Alappuzha district
Encyclopedia
Alappuzha is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala
in India
. It was formed as Alleppey District on August 17, 1957. The name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in 1990. The district is a widely known tourist destination, and is well known for its coir
factories. Most of Kerala's coir industries are situated in and around Alappuzha. The district is also known for its communist traditions. It is home to the Punnapra Vayalar strikes against the British
and also the revolt against feudal raj. Alappuzha is strongly connected by waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination, Kumarakom
.
in the second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in classified Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages.
Kuttanad
was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. The early Cheras
had their home in Kuttanad and they were called 'Kuttuvans' named after this place. Some archeological antiques like stone inscriptions, historical monuments etc. found in the temples, churches, rock-out caves etc., and literacy works like "Unninili Sandesam" give some insight into the ancient period of this district. The famous literary work of this period was ‘Ascharya Choodamani’ a Sanskrit drama written by Sakthibhadra who was a scholar of Chengannur gramam.
The kingdom of Chempakasseri was at its zenith during the reign of Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayana, a great scholar and a poet who was the author of ‘Vedantha Retnamala’, a commentary on the first verse of Bhagavat Geetha
. It is said that Sreekrishna Swami temple
at Ambalappuzha was constructed and the idol of Lord Krishna installed during that time. It is believed that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri
, Sri Neelakanta Deekshithar and Sri Kumaran Namboothiri were eminent scholars who patronized his court.
In the 17th century the Portugese power declined and the Dutch had a predominant position in the principalities of this district.
The church located at Kokkamangalam
or Kokkothamangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Another church in Edathua attracts thousands across the country. St. George Ferona church is believed to be a centre for so many miracles. The picturesque CSI Christ Church in Alappuzha town was built in 1818 by the first CMS (Church Missionary Society) missionary to India, Rev. Thomas Norton. It was the first Anglican Church to be established in the erstwhile state of Travancore
.
It was at that time Maharaja Marthandavarma, the ‘Maker of modern Travancore’ interfered in the political affairs of those principalities. Marthandavarma Maharaja
had a remarkable role in the internal progress of the district. The Krishnapuram plalace, which is now a protected monument of the State Archaeology department, was constructed during that period. It was at that time that the great and talented poet Kunjan Nambiar was installed in the court at Trivandrum. During the reign of Dharmaraja the district was improved by all means. Raja Kesava Das, the then Diwan of Travancore who was known as the ‘Maker of modern Alleppey’ made Alappuzha a premier port town of Travancore.
During the reign of Balaramavarma Maharaja, Velu Thampi Dalava took keen interest in the development of the town and port. He brought the whole area of the island Pathiramanal under coconut cultivation and large tracts under paddy cultivation. The role of Velu Thampi Dalava in the development of Alappuzha is worth mentioning. In the 19th century the district attained progress in all spheres.
The first modern factory for the manufacture of coir mats and mattings was also established in 1859 at Alappuzha. The town Improvement Committee was set up in 1894.
This district had a prominent role in the freedom struggle of the country. The campaign for the eradication of untouchability was organized much earlier in this district by T.K. Madhavan, a fearless journalist and in 1925 the approach roads to the temples, especially to Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swami temple were thrown open to the Hindus of all castes. The district also witnessed the ‘Nivarthana’ movement which was started as a protest against the constitutional repression of 1932. the first political strike in Kerala was held at Alappuzha in 1938.
, Aroor
, Aryad
, Chennam Pallippuram, Cherthala South
, Ezhupunna
, Kadakkarappally
, Kanjikkuzhi
, Mannancherry, Mararikulam North
, Mararikulam South
, Kodamthuruth
, Kuthiathode
, Muhamma
, Thaikattussery
, Thanneermukkom
, Thuravoor
, Panavally
, Pattanakkad
, Perumbalam
, Purakkad
, Champakulam
and Vayalar
.
The municipalities in the district are Alappuzha
, Cherthala
, Chengannur
, Kayamkulam
and Mavelikkara
Alappuzha district has a population
of 2,121,943, roughly equal to the nation of Namibia
or the US state of New Mexico
. This gives it a ranking of 216th in India (out of a total of 640
). The district has a population density of 1501 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
over the decade 2001-2011 was 0.61 %. Alappuzha has a sex ratio
of 1100 females
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
of 96.26 %.
