Cherthala

Cherthala
ചേര്ത്തല
Taluk
Cherthala

Location in Kerala, India

Coordinates: 9°41′13″N 76°20′10″E / 9.68694°N 76.33611°E / 9.68694; 76.33611Coordinates: 9°41′13″N 76°20′10″E / 9.68694°N 76.33611°E / 9.68694; 76.33611
Country India
State Kerala
District Alappuzha district
Government
 • MLA
(2011-16)		 Mr. Tilothaman
(M.L.A Cherthala)
Adv. A.M. Arif
(M.L.A. Aroor)
Area
 • Total 187.43 km2 (72.37 sq mi)
Elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Population (2011)
 • Total 45,827
 • Rank 11 (Cherthala Urban Agglomeration)
 • Density 1,612/km2 (4,180/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official Malayalam, English
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 688524
Telephone code 0478
Vehicle registration KL-32 or KL-04
Sex ratio 1030 ♂/♀
Lok Sabha constituency Alappuzha
Vidhan Sabha constituency Cherthala and Aroor
Muhamma Panchayat Office

Cherthala (formerly Shertallai or Shertallay) is a town located in the district of Alappuzha, in the state of Kerala, India. It is located 30 km (19 mi) south of the city of Kochi and 22 km north of Alappuzha town, on the Kochi-Alappuzha National Highway NH 47, as well as the coastal rail route.

In local administration, the Cherthala town is a municipality while in the state administrative structure Cherthala is a taluk in the district of Alappuzha. The Corporation of Cochin has drafted a master plan that aims to develop Cherthala as the satellite town around Kochi.

Etymology

According to the local legend, once Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, the well known Kerala Hindu saint, while travelling through Cherthala, found an idol of the Devi with its head immersed in a muddy pond. The swami understood the divinity of the idol, took it out from the mud, cleaned it and consecrated it in a temple near the pond. Thus the place is believed to have got its name as Cher meaning mud and Thala meaning head in Malayalam and the deity of the temple got the name as Cherthala Karthiyayani.[1] The word put together means Head from the mud. Unlike in other Kerala temples, the idol of Cherthala Karthiyayani Devi is consecrated in the Sreekovil just below the ground level and cannot be directly viewed by the devotees.

There is another story that says that the former name was Karappuram and that this piece of land was given by the erstwhile State of Cochin to the erstwhile State of Travancore for protecting it from enemies. The place got its name as Chertha (joined) Thala (abutting land).

Climate

Climate data for Cherthala,Kerala
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 31.8
(89.2)		 32.0
(89.6)		 32.6
(90.7)		 32.7
(90.9)		 29.4
(84.9)		 28.8
(83.8)		 28.8
(83.8)		 29.3
(84.7)		 29.3
(84.7)		 29.9
(85.8)		 30.5
(86.9)		 31.3
(88.3)		 30.53
(86.94)
Average low °C (°F) 22.4
(72.3)		 23.4
(74.1)		 24.8
(76.6)		 25.5
(77.9)		 25.1
(77.2)		 23.8
(74.8)		 23.2
(73.8)		 23.5
(74.3)		 23.6
(74.5)		 23.7
(74.7)		 23.7
(74.7)		 22.7
(72.9)		 23.78
(74.82)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 25
(0.98)		 39
(1.54)		 56
(2.2)		 146
(5.75)		 351
(13.82)		 705
(27.76)		 621
(24.45)		 392
(15.43)		 297
(11.69)		 317
(12.48)		 199
(7.83)		 53
(2.09)		 3,201
(126.02)
Source: Climate-Data.org[2]

Local governance

Cherthala taluk is a part of Alappuzha Revenue District and Alappuzha Parliamentary constituency. All the villages of Cherthala Taluk come under the Cherthala and Aroor Constituencies of Kerala Legislative Assembly. The three-tier local governance structure is as follows: Cherthala Taluk area comes under Alappuzha district panchayat and the area is divided into three block panchayats: Pattanakad, Thycattuserry and Kanzhikuzhy. These block panchayats are again subdivided into Grama panchayats. The Grama panchayats in Pattanakkad Block Panchayath are Aroor, Ezhupunna, Kuthiathode, Kodamthuruthu, Thuravoor, Pattanakad and Vayalar. The Thycattussery Block Panchayath have five Grama Panchayaths, viz., Arookutty, Perumbalam, Panavally, Thycattusserry and Chennam Pallippuram. Kadakarapally, Cherthala South, Kanjikuzhi, Thanneermukkom and Mararikulam North are Grama panchayaths in the Kanjikuzhi Block.

Demographics

According to the Kerala government website, Cherthala municipality had a population of 43,326 over an area of 16.18 square kilometres (6.25 sq mi). The density of population is 2678 per square kilometre. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%.[3]

Cherthala has an average literacy rate of 94%, with male literacy of 98.4% and female literacy of 89.7%.

Cherthala Town

The War memorial dedicated to soldiers from Shertallai village who took part in World Wars I and II

Cherthala Town Municipality has 32 wards.[4] The town is well known after the Karthyayani Devi temple, located in the center of the town. Two more sub-temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu are also located on the northern side of the main temple. A sub-temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, also known as Kaavudayan and another dedicated to Kshethrapalakan believed to be Devi's temple caretaker are located on the southern corner of the main temple. Thousands of devotees coming from different 'Karas' (localities) of Cherthala participate in the Padayani, vela thullal and pooram pattu, the main rituals conducted during the temple festival. A large pond exists in front of the Taluk office that belongs to the Karthyayani Devi temple. We can see many roosters flocking around the temple premises. These roosters are the offerings of the devotees, an ancient custom followed in many devi temples of Kerala. The temple is administered by Travancore Devaswom Board.

Cherthala Back waters at 1960s

Another temple in Cherthala town is the Muttathu Thirumala Devaswam temple. Lord Narasimha presiding in the form of Saligrama and Sree Venkatachalapathy Moorthy with bhoo devi and sree devi are the deities of this temple. The temple conducts its annual festival either ahead of the Karthyayani Devi's festival or soon after that. The Pallivetta is a procession where it is believed that Goddess is going for the divine hunting. The annual festival lasts for eight days.

The St. Mary's Forane church, Muttom, is located in the heart of the old Cherthala town. The muttom market is situated at south side of the Church. The Muttom church is famous for Marian devotion and hence uplifted as a pilgrim center. A miracle has happened here in 1945 August, and there after, people from all over Kerala and other part, visits the church in devotion and for prayers with a strong belief in Mother Mary. The miraculous statue is placed in a shrine facing the road, for worship. Actually the parishioners are here from ancient times when Christianity is spread over, Kerala. Original church is constructed in 1023 A D at the northern side of the junction (at the place where St. Joseph's shrine is situated now). The present Church is constructed around AD 1600, in Portuguese Style of architecture . The beautifully carved and painted alters of the Church is enchanting and attracts many historians and architects. A large cross made of granite shows the legacy of the Church. A silver flag mast (Kodimaram) in the church courtyard depicts its unique Kerala heritage found in many Syrian Catholic churches of Kerala. The main festival is in January 21, the Vivaha thirunal of St. Mary & Joseph a rare feast in Kerala Catholic Churches. The festival at the Shrine is celebrated on the Sunday after DEC 8th every year.

