station. The waterfalls Cheeyappara and Valara are located nearby, pepper cultivation is the main agricultural activity of this place. The Ponmudi Dam was constructed in 1963 across the Panniar river, nearly 15 km southeast of Adimali, Adimali is known for its proximity to munnar and natural beauty. Kallar is another beautiful place located 14 km from Adimaly, Adimaly has almost all the basic facilities like well connected roads, educational institutions and hospitals. The former name of the Adimali area was Mannamkandam, as the name indicates the Mannan tribe once populated the area, other tribal groups collectively called the Muthuvan were also living in Adimali. Before 1980, the main crops under cultivation were rice as well as pepper, now almost 90 percent of the paddy fields have been modified for other purposes such as residential land, rubber plantations or banana fields. Adimali is a new town located between Kochi and Munnar. It gained its importance when the Government of Kerala allowed mass settlements of people from the districts in the Mid 20th century. The majority of the people in area around Adimali migrated from the district of Ernakulam. Since it intersects two major roads and is a resting point on the way to Munnar, Adimali slowly grew in size. In the last 15 years, Adimali has emerged as a population center in the district. Adimaly is a town in Idukki district of Kerala state. Adimaly is located on the National Highway 49 connecting Kochi and Madurai, munnar- a famous hill station is about 30 km from Adimaly. The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located en route to Adimaly, pepper is the major cultivation in this area. Ponmudi Dam, which is constructed across the Panniar river, is about 15 km from Adimali, the dam which was built in 1963 has a length of 294 m. The places nearby to this area are Kuthirayalla, Pettimudi, Pettimudi area is near to Tamil Nadu
Adimali
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Adimaly അടിമാലി
Adimali
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Cheeyappara
Adimali
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Valara waterfall
Adimali
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Adimali waterfall
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Kalady
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Kalady or Kaladi is a census town located east of the Periyar river, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India near to Cochin International Airport at a distance of 6 Km. Notably, it is the birthplace of Adi Shankara and a destination for pilgrims. The Centenary of Kalady was celebrated in May 2010 and the story of Kalady, in the local language, Malayalam, Kalady means footprint. The village was previously called Sasalam, almost all traditional and hagographical evidences prove that Kalady is the birth place of Adi Sankara. It is situated on the banks of river Periyar, the place is believed to have been found by a chieftian named Rajasekara, whose dream was influenced by Hindu god Shiva. He also built a temple for Shiva at this place and made a settlement for Brahmins, there are two temples in the place - one for Saradamba and other for Sankara as Dakshinamurthi. Sringeri Mutt and Kanchi Mutt have their branches here, a 45 m tall Adi Sankara Kirti Stamba Mandapa was built by Kanchi Mutt under the aegis of its pontiff Chandrasekarendra Saraswati. A Sanskrit University is run by Sringeri Mutt in the place, legend holds that one day, the widowed mother of Little Sankara, Aryamba, fainted after walking three kilometers for her daily bath in the Periyar then known as Purna river. Feeling helpless, Little Sankara prayed to Lord Krishna, the tears of the child moved Krishna, who blessed him thus, the river will flow where your little feet marks. The Purna river took its new course in the place marked by the boys feet. That place came to be called Kalady, the Purna river began flowing through Little Sankaras home garden. Sankara then installed Lord Krishna into the present temple, and marked the occasion by reciting his famous Ätchutha Ashtakam, thus Kalady signifies the love of an innocent child for his beloved mother and the blessings of Lord Krishna. Adi Shankara was born in Brahmin family as the son of Sivaguru. Shankaras shrine at Kalady, run by the Sringeri Mutt, is a large, partly open structure situated on the bank of the river Periyar. There are two shrines in the temple, one is dedicated to Sri Sankaracharya and the other to Goddess Saradamba. The samadhi of Sri Sankaras mother, Aryamba, is located here. A small shrine to Vinayaka, or Ganapati, is the scene of evening prayers, the worship in these temples is done by Tamil or Kannada Smartha Brahmins, and not by Namboothiris. The Ramakrishna Advaita Ashram is a centre of Ramakrishna Math
Kalady
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Adi Shankara with disciples, drawing by
Raja Ravivarma,1904
Kalady
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Sree Ramakrishna Advaita Ashram, Kalady
Kalady
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Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthampa Mandapam
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Sree Krishna Temple, Kalady
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Malayattoor
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Malayattoor is a village in the North Eastern corner of Ernakulam District in the state of Kerala in South India. The name Malayattoor is an amalgamation of three small words and this is to say, Malayattoor is a meeting place of mountain, river, and land. Located 52 km from Kochi, the Malayatoor Church is situated atop the 609 m high Malayatoor Hill, the church is dedicated to St. Thomas, who is believed to have prayed at this shrine. One of the most important Christian pilgrim centres in Kerala, this shrine attracts devotees in very large numbers not only from Kerala. This famous church is situated at Kurisumudi, a verdant hill in the Western Ghats girdled partially by the Periyar, the Church has a life-size statue of St. Thomas and the imprint of the feet of the Apostle on a rock. This shrine has now been accorded an international pilgrimage station, Malayattoor a meeting place of mountain and river shot into prominence when she was blessed by the missionary work of St. Thomas the apostle of Jesus Christ. He set foot at Kodungalloor, in AD52 and founded the seven churches. On his way to Mylapore, he stopped at Malayattoor, a hostile reception was given and his life was in danger. According to the Ramban Paattu, he was forced to flee to the top of the mountain and had spent days in the abode of God, in deep anguish and agony St. Thomas prayed to the Lord and upon touching the rock, blood sprang forth from it. In AD52 he reached Malayattoor and selected the place for prayer and his zeal for the Lord took him to Mylapore and later died a martyrs death there in AD72. Later, while on hunting the local people found a light emanating from the hard rock. They later discovered the footprints of the saint and when this extra ordinary piece of news reached the plains. Malayattoor is a part of the Malayattoor-Neeleeswaram Panchayat of Ernakulam Dist, most people follow Catholic and Hindu beliefs. All the families are known by family names. Pentecost – Assembly of God church Malayattoor The Naturopathy Center is near Neeleeswaram at Palayi. St. Thomas Hospital is the hospital in malayattoor. Angamaly for Kalady, Aluva Cochin International Airport is about 18 kilometres from Malayattoor, the airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, abhayaranyam is also near and is a place of interest. St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kerala at Kodungallur in AD52, according to beliefs, during prayer, he touched a rock, upon which blood poured from it
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Way to the Malayattoor hill top
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A teak plantation at Malayattoor
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St Thomas High School Malayattoor
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Kadappara Church
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Nemmara