It has the highest population density
among all districts of the state. It is 29.46% urbanised. http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm This is the smallest district in Kerala
.
s are usually held between August and October, and involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen. The most famous snake boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Chemmeen
was filmed in two villages in Alappuzha. In the opening credits, a written statement in Malayalam thanks the people of both villages.
carpet industries and prawn farming. Alappuzha the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam
, and the town of Aranmula
, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event. Chengannur in Alappuzha is the nearest railway station to Sabarimala. The Krishnapuram Palace is in Kayamkulam. The budha idol, Saradamandiram are the main attraction of Mavelikkara.The budha statue is in seated posture, resembling Padmasana. A feature common to the idols is that hair has not been engraved on the head. Studies by the Archaeology Department have not been able to explain the absence of hair which is common in Buddha statues of the Gandhara and Mathura tradition. The head has markings resembling a headgear. Though the department has made a pagoda-like structure for the statue, no information on the idol is available to tourists who visit the area. Local people in the area light lamps before the idol. The idol at Mavelikara is 4 feet (1.2 m) high and is perhaps, the biggest. The engravings on the head resemble a helmet of Greek statues. The mark of a sacred thread is visible on the body. Another feature is the marking of a shawl on one shoulder. Here the Archaeological Department has put up a board specifying the age of the statue. Saradamandiram was the residence of Keralapanini.
Alappuzha is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru
, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.
The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alappuzha give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.
Latest addition to Alappuzha is the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum featuring countless arts and artefacts. Revi Karunakaran was the architect of modern Coir industry that still employs more than 500,000 people in the state of Kerala. The objects featured at the Museum were collected by his family over three generations and features unique artistic pieces from all parts of the world.
Alappuzha
, the district headquarters, is a town with picturesque canal
s, backwaters
and lagoon
s, was described as the "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon.
Kuttanadu
Kuttanad
or Kuttanadu is an area of Alappuzha District, densely covered with waterways. Kuttanad is famous because of its paddy field
s and farmers dedicated to the growth of paddy. It was once called the "Keralathinte Nellara", which means "rice bowl of Kerala". Many factors such as expense, labour shortage etc. seriously affected the agriculture in this region. Many former rice fields are now used for other crops which require much lesser investment. Kuttanadu is the birth place of literary legend Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
.
'Chirappu Mahotsavam' is a big occasion at Mullackal Temple in December.Christmas comes in between the festival and Alappuzha town is a really happening place at the time. The streets are full of wandering markets and entertainment ventures like circus, exhibitions e.t.c. The streets will be crowded through out the month and there will be a 'Shiveli' or the magnificent display of 9 Tuskers accompanied by the 'Chenda' and the 'Panchavadyam' music.
Padanilam Parabrahma Temple sivarathri is also an important festival in Alappuzha district.This festival is held every year in the Padanilam
Temple.The temple is situated in a small town called Padanilam
.Padanilam is situated in about 16 km from Mavelikkara
town.This place can also be called as the festival village of Alappuzha because Padanilam witness a large number of festivals every year including vrischika mahotsavam,irupathiyetttamonam....etc.Padanilam is a place of religious unity.
A grand annual festival is celebrated at the unique 'Nagaraja Temple' here in October/November.. Another festival celebrated by the temple is a one-day Thaipooyan Kavadi
. The famous Chandanakudam is celebrated at the Kidangam-Parampu Temple during December every year. Kottamkulangara Temple in Alappuzha have two festive seasons in February and March, because of two deities with separate flag masts in same compound wall.
Famous Kandamangalam Rajarajeshwari Temple is located in kadakkarappally,cherthala 1 km west of Thankey junction in NH 47. Annual festival comes on march-April. Chikkara,offering of children to mother goddess during festival is the majour attraction. The Chamanju valathu of Children starts on 2nd day of festival lasts to 8th day. Processions named Thalappoli starts on flag hoisting day itself. The holy bath (Aarattu) of goddess is held in a pool in the temple compound on 10 th day of utsavam. 9&10th day celebrations are most famous. Elephant Processions, Fire works, Stage shows etc. are majour events attracts thousands of devotees and others
The churches here celebrate grand annual feasts, an occasion to regale and rejoice. The 'Arthunkal Perunnal' is celebrated at the Arthunkal Church. The famous regatta forms part of many festivals here at many places. Annual Vallam Kali
(Nehru Trophy Boat Race
) is held in the backwaters in the month of September associated with the Onam
festival. The main attraction is the Chundan Vallam
(Snake Boat) race, in which a number of contestants are in the run for the famous Prime Minister's trophy, a trophy donated by Jawaharlal Nehru
, the first Prime Minister of India. Another important celebration in Alappuzha is "Beach Festival" held from December 30 to January 2.The annual festival conducted in Champakulam "Valiya Palli" ia another big festival.
In the case of IT training their are lots of leading IT Training Institutions. 4 CDIT Centers, Routronic Centers, G-Tec Center at Collectorate Jn, C-DAC Centre named Orbit Computers, Aptech, Universal etc...