Sree Mutharamman Kovil, Kambikkal junction, is another temple situated very near to the market. Goddess Mutharamma (bhadra) and Annapoorneswary are the deities of this temple. The dhambathi sametha navagraha and Bala ganapathy are also in the temple.

The Shree Mahadeva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also located at east of the Muttom Church. The Moorthickal Sri Lakshminarayan temple and Peechi Amman Kovil are also located half a kilometer west of the Cherthala town. The Vellorvattom Shree Mahadeva temple having twin sreekovils, both dedicated to Shiva, is located one kilometer west of Cherthala town along the main road to Cherthala Railway Station. Famous Sri Dhanwanthari Temple is located at Maruthorvattom, 1.5 km south east of the Town, half a km east of X-Ray Bye pass and K.V.M. Superspeciality Hospital. Famous Kandamangalam sree Rajarajeshwari temple is 5 km from Cherthala town. The temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeshwari, attracts thousands of devotees. The annual festival in March–April attracts a lot of people from distant areas too.

Cherthala is a major centre of coir industry. There are big coir exporting factories located outside the town, few of them along the NH 47. The politician and Union Defence Minister A K Antony hails from Cherthala Town. The Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi, is also from Cherthala. Cherthala is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, about 50 kilometers northwest, and the nearest seaport is Cochin Harbour, about 36 kilometers northwest of the town. A memorial stands in front of the Taluk office, dedicated in the memory of various soldiers from Cherthala who took part in World War I and II. The office of Tahsildar is also located in the Taluk office complex. The Taluk office has a treasury, Land & Revenue department, Election commission's office. A mini Civil station complex located behind Taluk office has various government departments under one roof. There is also the office of Deputy Supernatant of Police (DySP) near the Taluk office. The only fire station in Cherthala taluk functions round the clock next to Civil station. A large BSNL microwave tower functions near the BSNL telephone exchange used for high-speed data transfer and telephone communication. There is a court complex that houses the Magistrate court and Munsif courts. A busy bus stand and depot run by Kerala State RTC is situated on the east side of Devi temple. The Cherthala Municipality building and a shopping complex is situated near to this bus stand. A government guesthouse (Traveler's Bungalow) functions at the north end of Court junction. A man-made water canal flows across the town. It was constructed as an inland waterway to link Cherthala town with Alappuzha prior to development of NH-47. The busy Cherthala market has the vegetable wholesale market and the municipal fish market located near the Muttom Church. A small chapel of Mother Mary is located in the market. There are few oil mills producing the coconut oil. Manorama Junction, Market road, Nadacavu road, Court Jn. (Kodathi kavala), KSRTC bus stand, Pvt bus stand, Apsara junction, Xray Jn., Iron Bridge, Bhavani theatre, civil station/ Taluk office, municipal shopping complex, X-Ray Junction, Girls' High School Junction are some of the locally known places in and around Cherthala town. Cherthala town has the potential for developing as the Satellite town of ever expanding Kochi metropolitan city.

Japan water supply scheme

It is one of the Mega water supply project executed by Kerala Water Authority for providing an uninterrupted supply of drinking water for the people of entire Cherthala taluk. The scheme covers Cherthala Municipal town, 7 towns and 13 villages of Cherthala taluk. A package of five water supply schemes was approved by the Overseas Economic Co-operation Fund (OECF) of Japan, for loan assistance. The funding agency is now known as the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC).[5] The loan agreement for the project (Agreement No. IDP 123) was executed on 23 February 1997 between the OECF and the Government of India. According to the agreement, the Government of India is the borrower and the (KWA) Kerala Water Authority is the executing agency. The project aims at augmenting and rehabilitating the water supply systems of two urban regions, namely Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, and to construct water supply for three rural regions, namely Pattuvam of Kannur district, Cherthala of Alappuzha district and Meenad of Kollam district. The project when completed will ensure drinking water supply to about 4.3 million people of the benefited area spread over five districts. The water source for the Cherthala project area is Muvattupuzha River at Kulampoorkadavu near Aryankavu. The Water from Moovattupuzha River is brought to Makkekadavu treatment plant, treated and stored there and then supplied to Water tanks located in various villages and towns of Cherthala Taluk.

Places of importance

Aroor

The Garuda Vahana procession taken to Vattakkeril temple, Aroor

Aroor is a busy village situated 25 km north of Cherthala town on the National Highway 47 between Cherthala and Kochi. Aroor is identified as industrial park for seafood exports. It is also one of the fish landing centres. There are a few workshops specialised in automobile body building, mechanised boat building in Aroor. Aroor Industrial Estate and Chemical industrial estate is situated at the northern side of Aroor. It was inaugurated by Former Revenue Minister Smt. K R Gowri Amma. The studio complex of the Manorama News channel is also located in Aroor. Saint Augustine Church, one of the oldest Latin Catholic churches is located near the busy NH47 Bypass-Edacochin junction and Pavumabai Temple is there. The Saint Augustine Higher School situated nearby. Aroor being well connected by NH-47 and rail line to the Kochi City, is fast becoming one of the suburb destinations of Kochi city. Aroor is also represented as the Assembly constituency. and ancient Karthyayani Temple is situating in the heart of Aroor. The Vattakkeril temple for the Thadi THULLAL ritual is located in Aroor. Large number of people participate in the procession of Garuda Vahanas, the main festival attraction of Vattakkeril temple. Aroor Cheruvally Temple also located near Vattakkeril temple and has the Paradevatha Kavu and Kizhakakkedath Kavu. There is banian tree in the cheruvally temple and rare ganapthi idol facing towards north is the peculiarity of the temple. Kottilakkattu Kudumba Paradevatha is very near to Aroor Cheruvally Temple. The Pala Maram (Alstonia Scholaris) of the paradevatha sthaanam is very high and rare. Kavus are Sacred groves of India found in many Kerala temple preserving rare ecosystems.

Arthunkal

Arthunkal is an important pilgrim centre of Latin Catholic Christians and is for well known for St. Andrew's Basilica, popularly known as 'Arthunkal Basilica', situated 8 km south-west of Cherthala town facing the sea coast. The annual feast of St. Sebastian is celebrated at St Andrew's Basilica from 10 to 27 January. The main festival is on 20 Jan attracts a huge crowd for the evening 4 pm procession. Hindu pilgrims from Sabarimala used to visit Arthunkal Basilica and take bath in a tank in the Church premises to formally conclude their penance. The tank is not in existence now.

Historians interpret the name Arthunkal differently. One version is that the thatched chapel built initially was at Arthikulangara and later the name was modified as Arithikulangal, Arithinkal and Arthunkal. Another version is that the "Siva" temple of the Puliyamkottu family used to conduct the 'Arattu Ulsav every year. The distance from the temple to the sea where Arattu was conducted came to be known as Arattunkal and later became Arthunkal. The temple doesn't exist anymore.

Arthunkal has State Bank of India, St Francis Assisi Higher Secondary School, Arthunkal Village Co Operative Bank, Alleppey District Co operative Bank, Police Station, Post Office, St. Sebastian's Visitation Hospital, St George Church (Diocese of Cochin) etc.