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Nemmara is a village in the Palakkad district, Kerala, India. It is administrated by the Nemmara gram panchayat, Nemmara hosts the Vallanghi Nenmara Vela, a yearly festival jointly organised with Vallangi village. As of 2001, according to the Indian census, Nemmara had a population of 18,244 with 8,888 males and 9,356 females, Vallanghi Nenmara Vela is held in the Nellikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, and runs from the 3-16 April each year. The most popular part of the festival is the display the at the end. Vallanghi Nelliampathi Pothundi Dam Vallanghy Nenmara Vela Satellite image of Nemmara town Nemmara Community Website at the Wayback Machine
Nemmara
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Panthal by Nemmara desham,2014
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Karipur
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Karipur is a locality in the Kondotty taluk of the Malappuram district of Kerala, south India,25 km from the city of Malappuram. It is best known as the site of Calicut International Airport, other than that, it is a small hamlet that comes under the Pallikkal gram panchayat. Karippur village is a predominantly Muslim populated area, hindus exist in comparatively smaller numbers. So the culture of the locality is based upon Muslim traditions, duff Muttu, Kolkali and Aravanamuttu are common folk arts of this locality. There are many libraries attached to mosques giving a rich source of Islamic studies, some of the books are written in Arabi-Malayalam which is a version of the Malayalam language written in Arabic script. People gather in mosques for the prayer and continue to sit there after the prayers discussing social and cultural issues. Business and family issues are also sorted out during these evening meetings, the Hindu minority of this area keeps their rich traditions by celebrating various festivals in their temples. Hindu rituals are done here with a regular devotion like other parts of Kerala, karippur village connects to other parts of India through Kondotty town on the west and Nilambur town on the east. National highway No.66 passes through Pulikkal and the northern stretch connects to Goa, the southern stretch connects to Cochin and Trivandrum. State Highway No.28 starts from Nilambur and connects to Ooty, Calicut airport is situated in this village. The nearest major station is at Feroke
Karipur
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Calicut International Airport
90.
Kunnamangalam
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Kunnamangalam is a growing census town located about 14.5 km east of Kozhikode city on the Calicut-Bangalore National Highway. Nearby places are Koduvally, Chathamangalam, and Kettangal, the locality is home of education. Kunnamangalam is developing as a suburb of Kozhikode, it will be merged to calicut corporation in the near future, moozhikkal,5 km west Karanthur. M. Makham and Rampoyil Bus Transportation, Kunnamangalanm is well connected to all parts of kerala. There are regular KSRTC bus services and private bus services, railway stations, Nearest stations are available at Kozhikode, Feroke and Koyilandy. The Centre was established in the year 1989, since then the Centre is engaged in the conduction of industry oriented quality education and training in the state-of-the-art areas through various formal and non formal courses. The centre is engaged in R & D as well as product development. KMCT Medical College is situated at Kallanthode, Manassery and Mampatta 25 km from Kozhikode city, the campus is situated at Chathamangalam,22 kilometres north east of Kozhikode, on the Kozhikode–Mukkam Road. It is one of the National Institutes of Technology established by the Government of India for imparting high standard education to students from all over the country. The college is among the few institutions in the country to host a Supercomputer of its own. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode IIMK is one of the 13 Indian Institutes of Management set up by the Government of India, the Institute founded in 1996 in collaboration with the State Government of Kerala was the 5th IIM to be established. The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management was established as a research organisation by the Government of Kerala, under its Science. The Centre had a growth along with its other sister institutes under the umbrella of the State Committee on Science, Technology. The Centre originally established at Thiruvananthapuram was shifted to the present 35 ha-campus at Calicut in 1979, the main building at the headquarters, completed in 1988, has 7000 sq m plinth area. In addition to this, there are buildings to house the isotope hydrology lab, Water analysing laboratory, hostels for trainees. Today, around 50 families of the staff are residing in the constructed in the campus. Markazu Ssaqafathi Ssunniyya, located 14 kilometers east of Calicut, is situated in a setting of scenic beauty. Markaz had its beginning in the year 1978 under the auspices of Sheik Aboobacker Ahmed. Today it has strength of more than 12,000 students, the Markaz in Karanthur has started a handicrafts training center for schoolchildren
Kunnamangalam
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Civil Station, Kunnamangalam
Kunnamangalam
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Nearest Towns [edit]
91.
Thiruvambady
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Thiruvambady is a major hilly town and one of the suburb in the south - eastern side of Kozhikode district in Kerala, India. Thiruvambady is also an Legislative Assembly Constituency which is situated 35 km from Calicut City, thiruvambadi is located on the banks of Iruvanjippuzha which is a tributary of Chaliyar situated 35 km far from Kozhikode city. Town is surrounded with mountains, valleys and waterfalls, famous waterfalls such as Thusharagiri Falls, Arippara Waterfalls, Urumi Hydro Electric Dam Set, Kozhippara Waterfalls Kakkadampoyil, Vellaimala etc. are situated near to the town. Thiruvambady is well connected by road network with near by places, a KSRTC Bus Operating Centre is situated in town. There is also a private Bus Stand situated in town, the main Bus Services are to nearby places such as Kozhikode, Mukkam, Omassery, Thamarassery, Koduvally, Pulloorampara, Anakkampoyil, Koodaranji and Kodenchery. Also KSRTC buses operates many inter district services from here, nearest Airport - Calicut International Airport is 43 km away. Nearest Railway Station - Kozhikode Railway Station is 35 km away, after death of Pazhassi Raja against British Army in 1805 this area belonged to East India Company. In this time the land of Zamorin in Kozhikode also belonged to East India Company, East India Companys Malabar area then after belonged to Madras Presidency and was ruled by British. British divide this whole land to small providences, districts and taluks for the ease of ruling, like that Thiruvambady area came under Kozhikode Taluk. At that time the domain of land in people living area in Thiruvambady was given to Kottayam King Kalppakassery Karnoru, from this squire the tenants got agriculture permission in Thiruvambady. People of Thiruvambady cast their first votes to the Malabar district Board, the first man who started business in Thiruvambady was late Kuttiassan belonged to Cheruvadi. The second phase of the history of Thiruvambady begun in the year 1944, second world war and its aftermath severe poverty led them to immigrates them new pastures. Though there was a school named Nandanassery school opportunity only to study up to 4th standard was there, teachers from distant places stayed in the houses of the landlord and taught. Their salary was an amount of money and food. A little bit of help was there from the Madras Government there, the immigration of people from Travancore gave new life to Thiruvambady. The immigration of Christians to Thiruvambady started in the year 1942, Sacred Heart Upper Primary School was started in the year 1947. In the year 1951 Sree Narayana Mission begun Lower Primary School and it is to be noted that there begun a public library in the middle of 1950’s. Thus people of Thiruvambady remember in great respect the contributions rendered by the Christian Missioneries and Sree Narayana Mission forwards progress, there were two stories about this name
Thiruvambady
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Thiruvambady Bus Stand
Thiruvambady
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Thiruvambady Town
Thiruvambady
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Thiruvambady Rubber Estate
Thiruvambady
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Iruvanjippuzha
92.