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 Arabian Sea coastline on the west. The Western Ghats, bordering the eastern boundary of the State, form an almost continuous mountain wall, except near Palakkad where there is a...
in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It was formed as Alleppey District on August 17, 1957. The name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in 1990. The district is a widely known tourist destination, and is well known for its coir
Coir
Coir is a natural fibre extracted from the husk of coconut and used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes, mattresses etc. Technically coir is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. Other uses of brown coir are in upholstery...
factories. Most of Kerala's coir industries are situated in and around Alappuzha. The district is also known for its communist traditions. It is home to the Punnapra Vayalar strikes against the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and also the revolt against feudal raj. Alappuzha is strongly connected by waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination, Kumarakom
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam , in Kerala, India, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake which is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala.-Environment:...
.
History
Alleppey has a wonderful past. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan RajakesavadasRaja Kesavadas
Raja Kesavadas was the Dewan of Travancore during the reign of Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma .-Early years:...
in the second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in classified Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages.
Kuttanad
Kuttanad
Kuttanadu is a region in the district of Alappuzha, in the state of Kerala, India, well known for its picturesque vast paddy fields and its geographical peculiarities. It's the region with the lowest altitude in India, and one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea...
was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. The early Cheras
Chera dynasty
Chera Dynasty in South India is one of the most ancient ruling dynasties in India. Together with the Cholas and the Pandyas, they formed the three principle warring Iron Age Tamil kingdoms in southern India...
had their home in Kuttanad and they were called 'Kuttuvans' named after this place. Some archeological antiques like stone inscriptions, historical monuments etc. found in the temples, churches, rock-out caves etc., and literacy works like "Unninili Sandesam" give some insight into the ancient period of this district. The famous literary work of this period was ‘Ascharya Choodamani’ a Sanskrit drama written by Sakthibhadra who was a scholar of Chengannur gramam.
The kingdom of Chempakasseri was at its zenith during the reign of Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayana, a great scholar and a poet who was the author of ‘Vedantha Retnamala’, a commentary on the first verse of Bhagavat Geetha
Bhagavad Gita
The ' , also more simply known as Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata, but is frequently treated as a freestanding text, and in particular, as an Upanishad in its own right, one of the several books that constitute general Vedic tradition...
. It is said that Sreekrishna Swami temple
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple in Ambalappuzha, Alapuzha district of Kerala, in south India.The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed to have been built in the year AD 790 by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran.This temple is directly...
at Ambalappuzha was constructed and the idol of Lord Krishna installed during that time. It is believed that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri
Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri
Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri , third student of Achyuta Pisharati, was of Madhava of Sangamagrama's Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics. He was a mathematical linguist . His most important scholarly work, Prkriya-sarvawom, sets forth an axiomatic system elaborating on the classical system...
, Sri Neelakanta Deekshithar and Sri Kumaran Namboothiri were eminent scholars who patronized his court.
In the 17th century the Portugese power declined and the Dutch had a predominant position in the principalities of this district.
The church located at Kokkamangalam
Kokkamangalam
Kokkamangalam is a village in Alappuzha district of Kerala state, south India. Tradition holds it to be one of the seven Christian communities in Kerala founded by the Apostle Thomas.Kokkamangalam is situated midway between Cochin and Kumarakom...
or Kokkothamangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Another church in Edathua attracts thousands across the country. St. George Ferona church is believed to be a centre for so many miracles. The picturesque CSI Christ Church in Alappuzha town was built in 1818 by the first CMS (Church Missionary Society) missionary to India, Rev. Thomas Norton. It was the first Anglican Church to be established in the erstwhile state of Travancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
.
It was at that time Maharaja Marthandavarma, the ‘Maker of modern Travancore’ interfered in the political affairs of those principalities. Marthandavarma Maharaja
Marthanda Varma
Marthanda Varma , was the founder of the Indian Hindu feudal kingdom of Travancore from Venad SwaroopamHe ruled from 1729 till his death in 1758, having succeeded his maternal uncle Dharma Raja.King Marthanda Varma is usually credited as the "founder of Kingdom of Travancore" from...
had a remarkable role in the internal progress of the district. The Krishnapuram plalace, which is now a protected monument of the State Archaeology department, was constructed during that period. It was at that time that the great and talented poet Kunjan Nambiar was installed in the court at Trivandrum. During the reign of Dharmaraja the district was improved by all means. Raja Kesava Das, the then Diwan of Travancore who was known as the ‘Maker of modern Alleppey’ made Alappuzha a premier port town of Travancore.
During the reign of Balaramavarma Maharaja, Velu Thampi Dalava took keen interest in the development of the town and port. He brought the whole area of the island Pathiramanal under coconut cultivation and large tracts under paddy cultivation. The role of Velu Thampi Dalava in the development of Alappuzha is worth mentioning. In the 19th century the district attained progress in all spheres.