Thycattusserry

Thycattusserry had a population of 20052 with 9915 males and 10137 females. Thycattusserry is situated 35 km north of Alappuzha and 25 km south of Kochi in Pallippuram Islands. Its major income source is fishing. Thycattusserry is geographically surrounded by Vembanad lake and its tributaries. The major population of Thyckatussery belonging from low income group. Thyckattussery is famous for Panchara Manal (silica sand), the major raw material used in glass and cement industry. This place has a Devi temple and a Christian church. Most of the people there belong to Hindu and Christian. The new proposed Thuravoor Pamba Road will link it to Kottayam District and is expected to act as a booster to the local economy.

Kadakkarappally

Kadakkarappally is a coastal village situated west of NH 47. Kadakkarappally is well known for the famous pilgrim centres. Kandamangalam Rajarajeshwari Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrim centre. One among the most famous devi temples in the state. Thiruvulsavam, Chirapp mahotsavam, Thaippoyam, Navrathri, Vinayak Chathurthi, Pathamudayam and Vishu are well celebrated in this temple. People believe that Goddess Rajarajeshwari is the landlord of 13 lands (from thaikkal to vettackal). People actively participate in respective years festivals. Everyone irrespective of religion, race etc. are allowed to enter temple and take part in worships.

Famous Marian Pilgrim centre Thankey Church attracts thousands of people in Passion week. Deepakazhcha, Nagarikanikkal etc. are also performed. This church was founded by Portugheese missionaries.

Andhakaranazhy

Azheekkal Beach

Andhakaranazhy is a coastal village located 4-km west of Pattanakkad. It is one of the popular beach locations attracting tourists and domestic visitors. The beach has an azhy, a sand sedimentation formed by the constant sea erosion. Large mechanised shutters are erected near the isthmus where the back waters merge into the Arabian sea. These shutters regulate the flow of seawater water entering into the neighbouring paddy fields of Thuravoor, Pattanakad, Ezhupunna panchayats connected to the back waters. They also prevent flooding in paddy fields during excessive rainfalls . A majestic light house stands like a signal tower guiding the seamen during night. This lighthouse is open to public during the Onam season. It is also a popular shooting location for Malayalam film songs. One can reach Andhakaranazhy via the Kadakkarapally-Thanky-Andhakaranazhy-Pallithode beach road or divert towards west at Padmakshi-Kavilpalli junction on NH 47 near Pattanakkad. It was one of the seriously affected areas in the tsunami disaster, which hit the Kerala Coast on 26 December 2006. Smt. K. R. Gowri Amma, the revenue minister in the Kerala State's first elected government is from there. She was the sitting MLA from Aroor constituency for many years. The Vyathara Trimurthi temple, a very rare and old temple dedicated to tri-gods (trimurthi) Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma consecrated in a single sreekovil is located in Andhakaranazhy. The Kandakarana temple is also located near the Trimurthi temple.

Chennam Pallippuram

Chennam Pallippuram, commonly known as Pallippuram, is a panchayath, situated in Cherthala taluk and belongs to Thycattussery block panchayath accessible by the Cherthala-Arukutty-Aroor road. The panchayath has an area of 25.53 square kilometers, 6202 households and a population of 27307 (13365 men and 13942 women) as per census of 2001. Pallippuram is also known for its huge deposits of white silica-rich sandy soil. These huge white sand dunes dotted with cashew nut trees is a typical landscape of Pallippuram, found on both sides of Cherthala-Arookutty-Aroor road. This sandy soil has large demand in glass making industry. But due to its clandestine consumption many dunes have disappeared from the landscape of Pallippuram. Pallippuram sand soil is now a restricted resource controlled by the Government Geology department. Pallippuram St. Mary's R C Church is very famous and has importance in Kerala catholic History. Pallippuram is surrounded with Vembanad Lake on eastern and western sides and Chenganda River on its southern side. The bridge over the river connects this area to the mainland of Cherthala. The IHRD engineering college, N.S.S Arts and Science College, and few schools are located in this panchayat area. The crushing unit of Malabar Cements (owned by Government of Kerala) is located in the industrial area.The LPG bottling plant by Evershine petroleum pvt LTD is situated in the Industrial Area. The Cherthala Info Park with associated township and other infrastructure is another upcoming project under construction in Pallippuram panchayat. Thiruayranikkulam Kalathil Mahadeva temple, Kadavil Mahalakshmi temple, and St. Mary's Church are also located in Pallippuram panchayat. The St. Thomas Hospital and Public Health Centre is also located in this area. Pallippuram is connected to Cherthala by road at a distance of 5 km. MLA road (parallel to Cherthala -Arukutty-Aroor road) is another major road in the locality. Cherthala Infopark is also situated in Pallippuram panchayath. Pallippuram Panchayath Located in between Vembanad and Kaithapuzha Lake ( A branch of Vembanad Lake).

Ezhupunna

Ezhupunna is a village in the taluk of Cherthala in Alappuzha district. It lies between Alappuzha and Kochi, 23 km from Kochi. There is also a railway station, where only passenger trains halt. This is a panchayat which come under the Aroor Assembly constituency. The village have borders with Kumbalangy and Chellanam, suburbs of the city of Kochi.

Pallithode

Main article: Pallithode

Pallithode is a village in the taluk of Cherthala. The area has plenty of paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets and migratory birds. St Sebastian Church is located near the Thoppumpady beach highway. This village comes under the Aroor Assembly constituency. It borders Chellanam, a suburb of Kochi (Cochin). It lies between Alappuzha and Kochi on the coast of Arabian Sea.

Eramalloor

Eramalloor lies between Cherthala Town and Aroor on National Highway 47. The place has had steady economic growth in recent times. Administratively, Eramalloor falls under Ezhupunna Panchayath.

Kochuveli kavala

Kochuveli kavala lies between Eramalloor and Chandiroor bridge. This place is well known among the seafood industrial area. The famous Royal Milk and RF Exports situated in this place and also this place is popular among the people due to the existence of famous church St.Francis Xavier's Eramalloor. The famous sree narayanapuram temple is situated at the south side of the kochuveli kavala, recently a bridge came in between kochuvelikavala and sreenarayana puram(Sreenarayana puram bridge).Through this route we can easily reaches the Ezhupunna. One of the famous mahal in Kerala is situated at the nearest place of Kochuvelikavala (Aroor Mahal Muslim jamath). In the era of 1995, 96, 97 this place is become very popular in Kerala due to the existence of one water channel named Puthanthode. This channel became polluted due to the activities of peeling sheds in nearby area of puthanthode. Nowadays this channel almost 70% unpolluted due to some cleaning process done by the govt.

S.L Puram

S.L Puram is also known as Sethulekshmipuram or Kanjikuzhi. It is situated 12 km north of Alappuzha town, 9 km south of Cherthala town, about 3  km towards west is Arabian sea and 3 km towards east is Vembanadu lake. S.L Puram is one of the main junction on Alappuzha - Cherthala NH 47. The Marari beach lies 3.5  km west, Muhamma road on the east side reaching the Kumarakam-Muhamma ferry. The drama and film script writer Sree S.L Puram Sadanandan and his drama theater SooryaSoma is situated in S.L Puram. The Sree Narayana college, Government Plus two School, KSEB office, BSNL office, Mararikulam police station, Mararikulam South panjayath office are other institutions located in and around S.L Puram.