Kuttiyadi
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Kuttiady is a town in the northern part of Kozhikode district in Kerala state, India. It is 24 km from Vatakara, Kuttiadi acknowledged the supremacy of the Kottayam Raja, whose fortified palace stands on a hill. During the Pazhassi rebellion, Kuttiadi, which commanded one of the passes to Wayanad was of great strategic importance. In 1957, the shafts of two golden swords supposed to have used by Pazhassi Raja were unearthed. Overlooking Kuttiadi and other regions is the 1758 m. height Banasura peak, named after the giant demon Banasura, now the name of Kuttiadi connected with the hydroelectric project in Kuttiadi river basin. Kuttiady has a Hydroelectric power plant that supplies much of Keralas electric power, actually, Kuttiyadi Dam is 25 km from Kuttiyadi town. It also serves as an irrigation project, the place was originally a forest owned by the Vengalil family but was nationalized following the accession of a communist administration in Kerala. During ancient Chera regime, the region was an important military strategic pass, valayannur Chira is famous for its natural beauty. Kuttiyadi is also famous for high yielding coconut trees, coconuts and coconut oil from kuttiyadi is supplied all over kerala as seed, in government initiative. Kuttyadi town is about 50 km from Kozhikode City towards north east, the nearest railway station is Vatakara and airport is at Karipur. Perambra and Nadapuram are the major towns nearby. The river is known as the Murat River and yellow river. This river has a length of 74 km and it falls into the Arabin Sea at Moorad about 6 km from Vatakara and along with its tributaries it drains in area of 583 km2. The major tributaries of the river are the Onipuzha, the Thottilpalampuzha the Kadiyangad puzha thevannathilpuzha, the river passes through Oorakuzhi Kuttiadi. The historical Kottakkal Forest is situated at the mouth of the river, significance of Kuttiady Dam Kuttiady Peruvannamuzhi Dam is one of the most beautiful dams in Kerala. Being situated in a village, its beauty gets added up. It is approximately 60 km from Kozhikode and you could reach by a two-hour journey. It is situated in the north- East direction of Calicut city, There are many private bus services to this place
Kuttiyadi
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Janakikadu Eco Tourism Project entrance Gate Near Kuttiadyin Kozhikode district
93.
Pulpally
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Pulpally is a mid-sized town in Wayanad District of Kerala, India. Geographically a Village in Sultan Battery Taluk and a Grama Panchayath under local governance system. It is about 24 km from Sultan Battery, and is almost surrounded by forest and this place is famous for its Sita Devi temple which is one of the few in India devoted for Sita Devi. The icons of Lava and Kusa, children of Sita, are installed here. It is believed that Sita Devi went into earth here and this place and the surrounding areas are believed to be the key places in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The temple festival which is celebrated annually in the month of January is famous and is attracts people from parts of Wayanad. About 7 km from Pulpally is the place of death of Pazhassi Raja who led the famous Pazhassi Revolt against the East India Company during the 18th century and was killed on 30 November 1805 and it is claimed to be the only place in Wayanad District not having leeches. There is a story behind this, Lava and Kusa were playing in the forest, at that time mother Seeta Devi had seen it and cursed the leeches to not enter the boundary of Pulpally. The myth says that the name Pulpally came out from a Parnasala made out of Grass, were Lava, the entire community irrespective of cast or living standards in and around Pulpally will be giving offerings and participating the Sita LavaKusa Temple festival. Majority of the families were migrated from South Kerala in between 1950 and 1970s, Pulpally is sharing the border with Karnataka, its just 10 km away from the town. If the Karnataka and Kerala Governments works together for a Bridge between the Kabani River, it will be the shortest way to Mysore from Kerala, the very famous Kuruva Island is just 10 km away from Pulpally Agriculture is the main economic activity of people. Major crops are pepper, rubber, coconut, ginger, rice, arecanut, and coffee. Even most of the peoples are depending pepper agriculture. Pulpally also known The land of black gold. One of the attractions of Pulpally is the Kabani River. Kabani is one of the three rivers flowing to the east in Kerala, Pulpally is connected to the legend of Rama. It is believed that when Sita was abandoned by Rama, she reached Pulpally and was given shelter by the great Sage Valmiki, the place in Pulpally, where Sita gave birth to Lava and Kusa is called Valmiki Ashramam. Chedattinkavu is the temple of Pulpally Temple. According to the legend Lava and Kusa the two sons of SitaDevi stopped and caught the horse, sent by Rama as part of the Ashwamedha, when Rama came to free the horse, he saw Sita and immedietly she disappeared in the earth, her mother. While going down, her hair was caught by Rama and thus the name Chedattinkavu or Jadayattakavu to the spot, chedattilamma is the presiding deity of this temple along with Sapthamathrukkal
Pulpally
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Kids in Kuruva Island
94.