The first modern factory for the manufacture of coir mats and mattings was also established in 1859 at Alappuzha. The town Improvement Committee was set up in 1894.
This district had a prominent role in the freedom struggle of the country. The campaign for the eradication of untouchability was organized much earlier in this district by T.K. Madhavan, a fearless journalist and in 1925 the approach roads to the temples, especially to Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swami temple were thrown open to the Hindus of all castes. The district also witnessed the ‘Nivarthana’ movement which was started as a protest against the constitutional repression of 1932. the first political strike in Kerala was held at Alappuzha in 1938.
Geography
The panchayats in the district are ArookuttyArookutty
Arookutty is a census town in Alappuzha district in the state of Kerala, India.-Geography:Arookutty is located at .Vaduthala Jn: is located at lat=9.8500576, lon=76.3270035-Demographics:...
, Aroor
Aroor
Aroor is a census town in Alappuzha district,is a suburb of Kochi in the state of Kerala, India. It is a Sea food related industrial area south of Kochi...
, Aryad
Aryad
Aryad is one of the main panchayaths in Alappuzha district in the Kerala state of southern India. It is broken into two parts: Aryad North and Aryad South. Aryad South is nearer to the municipal area. Gurupuram is the main junction in Aryad. Subrahmanyapuram is the South boundary and Komalapuram is...
, Chennam Pallippuram, Cherthala South
Cherthala
Cherthala is a town located in the district of Alappuzha, in the state of Kerala, India. It is located 30 km south of the city of Kochi and 22 km north of Alappuzha town, on the Kochi-Alappuzha streatch of both the National Highway 47 as well as the costal Rail-route.lt is 85 km from the...
, Ezhupunna
Ezhupunna
Ezhupunna is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.. It lies between Alappuzha and Kochi, on National Highway 47. It is at a distance of 23 km from Kochi. There is also a railway station, where only passenger trains halt...
, Kadakkarappally
Kadakkarappally
Kadakkarappally is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. This is a panchayat which come under the Aroor Assembly constituency.-Demographics: India census, Kadakkarappally had a population of 20010 with 9813 males and 10197 females....
, Kanjikkuzhi
Kanjikkuzhi
Kanjikkuzhi is a census town in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.-Demographics:According to the 2001 India census, Kanjikkuzhi had a population of 22,076. Males constituted 49% of the population and females 51%. Kanjikkuzhi had an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the...
, Mannancherry, Mararikulam North
Mararikulam
Mararikulam is a beach village in the district of Alappuzha. Mararikulam is the fertile land of communism and it has a very beautiful beach which is known by the name Marari Beach or Mararikulam beach. There are two village panchayts for this village, Mararikulam South and Mararikulam North...
, Mararikulam South
Mararikulam
Mararikulam is a beach village in the district of Alappuzha. Mararikulam is the fertile land of communism and it has a very beautiful beach which is known by the name Marari Beach or Mararikulam beach. There are two village panchayts for this village, Mararikulam South and Mararikulam North...
, Kodamthuruth
Kodamthuruth
Kodamthuruth is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.This is a panchayat which come under the Aroor Assembly constituency.-Demographics: India census, Kodamthuruth had a population of 20432 with 9912 males and 10520 females....
, Kuthiathode
Kuthiathode
Kuthiathode is a gram panchayat in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. Kuthiathode comes under the Pattanakad Block in Aroor Assembly constituency.The name Kuthiathode comes from Kuthia + thode means a digged-river.The Kuthiathode or the river stream was once the major waterway for...
, Muhamma
Muhamma
Muhamma is a census town in Cherthala Taluk in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.It is home to the famous Cheerappanchira kalari, where Ayyappan had his training in the martial arts; the Communist Party of India leader, Mrs. Susheela Gopalan Muhamma is a census town in Cherthala...
, Thaikattussery
Thaikattussery
Thaikattussery is a village in Alappuzha districtCherthala Taluk in the Indian state of Kerala.-Demographics: India census, Thaikattussery [തൈക്കാട്ടുശ്ശേരി, थैक्कात्तुसेरी] had a population of 20052 with 9915 males and 10137 females. Thaikattussery is situated 35 km north of Alappuzha and...
, Thanneermukkom
Thanneermukkom
-Location:Thanneermukkom is on the banks of Lake Vembanad. There is a salt water barrier at Thanneermukkom, built across the lake, which connects it to Vechoor in Kottayam district...
, Thuravoor
Thuravoor Thekku
Thuravoor Thekku is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.-Demographics: India census, Thuravoor Thekku had a population of 27838 with 13417 males and 14421 females....
, Panavally
Panavally
Panavally is a serene village in India that is part of Cherthala taluk and Alappuzha district in kerala state . aroookutty is the north fontiner on old thiruvithamcore.It is at the north frontier of old Travancore state. Different branches of the backwaters of Vembanad surround the village...