Kanichukulangara

Situated 13 km north of Alappuzha town, Kanichukulangara is famous for the Bhagavathy temple. It is believed that the shrine was consecrated by a Brahmin who happened to recognize Devi who had reached the shore. The souls of the Brahmin and the maiden who is said to have fallen in love with Brahmin have been consecrated in small shrines inside the temple. Later the temple was constructed by the karnavas of kaikara, manjezham and chelattu kudumbam. They provided the land and other materials for the construction and taken care of the nithya pooja and festivals.

Maruthorvattom

Maruthorvattam is spread between Cherthala Municipality and Thanneermukkam Panchayath. Maruthorvattom is very famous for the Sree Dhanwanthari Temple. 'Thalu Curry' prepared on Karkida Vavu at the temple is considered as a holy medicine. Maruthorvattom is also known for the very old Govt LP School. Pin code for the Maruthorvattam post office 688545. NH-47 is the western boundary of Maruthorvattom.

Kokkothamangalam

Situated on the western shore of Vembanad lake is the seat of one of the oldest churches in the world. It is said that the apostle St. Thomas, who had visited Kerala in 52 AD, had established seven churches including the one here and consecrated a cross there. Later the cross was found missing and it was recovered from Pallippuram and brought back to Kokkothamangalam, where the church stood. The church was re-built to the present form, in 1900. It is a major pilgrim centre. St Antony's High School is located in Kokkothamangalam. The place is 4.5 km southeast from Cherthala town accessible via the Cherthala – Thanneermukkom - Muhamma road. Manaveli:In Manaveli there is one old home (more than 100 years old) situated near Manaveli junction i.e., 2 km from east Cherthala town. There is also one temple, Sree Shanmugha vilasam. Here is an ancient Ayyappa Temple—Kothakattu Sree Darma Sastha Temple. The Name of these place Kokkothamangalam is connected and direved from "Kothakattu'

Muhamma

Muhamma is a Grama Panchayath in Cherthala Taluk. It is home to the Cheerappanchira kalari, where Lord Ayyappa of Sabhari Mala had his training in the martial arts; the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, Mrs. Susheela Gopalan (wife of A. K. Gopalan), was from this family.

Muhamma was also the village where the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader P. Krishna Pillai died after sustaining a snakebite. Pathiramanal island, the most beautiful point in Vembanad Lake, is a part of Muhamma Panchyath.

Muhamma is also the birthplace of Mananiya Padmasri Parameswarji, well known thinker and leader of Hinduism.

S D Shibulal, CEO and Managing Director of Infosys, hails from Muhamma.

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal, roughly translated as the 'mysterious sand of midnight', is a small beautiful island of tourist importance. It is situated in the centre of Vembanad lake, 4 km east of Muhamma. This island is full of coconut trees and luxuriant vegetation. It is also home to a large flock of migratory birds.

Pathiramanal Bio Park Muhamma panchyath has launched big project in Pathiramanal with central assistance. The estimated cost of the project is about 10 crores. Bio park, fish breeding area, Natural Historical museum, aquarium etc. are the main parts of the project. The project is submitted by the panchayath samithy headed by Sri. C.K. Bhaskaran, President, and P.P. Udayasimhan, Secretary.

Panavally

Panavally is a serene village in Cherthala taluk of Alappuzha district. It is situated at the northern frontier of old Travancore state, surrounded by backwaters of Vembanad lake. The studies on the soil of the place have shown that, like many regions of Kerala, this part of the land also emerged from the sea a few centuries ago. The sand in the southern part of this village contains high concentration of pure silica. This is being used in many industries, in particular in brick (white) making. The Cherthala-Arookutty bus route goes through this village and runs parallel to the national highway NH 47. The economy in general is agriculture based, but equally supported by the seafood processing industry. Due to the proximity to the Cochin city, this village supplies workforce to the city as well. Major industries in this include Century Shipyard, Kuncharath coir mills etc. Nalpathaneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple, Thrichattukulam Mahadeva Temple, vazatharaveli annapoorneswari temple, sooryankunnu bhadrakali temple, Edappangazhi Sree Krishna Temple, Odampally Devi Temple are the main Hindu religious centres in Panavally. Poochakkal Police Station and Thykkattussery Block Office are situated in this village. Panavally Krishnan Vaidyar, author of Vasthipradeepam, is from Panavally. He had treated Sri Narayana Guru and was a member of srimoolam praja sabha for three times he was a renowned vaidya and social reformer. C.K.V Hospital is situated in panavally. A hospital which gives authentic ayurveda treatment for major disc complaints patients from all over India comes here and getting good results without any advertisements. Keerthy Bar is the famous shop in around Ponnamvely.

Pattanakkad

Pattanakkad is a panchayath in Cherthala taluk. Andhakaranazhy located 4 km west of Poonamveli, is a beautiful tourist beach destination also known after its azhi(അഴി). Andhakaranazhy has a lighthouse and it is also a popular shooting location for south Indian films songs. The Pattanakad Block office, State Bank of India Branch, a small market, Poonamveli mosque, BSNL telephone exchange, police station etc. are located at Poonamveli, a locality along the NH 47 near the Pattankad Block office. Pattanakkad Mahadeva temple is believed to be one of 108 Shiva temples built by Hindu Warrior saint Parasurama.[6] of Kerala, located along the NH 47 near to the Pattankad village office. Well reputed Pattanakkad Public School currently known as St. Joseph's Public School, Bishop Moore Vidya Pith and the Government Vocational Higher Secondary schools and its beautiful playground are located along the NH 47 near Pattankad. Now so many exporting companies like CoirFlex, Techno exports, etc. locating this place The Milma cattle feed plant is also located 2 km north of Poonamveli along the NH 47.

Poochakkal

Nagari SreeDharmaSastha Kshetram

Poochakkal is a small island surrounded with backwaters. The place is famous for panchara manal (white sand), karimeen, kallu etc. Thaliyaparambu temple famous for KALAM KARY is here. Poochackal is the most important small town. Located jointly in Thycattussery and Panavally panchayaths. It is the financial and business capital of this area. It is about 14 km from Cherthala, 8 km from Vaikom and 25 km from Ernakulam.The old bridge over poochakkal thodu (canal) had a history.About 50 years back,there was boat service(motor boat)along this thodu and the bridge was raised manually by people for the motor boat to pass through. There are hospitals namely Poochakkal Medical Centre PMC, deepa hospital,CKV hospital, mercy hospital and govnt clinic. Three high schools, One Thevarvattom Govt high school (it is one of the most ancient elementary schools in Alappuzha dist 150 yrs), One St. Theresa's H S Manappuram. Sreekandeswaram H S (one HSS, one VHSS, one BEd Training college, one TTC) are here in Poochakkal. Royal theater, KC movies are the main movie theaters. Nagari Sree Dharmasastha Temple(famous for Annual fireworks along with festival), Sreekandeswaram Mahadevar Temple, Elikkattu Sree dharma sastha Temple, Edapangazhi sreekrishna temple, Thaliaparambu devi kshetram(famous for Kalamkari), Thycattuserry Bhagavathy "MOOLASTHANAM" at Eloor KALARY Thevarvattom, Thevarvattom Masjid, Manappuram St. Theresas church are the main worship places. Poochackal market is one of the biggest market in North Cherthala. There are two nationalised Banks (Federal Bank[with ATM] & State Bank of Travancore[with ATM ], One Alleppey Dist Co-Operative Bank, Kerala Gramin Bank(KLGB0040681), Cherthala service Co-Operative Bank, Sub Treasury, KSFE, Muthoot Finance Ltd, MUTHOOT FINCORP LTD and Mannappuram Finance are the financial Institutions. A diesel /petrol outlet of IBP also operates at poochackkal which is located near by CKV hospital. Working houres is 6 AM to 12 AM. Poochakkal police station and Land Registration Office fulfills the needs for the entire Thycattusserry Block. In fact, this Block Panchayath can be renamed after Poochakkal. Poochakkal post office (PIN 688526) is located in the heart of the town. Thykkattussery and Panavally telephone exchanges are also located in this town. NSD code for these two exchanges are 0478. Now Poochakkal PIN 688526 is the sub post office for Olavaipe, Panavally, Trichattukulam, Naduvath Nagar and Manapuram, hence these Branch Post Offices use the same PIN code 688526. Cherthala Infopark (IT park under Government of Kerala) is coming up at Pallippuram panchayath which is 6 km away from Poochakkal. Till the Assembly elections in 2006, it was part of Cherthala LAC, after delimitation, from 2011 elections onwards it is part of Aroor LAC. Poochakkal Electrical Section, Poochakkal Electrical Major Section Office and Poochakkal Electrical Sub Division are here. Aroor Electrical Section and Arookutty Electrical Section are coming under Poochakkal Electrical Sub Division. Thuravoor Thycattuserry bridge inaugurated on 27 May 2015 by Hon.Chief minister Sri Ummanchandy reduces the distance to NH47 by 6 km. The upcoming Bridge Makkekadavu-Nerekadavu will connect Poochakkal to Vaikom by 6 km.