Kumbala
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Kumbla locally spelled as Kumble or Kumbala is a small town located 11 km north of Kasaragod town and 12 km south of Uppala in Kasaragod District, Kerala. Kumbla is located at the mouth of a formed by the Shiriya river. The original name Kanipura is derived from the name of Maharshi Kanva, hence the name Kanvapura later on morphed in to Kanipura by word of mouth. The historic and ancient temple of Gopalakrishna in Kumble was believed to have been conceived by Kanva Maharshi, Kumbla was once the seat of the Kumbla Kings l, who ruled the southern part of Tuluva Kingdom. It was a port in ancient times. In the 16th century A. D.11,788 per annum in 1804, Parthisubba, the great Yakshagana exponent, known as Father of Yakshagana was born here in the 18th century. A few renowned shrines in Kumbla are, Sri Parthasarathi Temple, Ananthapuram Lake Temple, the only lake temple of Kerala, believed to be the Moola Sthaana or origin of the well-known Padmanabhaswamy temple of Thiruvananthapuram. Arikkady Hanuman Mandira, which lies on the foot of Kumble Fort, kana Dhumavathi Daivasthana, which is one of the revered worshiping place for Havyaka Brahmin community. Dhumavathi Daiva is said to be brought from Ulalu Boodu of Kadamannaya family, Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple, in Arikady East, owned by Devapoojithaya Family since more than 300years. The temple is having a Hanuman pillar in which lord hanuman appeared before Devapoojithays in 1875 A. D, the temple is very famous for KARYASIDDHI yajna performed by Devapoojithay Family, who are revered as the royal priests of Kumbale Raja Jayasimha. Several big Celebess across India visits the place for worship abd Yajna, Sri Gopalakrishna Temple, situated at the heart of the town. This is one of the most revered as well as ancient temples in this area and it was one of four temples administered by the Maipady king. The other temples are Madhuru Sri Madananteshwara Siddhi Vinayaka temple, Sri Parthasarathy Temple-Mujungavu, shedikkavu Shiva Temple, situated on a hill opposite to the Sri Gopalakrishna Temple. It is said that Parthisubba wrote many of his Yakshagana songs at this temple, Gadde Mutt, one of the oldest temples in the town of Kumbla. This temple is surrounded on all the sides by paddy fields hence the name Gadde Mutt and it is a temple belonging to Nayak family of Kumble. It has a history of two and a half centuries. It also has the Nagadevatha Gudi and it is one of the many GSB community temples in the town of Kumble. They have their family deity santahanagopalakrishna temple it is also near to kumbla river, anil Kumble, former captain and the current coach of Indian national cricket team takes his last name, indicating ancestry or family origins, from this town
Kumbala
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Lake Temple, Kumbla, Kasaragod.
Kumbala
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Maippady Palace, Kumbla
95.
Uppala
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Uppala is a major town in Kasaragod district, Kerala, India. Uppala is the town for Kasaragod city. Uppala is located midway between Kasaragod and Mangalore and it is around 22 km north to the Kasaragod town and 24 km south to Mangalore city. Uppala is located about 586 km north to the state capital, National Highway 66, which used to be known as NH17, passes through the town. Uppala used to be known as Kurchipalla, according to census, the town has a population of 41,212 with the density around 1650 per square kilometre. As Uppala is located very near to the Arabian sea, it has a low elevation of nine metres. The town is densely populated near the National Highway 66, Uppala is a major infrastructural hub in the district and is noted for jewellery shops, fast food restaurants and high residential flats which lies across the town. High rises can be seen in town and it is the major destination for retail shopping in the district. Many projects are active in the town, the locals speaks many languages such as Malayalam, Tulu, Hindi, Urdu and Kannada. It has been selected as the centre of Urdu language in the region, Uppala is the taluk headquarters of Manjeshwaram Taluk, which was carved out from Kasaragod taluk. Uppala town belongs to Mangalpady Gram panchayat, geografical coordinates of Uppala are, 12°680 North, 75°540 East. Uppala lies in the western cost of south India, between the Western ghats and the Arabian sea, Uppala River is also known as Kalai River, originates from the Veerakamba Hills in Karnataka. Uppala river enters Kerala through Manjeshwar thaluk in Kasaragod and finally ends near Uppala Gate, the length of the river is about 50 km. The Uppala River originates at about 150 m height from the sea level, Uppala river constitutes about 50 square kilometres in Kasaragod district. Hence it is the second largest river in the district after Shiriya river, Mangalpady river, which flows near Bandiyod, is another river in Uppala. Uppala is the town for Kumbla, Manjeshwar, Paivalike, Puttur, Vittal, Kasaragod. As of Census 2011, Uppala has an area of 25.04 km2 and population around 41,000. In most months of the year, there is significant rainfall in Uppala, there is only a short dry season and it is not very effective
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Uppala town
Uppala
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Uppala river
Uppala
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Uppala Beach during sunset
96.
Kingdom of Cochin
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Kingdom of Cochin was a late medieval Hindu kingdom and later princely state on the Malabar Coast, South India. Once controlling much of the territory between Ponnani and Thottappally, the Cochin kingdom shrank to its minimal extent as a result of invasions by the Zamorin of Calicut. When Portuguese armadas arrived in India, Cochin was in vassalage to Zamorin and was looking for an opportunity to break away, Cochin became a long-time Portuguese protectorate providing assistance against native overlords. After the Portuguese, the Dutch East India Company followed by the English East India Company, even today, the full official designation of the Raja of Cochin is “Perumpadappu Gangadhara Veera Kerala Thrikkovil Adhikarikal”. The Kingdom of Cochin, originally known as Perumpadappu Swarupam, was under the rule of the Later Cheras in the Middle Ages, after the fall of the Mahodayapuram Cheras in the 12th century, along with numerous other provinces Perumpadappu Swarupam became a free political entity. However, it was only after the arrival of Portuguese colonizers on the Malabar Coast did the Perumpadappu Swarupam acquire any political importance, Perumpadappu rulers had family relationships with the Nambudiri rulers of Edappally. After the transfer of Kochi and Vypin from Edappally rulers to the Perumpadappu rulers, ma Huan, the Muslim voyager and translator who accompanied Admiral Zheng He on three of his seven expeditions to the Western Oceans, describes the king of Cochin as being a Buddhist. There is no extant written evidence about the emergence of the Kingdom of Cochin or of the Cochin Royal Family, all that is recorded are folk tales and stories, and a somewhat blurred historical picture about the origins of the ruling dynasty. The surviving manuscripts, such as Keralolpathi, Keralamahatmyam, and Perumpadapu Grandavari, are collections of myths and legends that are less than reliable as conventional historical sources. There is a legend that the last Perumal who ruled the Chera dynasty divided his kingdom between his nephews and his sons, converted to Islam and traveled to Mecca on a hajj. The Keralolpathi recounts the narrative in the following fashion, The last. He left for Mecca by ship with some Muslims who arrived at Kodungallur port, before leaving for Mecca, he divided his kingdom between his nephews and sons. The Perumpadapu Grandavari contains an account of the dynastic origins. Cheraman Perumal divided the land in half,17 amsa north of Neelaeswaram and 17 amsa south, totaling 34 amsa, thirty-four kingdoms between Kanyakumari and Gokarna were given to the thampuran who was the daughter of the last niece of Cheraman Perumal. Keralolpathi recorded the division of his kingdom in 345 AD, Perumpadapu Grandavari in 385 AD, historians, including Robin Jeffry, Faucett and Samuel Mateer, are of the opinion that as with all other Kings of Malabar, the Cochin Raja was also of Nair origin. Cochin kingdom ruled over a vast area in central Kerala before the Portuguese arrival and their state stretched up to Ponnani and Pukkaitha in the north, Anamalais in the east, and Cochin and Porakkad in the south, with capital at Perumpadappu on the northern border. Later, Calicut conquered large parts of Perumpadappu Kingdom, and made them a tributary state, Cochin was the scene of the first European settlement in India. In the year 1500, the Portuguese Admiral Pedro Álvares Cabral landed at Cochin after being repelled from Calicut, the king of Cochin welcomed the Portuguese and a treaty of friendship was signed
Kingdom of Cochin
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King of Cochin on an Indian elephant along with his Nair Warriors, by Jan Huyghen van Linschoten
Kingdom of Cochin
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The King of Cochin on his elephant, accompanied by his Nairs from Histoire générale des Voyages
Kingdom of Cochin
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A depiction of the ruler of Cochin, Malabar, by German painter and woodcut printmaker Hans Burgkmair the elder (1473–1531)
Kingdom of Cochin
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Nairs of Cochin from Jean Albert de Mandelslo's Voyages celebres & remarquables, faits de Perse aux Indes Orientales, pas le Sr. Jean-Albert Mandelslo, Gentilhomme des Ambassadeurs du Duc de Holstein en Moscovie & Perse (1727)
97.