, Pattanakkad
Pattanakkad
Pattanakkad is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. This is a panchayat which come under the Aroor Assembly constituency.-Demographics: India census, Pattanakkad had a population of 30867 with 14990 males and 15877 females....
, Perumbalam
Perumbalam
Perumbalam is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. India census, had a population of 9678 with 4711 males and 4967 females.-References:...
, Purakkad
Purakkad
-History:The literal meaning of Purakkad is "out of forest". The village of Purakkad was the scene of battle between Travancore and Kochin forces in 1754 AD ad between Travancore and the forces of Zamorin in 1756 AD. There was an ancient port at Purakkad. The Dutch East India Company had a factory...
, Champakulam
Champakulam
Champakulam is a village in Kerala, India. It is in Alappuzha district. Champakulam is part of Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, and is resplendent in green paddy fields, coconut groves and water fowl. Champakulam is an important tourist spot and is famous for the Moolam boat race. The river...
and Vayalar
Vayalar
This article is about a place. For the poet, go to Vayalar RamavarmaVayalar is a village in Cherthala taluk, Alapuzha district, Kerala state, India.- Overview :...
.
The municipalities in the district are Alappuzha
Alappuzha
Alappuzha , also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. As per 2001 census Alleppey is the sixth largest city in Kerala with an urban population of 177,029. Alleppey is situated to the south of Kochi and north of Trivandrum...
, Cherthala
Cherthala
Cherthala is a town located in the district of Alappuzha, in the state of Kerala, India. It is located 30 km south of the city of Kochi and 22 km north of Alappuzha town, on the Kochi-Alappuzha streatch of both the National Highway 47 as well as the costal Rail-route.lt is 85 km from the...
, Chengannur
Chengannur
Chengannur , is a municipal town in Alappuzha district of the state of Kerala in South India. Chengannur is located in the extreme eastern part of Alappuzha district. It is north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on the MC Road. Chengannur is connected to Kollam and Kottayam by NH 220...
, Kayamkulam
Kayamkulam
Kayamkulam is a town and a municipality in Alappuzha district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is an ancient maritime trading centre. One of the largest power plants in Kerala, run by the NTPC, is located in Kayamkulam. Krishnapuram Palace is located nearby and an old cashew factory.Kayamkulam is...
and Mavelikkara
Mavelikkara
Mavelikara is a town in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India, spread over an area of 12.65 km2. It is in the southern part of Alappuzha district on the banks of the Achankovil River. Mavelikara is located 8km east of National Highway. Mavelikara is known as the capital of...
Taluks
Alappuzha contains six taluks (subdistricts):- KarthikappallyKarthikappallyKarthikappally is a village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.-History:Karthikappally was once a Buddhist center. About in the year 904-933 the Great ruler of Travancore, King Marthanda Varma, added Karthikappally to Travancore...
- ChengannurChengannurChengannur , is a municipal town in Alappuzha district of the state of Kerala in South India. Chengannur is located in the extreme eastern part of Alappuzha district. It is north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on the MC Road. Chengannur is connected to Kollam and Kottayam by NH 220...
- MavelikkaraMavelikkaraMavelikara is a town in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India, spread over an area of 12.65 km2. It is in the southern part of Alappuzha district on the banks of the Achankovil River. Mavelikara is located 8km east of National Highway. Mavelikara is known as the capital of...
- AmbalappuzhaAmbalappuzhaAmbalappuzha is a small town in Alappuzha district of Kerala state, south India. The town is famous for its Sri Krishna temple. The Ambalappuzha temple is one of the three important Sri Krishna temples in the state of Kerala....
- KuttanadKuttanadKuttanadu is a region in the district of Alappuzha, in the state of Kerala, India, well known for its picturesque vast paddy fields and its geographical peculiarities. It's the region with the lowest altitude in India, and one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea...
- CherthalaCherthalaCherthala is a town located in the district of Alappuzha, in the state of Kerala, India. It is located 30 km south of the city of Kochi and 22 km north of Alappuzha town, on the Kochi-Alappuzha streatch of both the National Highway 47 as well as the costal Rail-route.lt is 85 km from the...
Demographics
According to the 2011 census2011 census of India
The 15th Indian National census was conducted in two phases, houselisting and population enumeration. Houselisting phase began on April 1, 2010 and involved collection of information about all buildings...