Thanneermukkom

Main article: Thanneermukkom

It is situated on the western bank of Vembanad Lake. The Thanneermukkom salt-water barrier was constructed as a part of Kuttanad Development Scheme. The Thanneermukkom regulator constructed across Vembanad Lake between Thanneermukkom and Vechur is to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water. Thanneermukkom "CHALI NARAYANA PURAM" (Lord SIVA-Thekkanappan and Lord Vishnu –Vadakkanappan) Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrim centre.

Thiruvizha

Thiruvizha is situated about 5 km south-west of Cherthala and is for Shiva temple. The temple attracts large number of devotees because of the divine prasadam, which is supposed to possess medicinal and curative properties for mental illness.

Vayalar

Main article: Vayalar
Vayalar Raktha Sakshi Mandapam

Situated about 2.5 km north of Cherthala, Kollapally Devi (goddess) temple which forms the biggest among the triad of temples at Vayalar-Kollapally. Vayalar is a politically important place in the history of modern Kerala. The historic Punnapra-Vayalar uprising at Vayalar by the communist party against the rule of Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, the Diwan of Travancore state, resulted in the relinquishment of the rule of Diwan. Hundreds of communists fell victim to the tragic police firing in 1946. There is martyrs' platform (Raktha Sakshi Mandapam) erected at this place. You can still find stump of the coconut tree in which a hole was created due to the police firing. Every year leading communist leaders come down here on the memorial day. This place is home to the late poet Vayalar Rama Varma and Union Minister Vayalar Ravi. It is also the birthplace of Mr. S. Raja, an industrialist in Erode of Tamil Nadu.

Uzhuva

Uzhuva is a village on the NH 47 road about 6 km north of Cherthala town, and is the place where a branch road leads off west towards the village of Konattussery. The point where the side road starts is Puthiyakavu, the site of the Puthiyakavu Devi (goddess) temple which forms the biggest among the triad of temples at Uzhuva, the other two being Devankal (Krishna temple) and Sasthankal (Sastha temple). The Uzhuva UP school is located 200 meters west of the Puthiyakavu junction on the Konattussery road. The Devi temple is skirted on both the Eastern and Western sides by the old NH road and the new, eight-lane NH 47 road respectively.

The village of Uzhuva used to have a lot of paddy fields, but the these have been filled up, and agriculture is now limited to the ubiquitous coconut, vegetables, plantains and fruit-trees such as mangoes & jack. Livestock rearing is no longer popular as much as even 10 years ago.

Kanichukulangara

Situated 13 km north of Alappuzha town, Kanichukulangara is famous for the Bhagavathy temple. It is believed that the shrine was consecrated by a Brahmin who happened to recognize Devi who had reached the shore. The souls of the Brahmin and the maiden who is said to have fallen in love with Brahmin have been consecrated in small shrines inside the temple. Later the temple was constructed by the karnavas of kaikara, manjezham and chelattu kudumbam. They provided the land and other materials for the construction and taken care of the nithya pooja and festivals.

Maruthorvattom

Maruthorvattam is spread between Cherthala Municipality and Thanneermukkam Panchayath. Maruthorvattom is very famous for the Sree Dhanwanthari Temple. 'Thalu Curry' prepared on Karkida Vavu at the temple is considered as a holy medicine. Maruthorvattom is also known for the very old Govt LP School. Pin code for the Maruthorvattam post office 688545. NH-47 is the western boundary of Maruthorvattom.

Kokkothamangalam

Situated on the western shore of Vembanad lake is the seat of one of the oldest churches in the world. It is said that the apostle St. Thomas, who had visited Kerala in 52 AD, had established seven churches including the one here and consecrated a cross there. Later the cross was found missing and it was recovered from Pallippuram and brought back to Kokkothamangalam, where the church stood. The church was re-built to the present form, in 1900. It is a major pilgrim centre. St Antony's High School is located in Kokkothamangalam. The place is 4.5 km southeast from Cherthala town accessible via the Cherthala – Thanneermukkom - Muhamma road. Manaveli:In Manaveli there is one old home (more than 100 years old) situated near Manaveli junction i.e., 2 km from east Cherthala town. There is also one temple, Sree Shanmugha vilasam. Here is an ancient Ayyappa Temple—Kothakattu Sree Darma Sastha Temple. The Name of these place Kokkothamangalam is connected and direved from "Kothakattu'

Muhamma

Muhamma is a Grama Panchayath in Cherthala Taluk. It is home to the Cheerappanchira kalari, where Ayyappan had his training in the martial arts; the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, Mrs. Susheela Gopalan (wife of A. K. Gopalan), was from this family.

Muhamma was also the village where the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader P. Krishna Pillai died after sustaining a snakebite. Pathiramanal island, the most beautiful point in Vembanad Lake, is a part of Muhamma Panchyath.

Muhamma is also the birthplace of Mananiya Padmasri Parameswarji, well known thinker and leader of Hinduism.

S D Shibulal, Ex-CEO and Ex-Managing Director of Infosys, hails from Muhamma.

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal, roughly translated as the 'mysterious sand of midnight', is a small beautiful island of tourist importance. It is situated in the centre of Vembanad lake, 4 km east of Muhamma. This island is full of coconut trees and luxuriant vegetation. It is also home to a large flock of migratory birds.

Pathiramanal Bio Park Muhamma panchyath has launched big project in Pathiramanal with central assistance. The estimated cost of the project is about 10 crores. Bio park, fish breeding area, Natural Historical museum, aquarium etc. are the main parts of the project. The project is submitted by the panchayath samithy headed by Sri. C.K. Bhaskaran, President, and P.P. Udayasimhan, Secretary.