Travancore-Cochin
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Travancore-Cochin or Thiru-Kochi was a short-lived state of India. It was renamed State of Travancore-Cochin in January 1950, parur T. K. Narayana Pillai, the Congress Prime Minister of Travancore, became the Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin. First elections were held in 1951 and A. J. John, Anaparambil from Congress party was elected as the Chief Minister, the ruler of Travancore was appointed as the governor of Travancore-Cochin. The Maharajah of Cochin was offered to be addressed as Uparaja Pramukh, the Maharaja politely said that the eldest member of Cochin Royal Family should be called Valiya Thampuran and gave up royal powers unconditionally for the good of the people
Travancore-Cochin
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Flag
98.
Thrikkadavoor
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Thrikkadavoor is a Town and a neighbourhood of Kollam city in the state of Kerala, India. In May 2015, Government of Kerala have decided to expand City Corporation of Kollam by merging Thrikkadavoor panchayath and it is owned by Kasthoorba Gandhi memorial women’s charitable society registered under Travancore Cochin Charitable Society’s Act. About 50 women irrespective of caste, creed or politics are members of the society and this is the only TTI in the state which is run by a women’s organization. 101 Kudam Kalasam, Chathussatham are offering, the Thrikkadavoor Mahadeva Temple is the most famous Siva Temple in Kollam District. It is situated in the Thrikkadavoor Panchayath and on the banks of the Ashtamudi lake. Mrikandu rishi and his wife Marudmati worshipped Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son. As a result, he was given the choice of either a gifted son, Mrikandu rishi chose the former, and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, destined to die at the age of 12. Markandeya grew up to be a devotee of Shiva and on the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Shiva in his aniconic form of Shivalingam. The messengers of Yama, the god of death were unable to take away his life because of his great devotion, Yama then came in person to take away Markandeyas life, and sprung his noose around the young sages neck. By accident or fate the noose mistakenly landed around the Shivalingam, after defeating Yama in battle to the point of death, Shiva then revived him, under the condition that the devout youth would live forever. For this act, Shiva was thereafter known also as Kalantaka and this was said to have happened in Thirukkadavoor also call Thrikkadavoor. Thus Maha Mrityunjaya Stotra is also attributed to Markandeya, and this legend of Shiva conquering death is inscribed in metal, the annual Srattu festival attracts thousands of people, including foreigners. The festival falls in the month of Kumbham, the eight artificial horses, which represent the eight areas around the temple, is a special attraction for tourists. May be the only one Nedumkuthira procession through water witnessed by global tourists. P Vivekanandan, Physics As of 2001 India census, Thrikkadavoor had a population of 38141 with 18674 males and 19467 females
Thrikkadavoor
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Thrikkadavoor തൃക്കടവൂര് കടവൂര്
99.
Thrikkaruva
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Thrikkaruva is a village in Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India. As of 2001 India census, Thrikkaruva had a population of 24823 with 12048 males and 12775 females, Thrikkaruva is diametrically around 10 Kilometers from Kollam City and 28 km away from Paravur town. On the far end Ashtamudi lake serves as its boundary and on the south Thrikkadavoor panchayath, Thrikkaruva is part of the new backwater tourism route designed with financial assistance from the Central Government. Main township in Thrikkaruva is Kanjavely, on the way to Prakkulam from Kollam. Trikkaruva Juma Masjid is the oldest mosque in Trikkaruva
Thrikkaruva
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City Corporations
100.
Mandrothuruth
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Munroe Island or Mundrothuruthu is located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in Kollam district, Kerala, South India. As of the 2011 Indian census, the village of Mundrothuruth has a total population of 9599. The place is named in honour of Resident Colonel John Munro of the former Princely State of Travancore, the island measures 13.4 square kilometres in area. In 1795 the British established their supremacy in South India and the state of Travancore came under their governance. From 1800 onwards, a Resident was appointed by East India Company as administrative head of Travancore, the first Resident was Colonel Colin Macaulay, followed by Colonel John Munro. During his tenure Munro oversaw the reclamation efforts in the delta where Kallada River joins Ashtamudi Lake. The Dutch Church here in Munroe Island is one of the ancient churches in Kerala and it was built by the Dutch in 1878. The red brick church is a blend of Dutch-Kerala architecture on the banks of Lake Ashtamudi. The villagers depended on coconut coir manufacturing as livelihood, however, post Indian Ocean tsunami, Kallada Boat Race, which is one of the famous boat races in Kerala, is at Karuvathrakadavu- Muthiraparambu nettayam in Munroethuruth. Low-lying areas of the Island are now under a threat of Submerging in high tides, an expert team from the Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam has started a study into the phenomena. The team headed by Prof. Gouri Antharjanam, and consisting of Prof. Suniil Kumar, Prof. Sirajudeen, R. Krishnan, Prof. Amal Azad and Prof. Udayakumar made several visits to the Island. The death of Lans Naik Sudheesh of this island in the Border area at Siachin has invoked interest of the world to the problems of this Place
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Munroe Island Mundrothuruthu, Manrothuruthu, Munroethuruth
Mandrothuruth
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Uninhabited island in Munroe
Mandrothuruth
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City Corporations
101.