Alappuzha district has a population
Demographics of India
The demographics of India are inclusive of the second most populous country in the world, with over 1.21 billion people , more than a sixth of the world's population. Already containing 17.5% of the world's population, India is projected to be the world's most populous country by 2025, surpassing...
of 2,121,943, roughly equal to the nation of Namibia
Namibia
Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia , is a country in southern Africa whose western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. It gained independence from South Africa on 21 March...
or the US state of New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
. This gives it a ranking of 216th in India (out of a total of 640
Districts of India
A district is an administrative division of an Indian state or territory. Districts are further subdivided, in some cases into Sub-Divisions, and otherwise directly into tehsils or talukas.District officials include:...
). The district has a population density of 1501 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
Family planning in India
Family planning in India is based on efforts largely sponsored by the Indian government. In the 1965-2009 period, contraceptive usage has more than tripled and the fertility rate has more than halved , but the national fertility rate is still high enough to cause long-term population growth...
over the decade 2001-2011 was 0.61 %. Alappuzha has a sex ratio
Sex ratio
Sex ratio is the ratio of males to females in a population. The primary sex ratio is the ratio at the time of conception, secondary sex ratio is the ratio at time of birth, and tertiary sex ratio is the ratio of mature organisms....
of 1100 females
Women in India
The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful...
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
Literacy in India
Literacy in India is key for socio-economic progress, and the Indian literacy rate grew to 74.04% in 2011 from 12% at the end of British rule in 1947. Although this was a greater than sixfold improvement, the level is well below the world average literacy rate of 84%, and India currently has the...
of 96.26 %.
It has the highest population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
among all districts of the state. It is 29.46% urbanised. http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm This is the smallest district in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
.
| Area | 1414 km² - 3.64% of area of the state |
| Population | 2,109,160 - 6.61% of the population of the state (2001) |
| Population density | 1492/km² (2001) |
| Literacy | 83%-94% (2001) |
| Sex ratio Human sex ratio In anthropology and demography, the human sex ratio is the sex ratio for Homo sapiens . Like most sexual species, the sex ratio is approximately 1:1. In humans the secondary sex ratio is commonly assumed to be 105 boys to 100 girls, an assumption that is a subject of debate in the scientific... |
1050 females/1000 males |
| Urbanization | 29.46% |
Culture
Snake boat races are the most significant traditional event in Alleppey. These spectacular regattaRegatta
A regatta is a series of boat races. The term typically describes racing events of rowed or sailed water craft, although some powerboat race series are also called regattas...
s are usually held between August and October, and involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen. The most famous snake boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Chemmeen
Chemmeen
Chemmeen is a 1965 Malayalam romantic drama film based on the highly acclaimed novel of the same name by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and directed by Ramu Kariat from a screenplay by S. L...
was filmed in two villages in Alappuzha. In the opening credits, a written statement in Malayalam thanks the people of both villages.
Tourism
The name Alappuzha is derived from 'Aal(Sea)+ puzhai(River/Mouth)(The joint place of river and Sea)' (Malayalam/Tamil ). Alappuzha is one of the most important tourist centres in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alappuzha was one of the busiest centres of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for CoirCoir
Coir is a natural fibre extracted from the husk of coconut and used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes, mattresses etc. Technically coir is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. Other uses of brown coir are in upholstery...
carpet industries and prawn farming. Alappuzha the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam
Kottayam
Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative capital of the Kottayam district. Kottayam Kottayam (Malayalam: കോട്ടയം) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative...
, and the town of Aranmula
Aranmula
Aranmula is about 128 km from Trivandrum, capital city of Kerala, the south western state in India. It is situated on the banks of the river Pampa. Traditions, cultural variations, traditional village life, sceneries are unique for Aranmula. It is a suburb of Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta...
, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event. Chengannur in Alappuzha is the nearest railway station to Sabarimala. The Krishnapuram Palace is in Kayamkulam. The budha idol, Saradamandiram are the main attraction of Mavelikkara.The budha statue is in seated posture, resembling Padmasana. A feature common to the idols is that hair has not been engraved on the head. Studies by the Archaeology Department have not been able to explain the absence of hair which is common in Buddha statues of the Gandhara and Mathura tradition. The head has markings resembling a headgear. Though the department has made a pagoda-like structure for the statue, no information on the idol is available to tourists who visit the area. Local people in the area light lamps before the idol. The idol at Mavelikara is 4 feet (1.2 m) high and is perhaps, the biggest. The engravings on the head resemble a helmet of Greek statues. The mark of a sacred thread is visible on the body. Another feature is the marking of a shawl on one shoulder. Here the Archaeological Department has put up a board specifying the age of the statue. Saradamandiram was the residence of Keralapanini.
Alappuzha is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru , often referred to with the epithet of Panditji, was an Indian statesman who became the first Prime Minister of independent India and became noted for his “neutralist” policies in foreign affairs. He was also one of the principal leaders of India’s independence movement in the...
, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.
The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alappuzha give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.