Panavally

Panavally is a serene village in Cherthala taluk of Alappuzha district. It is situated at the northern frontier of old Travancore state, surrounded by backwaters of Vembanad lake. The studies on the soil of the place have shown that, like many regions of Kerala, this part of the land also emerged from the sea a few centuries ago. The sand in the southern part of this village contains high concentration of pure silica. This is being used in many industries, in particular in brick (white) making. The Cherthala-Arookutty bus route goes through this village and runs parallel to the national highway NH 47. The economy in general is agriculture based, but equally supported by the seafood processing industry. Due to the proximity to the Cochin city, this village supplies workforce to the city as well. Major industries in this include Century Shipyard, Kuncharath coir mills etc. Nalpathaneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple, Thrichattukulam Mahadeva Temple, vazatharaveli annapoorneswari temple, sooryankunnu bhadrakali temple, Edappangazhi Sree Krishna Temple, Odampally Devi Temple are the main Hindu religious centres in Panavally. Poochakkal Police Station and Thykkattussery Block Office are situated in this village. Panavally Krishnan Vaidyar, author of Vasthipradeepam, is from Panavally. He had treated Sri Narayana Guru and was a member of srimoolam praja sabha for three times he was a renowned vaidya and social reformer. C.K.V Hospital is situated in panavally. A hospital which gives authentic ayurveda treatment for major disc complaints patients from all over India comes here and getting good results without any advertisements. Keerthy Bar is the famous shop in around Ponnamvely.

Pattanakkad

Pattanakkad is a panchayath in Cherthala taluk. Andhakaranazhy located 4 km west of Poonamveli, is a beautiful tourist beach destination also known after its azhi(അഴി). Andhakaranazhy has a lighthouse and it is also a popular shooting location for south Indian films songs. The Pattanakad Block office, State Bank of India Branch, a small market, Poonamveli mosque, BSNL telephone exchange, police station etc. are located at Poonamveli, a locality along the NH 47 near the Pattankad Block office. Pattanakkad Mahadeva temple is believed to be one of 108 Shiva temples built by Hindu Warrior saint Parasurama.[6] of Kerala, located along the NH 47 near to the Pattankad village office. Well reputed Pattanakkad Public School currently known as St. Joseph's Public School, Bishop Moore Vidya Pith and the Government Vocational Higher Secondary schools and its beautiful playground are located along the NH 47 near Pattankad. Now so many exporting companies like Coir flex, Techno exports, etc. locating this place The Milma cattle feed plant is also located 2 km north of Poonamveli along the NH 47.

Poochakkal

Nagari SreeDharmaSastha Kshetram

Poochakkal is a small island surrounded with backwaters. The place is famous for panchara manal (white sand), karimeen, kallu etc. Thaliyaparambu temple famous for KALAM KARY is here. Poochackal is the most important small town. Located jointly in Thycattussery and Panavally panchayaths. It is the financial and business capital of this area. It is about 14 km from Cherthala, 8 km from Vaikom and 25 km from Ernakulam.The old bridge over poochakkal thodu (canal) had a history.About 50 years back,there was boat service(motor boat)along this thodu and the bridge was raised manually by people for the motor boat to pass through. There are hospitals namely Poochakkal Medical Centre PMC, deepa hospital,CKV hospital, mercy hospital and govnt clinic. Three high schools, One Thevarvattom Govt high school (it is one of the most ancient elementary schools in Alappuzha dist 150 yrs), One St. Theresa's H S Manappuram. Sreekandeswaram H S (one HSS, one VHSS, one BEd Training college, one TTC) are here in Poochakkal. Royal theater, KC movies are the main movie theaters. Nagari Sree Dharmasastha Temple(famous for Annual fireworks along with festival), Sreekandeswaram Mahadevar Temple, Elikkattu Sree dharma sastha Temple, Edapangazhi sreekrishna temple, Thaliaparambu devi kshetram(famous for Kalamkari), Thycattuserry Bhagavathy "MOOLASTHANAM" at Eloor KALARY Thevarvattom, Thevarvattom Masjid, Manappuram St. Theresas church are the main worship places. Poochackal market is one of the biggest market in North Cherthala. There are two nationalised Banks (Federal Bank[with ATM] & State Bank of Travancore[with ATM ], One Alleppey Dist Co-Operative Bank, Chertala service Co-Operative Bank, Sub Treasury, KSFE, Muthoot Finance Ltd, MUTHOOT FINCORP LTD and Mannappuram Finance are the financial Institutions. A diesel /petrol outlet of IBP also operates at poochackkal which is located near by CKV hospital. Working houres is 6 AM to 12 AM. Poochakkal police station and Land Registration Office fulfills the needs for the entire Thycattusserry Block. In fact, this Block Panchayath can be renamed after Poochakkal. Poochakkal post office (PIN 688526) is located in the heart of the town. Thykkattussery and Panavally telephone exchanges are also located in this small town. NSD code for these two exchanges are 0478. Now Poochakkal PIN 688526 is used for Olavaipe(already using), Panavally, Trichattukulam, Naduvath Nagar and Manapuram. Because they are degraded to Branch Post Offices of Poochakkal Sub Post Office. Cherthala Infopark (IT park under Government of Kerala) is coming up at Pallippuram panchayath which is 6 km away from this small town. Till the Assembly elections in 2006, it was part of Chertala LAC, after delimitation, from 2011 elections onwards it is part of Aroor LAC.

Thanneermukkom

Main article: Thanneermukkom

It is situated on the western bank of Vembanad Lake. The Thanneermukkom salt-water barrier was constructed as a part of Kuttanad Development Scheme. The Thanneermukkom regulator constructed across Vembanad Lake between Thanneermukkom and Vechur is to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water. Thanneermukkom "CHALI NARAYANA PURAM" (Lord SIVA-Thekkanappan and Lord Vishnu –Vadakkanappan) Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrim centre. "Kayattodathu Tharavadu" is a very famous Orthodox Menon family in Thanneermukkom.

Thiruvizha

Thiruvizha is situated about 5 km south-west of Cherthala and is for Shiva temple. The temple attracts large number of devotees because of the divine prasadam, which is supposed to possess medicinal and curative properties for mental illness.

Vayalar

Main article: Vayalar
Vayalar Raktha Sakshi Mandapam

Situated about 2.5 km north of Cherthala, Kollapally Devi (goddess) temple which forms the biggest among the triad of temples at Vayalar-Kollapally. Vayalar is a politically important place in the history of modern Kerala. The historic Punnapra-Vayalar uprising at Vayalar by the communist party against the rule of Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, the Diwan of Travancore state, resulted in the relinquishment of the rule of Diwan. Hundreds of communists fell victim to the tragic police firing in 1946. There is martyrs' platform (Raktha Sakshi Mandapam) erected at this place. You can still find stump of the coconut tree in which a hole was created due to the police firing. Every year leading communist leaders come down here on the memorial day. This place is home to the late poet Vayalar Rama Varma and Union Minister Vayalar Ravi. It is also the birthplace of Mr. S. Raja, an industrialist in Erode of Tamil Nadu.

Uzhuva

Uzhuva is a village on the NH 47 road about 6 km north of Cherthala town, and is the place where a branch road leads off west towards the village of Konattussery. The point where the side road starts is Puthiyakavu, the site of the Puthiyakavu Devi (goddess) temple which forms the biggest among the triad of temples at Uzhuva, the other two being Devankal (Krishna temple) and Sasthankal (Sastha temple). The Uzhuva UP school is located 200 meters west of the Puthiyakavu junction on the Konattussery road. The Devi temple is skirted on both the Eastern and Western sides by the old NH road and the new, eight-lane NH 47 road respectively.