East Kallada
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Kizhakkekallada is a village in Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India. East Kallada or popularly known as Kizhakkekallada is a located about 20 km north-east of Kollam city. East Kallada is bounded by Kallada River in the west and north and it is believed that the old port Nelkynda mentioned by Periplus of the Erythraean Sea is Kallada or its nearby place. Nelcynda is distant from Muziris by river and sea about five hundred stadia, and is of another Kingdom and this place also is situated on a river, about one hundred and twenty stadia from the sea. East Kallada is also a part of Travancore history, in 1730 Unni Keralavarma of Desinganadu invaded East Kallada, that was part of Venad at that time. Marthanda Varma immediately attacked Desinganad and added East Kallada to Venad, thus He started the expansion of Travancore and later invaded lot of small countries from north. It is believed that centuries ago this village was a center of a Buddhist culture. The customs and architecture of old temples in this support the fact that they could possibly have been buddhist vihars in their initial days. Eduppukuthira itself has got strong association with buddhist customs and practices. The strong presence of Ezhava community in this area is an evidence supporting the existence of buddhism. A Buddha statue which is 3 feet long and made of marble was excavated more by accident in 1978 from near the Siva temple Sinkarapalli, later in 1984 the same statue was placed at Siva temple, Koduvila. But unfortunately it had been stolen, as of 2001 India census, Kizhakkekallada had a population of 22,046 with 10,607 males and 11,439 females. The density of population was 1670 persons per square kilo meter, the sex ratio was 1078 during the census year of 2001. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Chittumala Sree Durga Devi temple is the most important place of worship in area among Hindus. Other important temples are Sree Mahadevar Temple Koduvila, Sree Krishna temple Marthandapuram, Sree Mahavishnu temple Marthandapuram, the incomplete inscription in the veranoor temple in Tamil and Vatteluttu is identified and mentioned by the Archaeological Survey of India. Other important church is St. George Orthodox church, East Kallada, PMNM Upper Primary School, Nilamel Govt. Ayurvedic Dispensary, Parayil Mukku, Chittumala East Aykara Ayurvedic Hospital and Pharmaceuticals, Nilamel Govt Veterinary Hospital, upahara Matha Hospital, Koduvila Police Station, Chothiram, Chittumala, Phone, +91-474-2585240 State Bank of Travancore, Market Jn, Phone, +91-474-2585244 Federal Bank, Market Jn. Phone, +91-474-2585222 Village Office, Market Jn, Phone, +91-474-2587666 Block Development Office, Chittumala, Phone, +91-474-2585242 Agriculture Development Office, Chittumala KSEB Office, Market Jn. Phone, +91-474-2585237 BSNL Office, Market Jn, Phone, +91-474-2585298 Post Office, Market Jn
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East Kallada
East Kallada
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Chittumala Ultsavam(In Malayalam)--A Religious Festival.
East Kallada
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Sree Durgadevi Temple
102.
Mulavana
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Mulavana is a village in Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India. The place is filled with almost all types of shops, which includes stationary, fancy, Mulavana is small village located in Kollam Taluka of Kollam district, Kerala with total 9289 families residing. The Mulavana village has population of 35887 of which 17038 are males while 18849 are females as per Population Census 2011, in Mulavana village population of children with age 0-6 is 3399 which makes up 9. 47% of total population of village. Average Sex Ratio of Mulavana village is 1106 which is higher than Kerala state average of 1084, child Sex Ratio for the Mulavana as per census is 1044, higher than Kerala average of 964. Mulavana village has higher literacy rate compared to Kerala, in 2011, literacy rate of Mulavana village was 95. 53% compared to 94. 00% of Kerala. In Mulavana Male literacy stands at 96. 69% while female literacy rate was 94. 50%, LP school MT LP School PKJM School SSLPS Mulavana
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City Corporations
103.
Perinad
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Perinad is a village in Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India. As of 2001 India census, Perinad had a population of 32864 with 16032 males and 16832 females, Perinad is a fast-growing village at the outskirts of Kollam city. National Highway 183 connects Perinad region with Kollam, Kundara, Chengannur etc, Perinad is situated on the shores of Ashtamudi lake. The Perinad panchayath office is about 13 km away from Kollam City center and 27 km away from Paravur Town, the important towns in the Panchayath are Cherumoodu, Vellimon and Chemmakadu. The panchayath office is located at Chemmakadu, Perinad was once a centre of Coir industry in Kollam which flourished along the backwater shores of the region. Kerala State Institute of Design, Chnathanathope P. O Kollam 2, Perinad Techno Lodge, Cherumoodu -13 km away from Kollam City 3. Kerala Institute of Management, Chemmakadu -12 km away from Kollam City 4, college of Engineering, Perumon -13 km away from Kollam City 5. Perinad Railway Station -9 km away from Kollam city 6, Kollam Techno Park, Mulavana, Kundara -5 km away from Cherumoodu and 18 km away from Kollam city 7. Laxmi Starch Factory, Vellimon -15 km from Kollam City 8, Institute of Fashion Technology Kerala, Vellimon -14. The institute was merged with Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence on 1 April 2014. KASE is the agency for all skill development activities in the state of Kerala. One of the most important objectives of KSID is to design education. To realise this objective, KSID is supported by National Institute of Design Ahmedabad, training, To provide outreach programs and Design training in various crafts clusters, MSMEs and other industries as well as to promote local crafts and heritage of the state. Services, To provide design services to various Government and Private Institutions. Research, To conduct research in various domains of Design and Allied fields, documentation & Publication, To periodically document and publish results, in order to generate a Knowledge Repository for Design. Collaboration, To collaborate with Government, Indigenous Industry and to promote Design exchange programmes at national and international level with other Educational Institutes, a Techno-lodge is a small Information Technology park established by Government of Kerala in a small town or a village in Kerala. Techno-lodges constitute the third tier of the IT infrastructure in Kerala, the Government has set up two such parks in Perinad and Kadakkal Grama Panchayats in Kollam District. The Techno-Lodge centres are set up in old unused government buildings, buildings belonging to government organizations, a Techno-lodge is a small Information Technology park established by Government of Kerala in a small town or a village in Kerala
Perinad
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City Corporations
104.
Elampalloor
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Elampalloor is an urban village in Kollam district in the state of Kerala and is a part of Kollam Metropolitan Area, India. It is 12 km away from Kollam city,23 km away from Paravur and 13 km away from Kottarakkara, as of 2001 India census, Elampalloor had a population of 28473 with 13783 males and 14690 females. Kollam Technopark Aluminium Industries Limited The Kerala Ceramics Limited Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Co. Ltd
Elampalloor
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City Corporations
105.