Latest addition to Alappuzha is the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum featuring countless arts and artefacts. Revi Karunakaran was the architect of modern Coir industry that still employs more than 500,000 people in the state of Kerala. The objects featured at the Museum were collected by his family over three generations and features unique artistic pieces from all parts of the world.
Alappuzha
Alappuzha
Alappuzha , also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. As per 2001 census Alleppey is the sixth largest city in Kerala with an urban population of 177,029. Alleppey is situated to the south of Kochi and north of Trivandrum...
, the district headquarters, is a town with picturesque canal
Canal
Canals are man-made channels for water. There are two types of canal:#Waterways: navigable transportation canals used for carrying ships and boats shipping goods and conveying people, further subdivided into two kinds:...
s, backwaters
Kerala Backwaters
The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala state in southern India. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state...
and lagoon
Lagoon
A lagoon is a body of shallow sea water or brackish water separated from the sea by some form of barrier. The EU's habitat directive defines lagoons as "expanses of shallow coastal salt water, of varying salinity or water volume, wholly or partially separated from the sea by sand banks or shingle,...
s, was described as the "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon.
Kuttanadu
Kuttanad
Kuttanadu is a region in the district of Alappuzha, in the state of Kerala, India, well known for its picturesque vast paddy fields and its geographical peculiarities. It's the region with the lowest altitude in India, and one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea...
or Kuttanadu is an area of Alappuzha District, densely covered with waterways. Kuttanad is famous because of its paddy field
Paddy field
A paddy field is a flooded parcel of arable land used for growing rice and other semiaquatic crops. Paddy fields are a typical feature of rice farming in east, south and southeast Asia. Paddies can be built into steep hillsides as terraces and adjacent to depressed or steeply sloped features such...
s and farmers dedicated to the growth of paddy. It was once called the "Keralathinte Nellara", which means "rice bowl of Kerala". Many factors such as expense, labour shortage etc. seriously affected the agriculture in this region. Many former rice fields are now used for other crops which require much lesser investment. Kuttanadu is the birth place of literary legend Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai was a novelist and short story writer of Malayalam language, spoken in Kerala state, South India. He is popularly known as Thakazhi, after his place of birth. He focused on the oppressed classes as the subject of his works, which are known for their attention to...
.
Festivals
Chettikulangara Bharani is the most important festival in Alappuzha district. The festival is one among the important temple festivals of Kerala. Chettikulagara Bhagavathi Temple, the famous temple dedicated to the awesome Goddess Bhagavathi is about 4 km from Mavelikkara. The important festival here occurs on the Bharani asterism in February/ March.The main rituals of the festival are the 'Kuthiyottam' and 'Kettukazcha'. The 'Kuthiyottam' features a procession of young boys who have observed rigorous ritual penance. Traditional drums, music and glittering ornamental parasols accompany this procession of boys who dance in a trance.'Chirappu Mahotsavam' is a big occasion at Mullackal Temple in December.Christmas comes in between the festival and Alappuzha town is a really happening place at the time. The streets are full of wandering markets and entertainment ventures like circus, exhibitions e.t.c. The streets will be crowded through out the month and there will be a 'Shiveli' or the magnificent display of 9 Tuskers accompanied by the 'Chenda' and the 'Panchavadyam' music.
Padanilam Parabrahma Temple sivarathri is also an important festival in Alappuzha district.This festival is held every year in the Padanilam
Padanilam
Padanilam is a small town located near Nooranad in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The word Padanilam means "land of war" .It is located on the banks of river Achankovil. The Padanilam temple is one of the important centres of worship in Kerala...
Temple.The temple is situated in a small town called Padanilam
Padanilam
Padanilam is a small town located near Nooranad in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The word Padanilam means "land of war" .It is located on the banks of river Achankovil. The Padanilam temple is one of the important centres of worship in Kerala...
.Padanilam is situated in about 16 km from Mavelikkara
Mavelikkara
Mavelikara is a town in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India, spread over an area of 12.65 km2. It is in the southern part of Alappuzha district on the banks of the Achankovil River. Mavelikara is located 8km east of National Highway. Mavelikara is known as the capital of...
town.This place can also be called as the festival village of Alappuzha because Padanilam witness a large number of festivals every year including vrischika mahotsavam,irupathiyetttamonam....etc.Padanilam is a place of religious unity.
A grand annual festival is celebrated at the unique 'Nagaraja Temple' here in October/November.. Another festival celebrated by the temple is a one-day Thaipooyan Kavadi
Kavadi
Kavadi Attam is a dance performed by the devotees during the ceremonial worship of Murugan, the Tamil God of War. It is often performed during the festival of Thaipusam and emphasizes debt bondage. The Kavadi itself is a physical burden through which the devotees implore for help from the God...