The village of Uzhuva used to have a lot of paddy fields, but the these have been filled up, and agriculture is now limited to the ubiquitous coconut, vegetables, plantains and fruit-trees such as mangoes & jack. Livestock rearing is no longer popular as much as even 10 years ago.

Churches

Temples

Mosques

Colleges

College Of Engineering Cherthala

College of engineering Cherthala[7] is affiliated to Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), a pioneer among technical universities in India. It is one among the leading technical institutions in Kerala since its venture in 2004. Within a short span of time since its emergence CEC has become successful in establishing itself as a leading premier professional educational institution by providing its excellence in the field of science and technology. College of engineering Cherthala offers bachelor as well as master engineering courses in Electronics, Computer science ...etc.

Nair Service Society College

The N.S.S College, Cherthala, owes its origin to the hard work and patronage of the Nair Service Society, an educational agency in Kerala and to the initiative and vision of its founder the late Mannathu Padmanabhan.

This institution, which acts as a nexus linking the Cherthala and Vaikom taluks and fulfils the long felt need of the area to provide higher education to aspiring students, came into being as a Junior College in 1964. It was upgraded in 1968. Its first PG course was started in 1995.

The college has a very active NCC Unit, three socially committed National Service Scheme Units and a very efficient Sports and Arts wing, the students of this premier institution, situated in an economically and educationally backward area, had won laurels in the University examinations, Youth Festivals and Athletic meets.

Currently it offers the following courses. Bachelor of Arts (English, Malayalam, History and Economics), Bachelor of science (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Environment & Water Management), Master of Arts(Economics), Bachelor of commerce and Master of Science in Mathematics. The college is affiliated to Kerala University.[8]

Sree Narayana College

The SN College[9] was inaugurated in 1964 by the late Sri. R. Sankar, the founder -Secretary of S.N. Trusts and the then Chief Minister of Kerala. What began as a Junior college grew over the years into a major institution, offering instruction in, ten degree courses and two PG courses.

The college at present has on its rolls more than 2,500 students and faculty of more than 90 members. Apart from the academic activities, due emphasis is given to co-curricular activities also. There are 4 very active NSS units in the college. A Population Education Club and a Women's Cell are also functioning well in the college. The NCC wing could have its cadets participate in Republic Day Parade many times. In sports and games, the college teams could win laurels on different occasions, especially in Kabaddi and Kho-Kho.

Currently it offers the following courses: Bachelor of Arts (Malayalam, Politics, Philosophy, History and Economics), Bachelor of science (Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Geology), Master of Arts (Economics), Bachelor of commerce and Master of Science (Botany, Zoology, Physics). The college is affiliated to Kerala University.[10]

St. Michael's college

St. Michael's college[11] was a long cherished dream of His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael Arattukulam, the first Bishop of Alleppey. From the time of its very inception in 1967, the college has made its mark in the academic field, in athletics, in National Service Scheme, national cadet coprps and in arts and cultural activities.

It has a student strength of 1,700 with 62 members on the teaching staff and 47 on the non-teaching staff. The college has had a consistently bright academic record all through the years. The college has distinguished itself in sports and games, one of its former students became even the Captain of the Indian Basketball Team. The performance of the college in cultural activities has been equally impressive.

Currently it offers the following courses: Bachelor of Arts (Economics), Bachelor of Science (Physics, Chemistry and Zoology), Master of Arts (Economics) and Bachelor of commerce. The college is affiliated to Kerala University.[12]

KVM College of Engineering & Information Technology

KVM College of Engineering & Information Technology was started in 2001-2002 academic year. It is approved by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) and is recognized by Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT).[13]

SNGM Institutions - Valamangalam, Thuravoor

The Sree Narayana Guru Memorial Charitable and Educational (S.N.G.M.)[14] Trust runs M.Ed. College, B.Ed. College, Teacher Training Institute, Polytechnic For Catering Technology, Pharmacy College, Arts & Science College, Senior Higher Secondary School and K.R. Gouriamma Engineering College For Women.[15] The campus is situated in Valamangalam South village, 4 km east of Thuravoor-NH 47 junction. The institutions are affiliated with the Kerala University.[16]

St. Joseph's School of Pharmacy

Situated near Cherthala

ITIs, ITCs and Nursing Colleges

Co-operative Training Centre/College

This institute is under the management of State Co-operative Union Kerala. Co-operative training center and college functions here. Junior diploma in co-operation (JDC), Higher Diploma in Co-operation & Business Management (HDC&BM) are the courses conducted there. (Govt approved courses) qualifications:

(some of the seats are reserved for SC/ST, employees of co-operative societies& Government Departments)

The Subjects includes Co-operation, Types of Co-operative Societies and their functions, Co-operative Laws, Other Laws applicable to Co-operative societies, Co-operative Audit, Rural Development Management, Banking Accountancy Software Applications. The courses also include field studies and viva voce.

Other Educational Institutes

MGEF (Mahathma Gandhi Education Foundation)

Mahathma Gandhi Education Foundation[17] is one of the leading Educational Institution in South India with its Head Office at Cherthala. MGEF conducts Information Technology Courses (Multimedia, Animation, Programming, .NET, CAD Engineering, Hardware Courses, Web Designing Courses etc.), Fire and Safety Courses, Fashion Technology, Modeling, Management Courses, Electronics and Electrical Engineering Courses. MGEF has franchises or study centers all over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. MGEF has international Offices in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. MGEF provides 100% Placement "assistance" through its Online Placement Cell and through its International Office at Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. MGEF Head Office is at Gandhi Bhavan, North of Devi Temple, Cherthala, Kerala.

Schools in and around Cherthala

Public Utility services

Bank Name IFSC Location
Canara Bank Ltd. CNRB0005110 [19] SMTD Madavendra Bldg, Muttathu Thirumala Devaswom TD Road, Cherthala
Canara Bank Ltd. CNRB0001134 Mayithara Market, Cherthala
Canara Bank Ltd. CNRB0003011 Thuravoor, Cherthala, 688532
Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd. CSBK0000084 Muttom Bazar, Cherthala
Dhanalakshmi Bank Ltd DLXB0000013 North Gate of Karthiayini Temple, Cherthala
Federal Bank Ltd FDRL0001095 Muttom Bazar, Cherthala
Syndicate Bank Ltd SYNB0004109 Prabhu Towers, CMC 23/493 C T.D.Road, Cherthala
Federal Bank Ltd FDRL0001226 K. Madhava Memorial Building, Thankey Jn, Cherthala
Indian Bank Ltd IDIB000C138 Viva Towers 4/400H, West of Civil Station, Near St. Mary's Bridge, Cherthala
HDFC Bank Ltd HDFC0001489 BNNP Building, Muttom Bazar, Cherthala
Kerala Gramin Bank NMGB0000158 S.K.M. Complex, Nadakkavu Road, Muttom Bazar, Cherthala
Punjab National Bank PUNB0389400 Amritha Complex, Opp. K.S.R.T.C. Bus Station, Cherthala
South Indian Bank SIBL0000120 NSS Building, A.S. Road, Cherthala
State Bank of India SBIN0005046 Gandhi Bazar Shopping Complex, Private Bus Stand, Cherthala
State Bank of India SBI 08953 near Arthunkal Baslica, Arthunkal, Cherthala
State Bank of India SBIN0011916 [20] X-Ray, Bye Pass, Cherthala
State Bank of Travancore SBTR0000081 Court Junction, Cherthala
Union Bank of India UBIN0536091 Karunakara Building, A.C. Road, Cherthala
Vijaya Bank VIJB0002034 Opp. K.S.R.T.C. Bus Station, Cherthala
Axis Bank Ltd UTIB0002041 GIMS Towers A C Road cherthala
Bank of Baroda Near Iron Bridge (North), Cherthala
ICICI Bank ICIC0001157 X-Ray Junction, near Indian Coffee House, Cherthala
The Muttom Service Co-operative Bank Ltd. NA Main Road, Cherthala, Kerala - 688524