Kalluvathukkal
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Kalluvathukkal is a village in the Kollam district of the Indian state of Kerala. NH47 passes through the village, kalluvathukkal is located in the southern part of Kollam district, approximately 49 km north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. According to the 2011 Census of India, Kalluvathukkals population is 21,555 people, Paravur railway station is the nearest railway station,13 km away. 10 pairs of trains stop at Paravur. Kollam Railway Station is 22 kilometers from the village, the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 44 kilometers north on National Highway 47. NH47 passes through the center of the village. Adv. Nadakkal Sasi MA. LLB. P. hD Gopinathan pillai
Kalluvathukkal
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Kalluvathukkal Junction
Kalluvathukkal
Kalluvathukkal
Kalluvathukkal
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City Corporations
106.
Puthoor
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Puthur is a minor town located 26 kilometers from Kollam City in Kollam District, Kerala, India. It is one of the biggest trading centres of South India, Puthur town is the main shopping hub for a number of satellite areas in and around. Politically it was a Congress stronghold, and there were occasions when Communist groups won elections as well, but now a days, communist party is the strongest here as there is a wide spread presence of youth and student wings of Communist party. Strong presence of Communist and left leaning people has helped the leftist parties to gain and win local body elections, the name Puthur is derived from Puthu and Ur which means the new village. There are several villages across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu which are named Puthur, the closest major geographical feature is the Kallada river, which is considered as one of the 44 major rivers of Kerala. The river is facing problems due to sand mining, the brick industries used to extract the wetland soil for brick making which has converted the paddy fields into deep waterbodies. The filling of paddy fields and wetlands by soil and converting them into real estate is affecting the ecology of the region. As Kollam is known for industries, Puthur as a small town 28 km away from Kollam port is also influenced by this industry from the last seven to eight decades. Though history of this goes beyond 500 years, cashew. Puthur has a number of cashew factories which processes cashew nut. Women contributes the major chunk of the force of the Cashew factories. Puthur also has brick factories mainly located in Cherupoika. The brick factories employ a large number of male workers including migrant labourers. Now it is famous for buying cycles. Paddy, tuber crops and coconut, has given way to monocultivation of natural rubber, the steep decline in the price of natural rubber is bound to have strong repercussions to the economy of the village The permanent residents of Puthur were entirely Malayalam speaking natives. The recent trend of in migration of labour from other Indian states like West Bengal, Orissa, there are tourist attractions in Puthur such as the old shrines including Ullirippil Kavu, Kaniyapoyka Temple, the Mylamkulam Rock, Thazhum, Njankadavu, and Attuvassey
Puthoor
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City Corporations
107.
Odanavattom
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Odanavattam is a village in Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India. The village is situated 22 km west from Kollam town and is under the administration of Veliyam panchayath, odanavattom is near to Edakkidom and Kottarakkara the birthplace of Kathakali. There is a Government Senior Secondary school in the town, there are also many private Upper Primary schools in Odanavattam. Odanavattom is near to Edakkidom and Kottarakkara the birthplace of Kathakali Quilon Rental is one of the construction equipment rental firm with its function started here in the year 2013. Their feet includes Bobcat E32 Excavator, Skid Steer Loader, JCB 3DX, Hitachi EX110 Excavator, Hitachi EX70 Excavator, Scaffolding, Concrete Machines, as of 2001 India census, Odanavattam had a population of 15419 with 7454 males and 7965 females. Odanavattam is part of Mavelikara Lok Sabha constituency
Odanavattom
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City Corporations
108.
Nilamel
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Nilamel is a town located in Kollam District of Kerala, India. It lies on the M C Road and is 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram,24 km away from Kottarakara and 5 km away from Kadakkal, Nilamel is the granary or rice bowl of the Kottarakkara thaluk. In Malayalam, nilam means paddy field, thus the region is named Nilamel. N. S. S College, Nilamel M. M. H. S. S, Benglamkunnu, U. P. S, Nilamel L. M U. P. S, Benglamkunnu, Nilamel U. P. S Murukkumon. College is managed by Nair Service Society, which is located just above the cliff of town. And as a college located in village atmosphere it shows a great atmosphere to study, Nilamel is located at 8°49′00″N 76°53′00″E. District, Kollam Area,22 km Population,14,208 Literacy,89. 5% Most of the buildings are located in Nilamel town. The Nilamel village in Bunglamkunnu, about 1 km from Nilamel town, and Nilamel grama panchayath office located in Nilamel Town. Nearby plantations include Cashew, Paddy, Rubber, Plantain, Pepper, Ginger, Kadakkal Devi Temple comes alive during Thiruvathira festival held in March, and is one of the prime festivals of the region. The temple festivities attract large crowds from various parts of the state, kottukkal Guhakshetram, kadakkal Meenmutty waterfall, Kilimanoor Thampuraattippara, Mattidampara and Kilimanoor palace are nearest tourist attractions. Nilamel was also famous in Maramadi, India is rich in her cultural heritage and ethnic background. So much so that India houses a prototype of every sport, every game of the world, although adapted to her society, parallel to the Tauromachy or Bull fights of Spain are the Jallikattu of Tamil Nadu and the Maramadi of Kerala. But for this generation Nilamel Maramadi is an old story, Varkala Railway Station is the nearest railhead. Trivandrum International Airport is 45 km south of Nilamel, Nilamel town is located 45 Kilometers to the north of state capital. The main central road, SH1 & Varkala Madathara state highway-62 pass through Nilamel Central Junction, Nilamel village is known for its religious harmony with its numerous temples and mosques. HS. INDUSTRIES. MC, ROAD KANNANKODE NILAMEL Official Website There are 13 wards in Nilamel
Nilamel
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City Corporations
109.