. The famous Chandanakudam is celebrated at the Kidangam-Parampu Temple during December every year. Kottamkulangara Temple in Alappuzha have two festive seasons in February and March, because of two deities with separate flag masts in same compound wall.
Famous Kandamangalam Rajarajeshwari Temple is located in kadakkarappally,cherthala 1 km west of Thankey junction in NH 47. Annual festival comes on march-April. Chikkara,offering of children to mother goddess during festival is the majour attraction. The Chamanju valathu of Children starts on 2nd day of festival lasts to 8th day. Processions named Thalappoli starts on flag hoisting day itself. The holy bath (Aarattu) of goddess is held in a pool in the temple compound on 10 th day of utsavam. 9&10th day celebrations are most famous. Elephant Processions, Fire works, Stage shows etc. are majour events attracts thousands of devotees and others
The churches here celebrate grand annual feasts, an occasion to regale and rejoice. The 'Arthunkal Perunnal' is celebrated at the Arthunkal Church. The famous regatta forms part of many festivals here at many places. Annual Vallam Kali
Vallam Kali
Vallam Kali literally means boat race in Malayalam. It is the traditional boat race in Kerala It is mainly conducted during the season of the harvest festival Onam in autumn....
(Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular Vallam Kali held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Vallam Kali or Vallamkali literally means boat play/game, but can be translated to boat race in English. The most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams . Hence the...
) is held in the backwaters in the month of September associated with the Onam
Onam
Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It falls during the month of Chingam and lasts for ten days...
festival. The main attraction is the Chundan Vallam
Chundan Vallam
Chundan Vallam , known to the outside world as Kerala snake boats, are one of the icons of Kerala culture used in the Vallamkali -Architecture:...
(Snake Boat) race, in which a number of contestants are in the run for the famous Prime Minister's trophy, a trophy donated by Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru , often referred to with the epithet of Panditji, was an Indian statesman who became the first Prime Minister of independent India and became noted for his “neutralist” policies in foreign affairs. He was also one of the principal leaders of India’s independence movement in the...
, the first Prime Minister of India. Another important celebration in Alappuzha is "Beach Festival" held from December 30 to January 2.The annual festival conducted in Champakulam "Valiya Palli" ia another big festival.
Education
- One of the 5 premier GOVT Medical colleges of the state is in Alappuzha, the T.D Medical college is situated in Vandanam, Alappuzha.
- The biggest Arts, Science and Commerce college in Alappuzha is Sanathana Dharma College.
- SDV Boys Higher secondary, SDV Higher Secondary Central School and SDV Girls Higher Secondary school are the prominent schools at the district head quarters.
- The St. Joseph's College is the exclusive college for girls; it is run by the Canossian Sisters.
- St. Michael's college, Cherthala, S.N College & N.S.S College Pallippuram are situated in the Cherthala Taluk
- Holy Family HSS, Kattoor is situated at Mararikulam South Panchayath with more than 2000 students.It is managed by Corporate Management of Alleppey Diocese. Leo XIIIth HSS, Alappuzha, St.Joseph's HS, Punnapra, St. Thomas HS, Thumpoly, St.Mary's HS, Vattal, St.Francis Assissi HSS, Arthunkal, St.Augustine's HS, Mararikulam, St.Sebastian's HS Pallithode and several Primary schools are managed by the same.
- The Carmel Polytechnic College at Punnapra has been instrumental in the formation of thousands of technicians during the past 50 years.
- The Carmel International School at Punnapra is a recent addition to the educational map of Alappuzha.
- Al-Ameen Public School at Chandiroor(North End of Alappuzha District) is a part of renown Al-Ameen Educational Trust.
- 8 engineering colleges, namely;
-
- Cochin University College of Engineering, Kuttanad, Pulincunnoo, Alappuzha.
- College of Engineering, Cherthala, Pallippuram, Alappuzha.
- College of Engineering, Chengannur, Alappuzha.
- College of Engineering & Management, Punnapra, Alappuzha
- Archana College of Engineering, Panamel, Alappuzha.
- K R Gouri Amma College of Engineering for Women, Cherthala, Alappuzha
- Sree Vellappally Natesan College of Engineering, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha.
- Sree Buddha College of Engineering, Nooranadu, Pattoor P O, PadanilamPadanilamPadanilam is a small town located near Nooranad in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The word Padanilam means "land of war" .It is located on the banks of river Achankovil. The Padanilam temple is one of the important centres of worship in Kerala...
, Alappuzha. - Mount Zion College of Engg. for women, Kozhuvallur, Chengannur, Alappuzha.
In the case of IT training their are lots of leading IT Training Institutions. 4 CDIT Centers, Routronic Centers, G-Tec Center at Collectorate Jn, C-DAC Centre named Orbit Computers, Aptech, Universal etc...