Aryankavu
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Aryankavu is a village in Punalur, Kollam district, Kerala. It lies on National Highway 744 near Thenmala and it is a mountain pass in Western Ghats. The Punalur-Shenkottai metre gauge line also passes through Aryankavu. Aryankavu is 78 km away from Kollam and 36 km away from Punalur, geographic coordinates of Aryankavu is 8°58′0″N 77°8′35″E. The Palaruvi Falls is located in the forest 5 km away from Aryankavu vehicle check post, the name PAL means milk & ARUVI means stream. It is the second largest natural sandal forest after Marayoor and it is situated in aryankavu gramapanchaythu. There are several shops, hospitals and several government offices and Kerala state check posts, Rose mala is a place in aryankavu which is 11.8 km away from aryankavu junction. It is one of the eco tourism spot. There are many places in Rose mala. Nedumpara is a place which is 11 km away from aryankavu, harrisons Malayalam limited has a rubber estate in this place named as Isfield Estate. One of the highest peak of aryankavu panchayath is located in Nedumpara, panchayaths first school T. C Nariyarath Memorial Higher Secondary School located in the valley of 27th Hills. Nedumpara is home for Multiple sports clubs Like Players Cricket Team and it is the worlds first stump planted plantation of teak which located near the palaruvi water falls in aryankavu. A British man named Thomas F Bordillon was its leader. He was then conservator of travancore, the shrine is also known as Aryankavu Shastha Temple. Lord Ayyappa is depicted here as a teenager, Ayyappa is known as Tiru Aryan and therefore the place got the name Aryankavu. Surrounded by forests, the temple is located on the Trivandrum – Tenkasi National Highway, just like in Sabarimala, women from the age 10 to 50 are not allowed inside the Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple. The rituals and pujas followed at Aryankavu Sastha Temple is that of Tamil tradition, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple has idols of Devi, Shiva and Sastha. A young Ayyappa sits in the middle with Devi on the left side, the festival at the temple is celebrated during the concluding days of the Sabarimala Mandala Kalam. The most important festivals observed here include Pandiyan Mudippu, Trikkalyanam and Kumbhabhishekam, the temple can be accessed by traveling on Kollam – Punalur – Tenkasi road or by traveling on the Trivandrum – Tenkasi road. Catholic Churches There are two churches, St. Marys Catholic Church Archdiocese of Changanassery & St. George Malankara Catholic Church Arankavu
Aryankavu
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City Corporations
110.
Thenmala
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Thenmala is a tourist place near Punalur town, Kollam district in Kerala, India. Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism destination in India, the Thenmala dam was built across Kallada River. Thanmala is derived from Malayalam names of Then meaning Honey and Mala meaning Mountain, Thenmala is famous for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies. Thenmala attracts foreign and domestic tourists with a host of attractions, boating on the lake, a rope bridge, trekking, mountaineering, biking and a musical fountain. Thenmala is approachable both from Trivandrum and Punalur by road, Punalur is famous for Suspension Bridge made by British, is an architectural marvel that has withstood the test of time. The waterfall called Palaruvi is a prime attraction nearby, also nearby is a deer rehabilitation center where visitors can see deer in a forest setting and have a peep into a traditional tree house used by forest dwellers to escape harm from wild animals. There are few hotels in Thenmala, the only classified hotel is at Punalur, which is 19 Km drive from Thenmala. Other places near Thenmala are Kulathupuzha, Anchal, Punalur, Kamukumchery, themala is 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 16 km from Palaruvi Falls. Nedumpara is a place located 7 Km from Thenmala. Harrisons Malayalam Limited has an estate in this place named as Isfield Estate. One of the highest peak of the village is located in Nedumpara, ambanad hills is just 8 km from Nedumpara
Thenmala
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The panoramic
Thenmala Dam, is mainly utilised for irrigational purposes
Thenmala
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A view of hanging bridge from Thenmala
Thenmala
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City Corporations
111.
Kulathupuzha
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Kulathupuzha is a village in the eastern part of Kollam district of Kerala state, India. This town is situated on the Kollam - Shenkottai National Highway road, Kulathupuzha is 62 km away from Thiruvananthapuram and 64 km away from Kollam and 28 km away from Kadakkal and 19 km away from anchal. Thenmala eco tourism is just 9 km away and it is one of the most modern dairy farms situated in Kulathupuzha i. e. indo Swiss project. Kulathupuzha is the birthplace of the Malayalam music legend Raveendran and it is famous for Sastha temple here, its river fishes and pristine forest with exotic Myristica swamps, Rehabilitation Rubber plantation for Sri Lankan refugees. Kulathupuzha is well known for the Sastha temple, the presiding deity at the Kulathupuzha Temple is known as Bala Sastha who is Lord Hariharaputra. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April is the most important festival of this temple, the temple legend is intertwined with fishes in nearby river. Kulathupuzha forms a part of the southern most reserve forests of the State, Kulathupuzha reserve covers an area under 1000 km2. Its forest constitutes predominantly of tropical wet - and semi - evergreens, apart from settlements some parts are occupied by Forest departmental plantations mainly of teak, eucalyptus and acacia. The plantations are grown by planting saplings on cleared natural forests, plantations are raised to sustain and supplement the timber needs of a few industries in the State. Popularly known as the estate is near kulathupuzha. Senthurini Wilde Life Sanctuary is near Kulathupuzha, kallar estate is one of the famous tea estates left over from British ruling times. Kulathupuzha forests has the largest variety of exotic Myristica Swamp freshwater variety swamp in Kerala, besides Kulathupuzha its found in India only at Idukki Uttara Kannada and Shivaliks Himalayas. Also the forest is the origin of Ithikara and Kallada rivers, road Connected with all major towns nearby by Roads. KSRTC and private buses connects the town to Trivandrum-Kollam-Thenkasi and Punalur, KSRTC have one of Keralas biggest depot here. Railway Nearest Rail head Punalur and railway station just 9 kilometers in Thenmala, Airport Nearest Airport is at Trivandrum. Hi-tech dairy farm at Kulathupuzha established by KLDB is the first hi-tech dairy farm in India under government sector, Kollam City by road -59 km. To Trivandrum by road -60 km, to Trivandrum by road -73 km. Nearest Railway Station - Thenmala,10 km, Nearest Airport - Trivandrum International Airport 70 km
Kulathupuzha
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Kulathupuzha Sastha temple
Kulathupuzha
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City Corporations
112.
Alappad
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Alappad is a coastal village in the Kollam district of the Indian state Kerala. It is situated on a strip of land sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the TS Canal - the village is approximately 16 km long. The village is connected to the mainland by a bridge at the part of the land strip, as well as by country boat ferries, operated by the Panchayat. Alappad village is a ward of the panchayat of the same name, portions of the village were damaged during the 2004 Tsunami. Alappad was the village in Kerala - several people lost their lives. After the tragedy, the government is constructing another bridge at Azheekal. The residents of Alappad are mostly Hindus, the village is home to many temples. Temples act as places of worship, and temple committees play a role in temple administration. Http, //www. census2011. co. in/data/village/628357-alappad-kerala. html Mata Amritanandamayi, renowned Hindu Sanyasin, spiritual leader, Mata Amritanandamayi Math is located in Parayakadavu. Kollam District official website Quilon. com Alappadpanchayat
Alappad
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City Corporations
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