Government and Judiciary offices

Drama and theater troupes

Karnatic music

Perhaps inspired by its illustrious son, Irayimman Thampi, Cherthala has a community of Karnatic music connoisseurs, especially performers, in the older generation as well in the younger generation. Well-known Karnatic singers and instrumentalists include Cherthala Gopalan Nair, Thiruvizha Jayasankar, Nedumangad Sivanandan, Thiruvizha Sivanandan, and Cherthala Ranganatha Sarma. Many of the senior artistes also have a significant number of disciples in and around Cherthala.

Industries

Coir

Coir is the traditional and most popular industrial produce in Cherthala. Coir industry is run under both private and cooperative sector. A politically well-organised coir workers and availability of raw coir fibre are the basic resources of coir industry in Cherthala. The big export housed have mechanised their plants with latest hi-tech automated coir looms. They weave out tons of coir carpets, door mats and jute items every month both for exports. One can find exquisitely designed carpets and mats displayed in the showrooms along the NH 66. Some of the major coir mat manufacturers and exporters in Cherthala are LORDS EXPORTS, TMMC Group -Chertala, Travancore Cocotuft (P) Ltd, Koncherry Coir Exporters, Maithara Coir house, Loomcraft, Charangattu Mats and Coir, Shertallai Coir Cooperative Society, MC MILLS, Kalavamkodam, Kuncharath Viva carpets, Panavally

Seafood export
A seafood export processing plant at Aroor. The cold-storage shipment containers are seen in the front of the plant.

The coastal inland area of Cherthala is closely interlocked with the Kerala backwaters and Vembanad lake. This eco-system is utilized for large-scale prawn and shrimp farming as an alternative in the low-lying paddy fields. Secondly the Cochin fishing harbour and port is just 15 km away from Aroor. The abundance of marine wealth and logistical advantages has helped the seafood export to grow especially around Aroor, Chandiroor, Ezhupunna, Thuravoor, Arookutty. Shrimp, squid, Cuttle fish and other fin fishes are some of the raw marine wealth processed and exported. There are many marine food processing units in these places which provide employment to large number of people. The raw seafood catch is also purchased by large seafood export firms from North Kerala, Kollam, South Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu etc., processed and preserved in cold storages and then trans-shipped through Cochin port.

Heavy engineering

SILK (Steel Industries Limited Kerala) - Maithara and Thuravoor. Proposed Indian Railways coach factory of will be coming up at Maithara.

Brewery

United Spirits Ltd (Mc-Dowell distillery), established by the UB Group, is a major industry in the town and it is established on the bank of Vembanadu lake in Varanadu, Cherthala. United Breweries Ltd, Varanad manufactures Beer in the brand name Kingfisher.

Industrial area

The industrial areas at Aroor and Maithara have many small/medium scale industrial units. The Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited KELTRON has a control and instrumentation division running in Aroor.[21]

IT Park

An IT Info park complex and associated township is coming up near Pallippuram, 8 km North of Cherthala Town.[22]

Infopark Cherthala

Located in Pallippuram village, Cherthala taluk of Alappuzha District . Total area of the park is 66 acres of which 60 acres has been notified as a sector specific Special Economic Zone by the Ministry of Commerce, GoI vide notification dated 8 June 2009. Master plan has been developed by Ajit associates, Architects, Kochi. Six plots each measuring 4.5 to 5 acres for IT companies and co-developers and one plot of approx. 9 acres for commercial applications have been earmarked for long-term leasing. The park will have own 110 kV substation, water treatment and storage tanks, effluent treatment plant, power distribution facility, internal road system / walkways, drainage system , landscaping with water bodies will also be developed .

Fact sheet

Project area: 66 acres Location: Pallippuram, Cherthala, Alappuzha 30 km from Vyttila, Ernakulam Type of development: SEZ Basic infrastructure (power, water & roads) will be ready by March 2010. Power 15 MVA receives at 110kv and distributes at 11 kV. Construction power readily available. Facility for Common Water Treatment plant. Good access roads to the park.

Offerings

Land: 6 plots of around 5 acres Built-up area: 200,000 sft Plot for commercial complex: Around 10 acres.

Infopark Cherthala is the second spoke of Infopark Kochi to be launched after Infopark Koratty. It is part of the plan by the Kerala IT Department to expand its reach in a hub and spoke model. Infopark Cherthala is approximately 40 km from Infopark Kochi. It is planned on 66 acres, 60 acres of which have already been notified as Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The park will eventually have a total built-up area of 2.5 million sq. ft. and is expected to generate about 20,000 jobs.

Roads

Route display panel across NH 47 near Aroor

Inland waterway

Cherthala lies between the Kottapuram-Kollam National Waterway 3 passing through the Vembanad lake. Prior to the coming of NH 47, the cargo and freight from Cochin market was transported in country boats through the Vembanad lake via the small lake diverting from Arukutty-Thycattuserry-Vayalar. Now these country boats are no more used for cargo transportation, instead converted into tourist floating houseboats. One can still find the canal running across the center of the town which was once busiest waterway. We can reach Vaikom by the Tavankadav-Vaikom ferry service covering approx 3.5 km across the Vembanad lake and joining the Kottayam district at Vaikom jetty. There are small inland waterways or rivers, which flow across the villages, still navigable through county boats. They transport coir, marine products, vegetables, paddy, sand, construction materials etc. where roads are inaccessible. Majority of these inland rivers flow from Vembanad Lake on the eastern side and merge into the azhi or sea near Anthakaranazhi on the west coast, crossing the NH 47 at different places.

Notable people

References

  1. ↑ Namboothiri Websites Calicut (3 October 2003). "Vilwamangalam Swaamiyaar". Namboothiri.com. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  2. ↑ "CLIMATE: CHERTALA", Climate-Data.org. Web: .
  3. ↑ Panchayat Statistics 2001
  4. ↑ http://www.cherthalamunicipality.in Cherthala Municipality
  5. ↑ Japan Water Supply Scheme PDF format
  6. 1 2 3 4 "108 Shiva Temples in Kerala created by Lord Parasurama". Vaikhari.org. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  7. ↑ "CollegeOfEngineering, Cherthala". Cectl.ac.in. 17 October 2011. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  8. ↑ Archived 27 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
  9. ↑ "SNC_home_page". Sncollege.in. 14 July 1964. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  10. ↑ Archived 26 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  11. ↑ "St. Michael's College". Stmichaelscherthala.edu.in. 27 July 1967. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  12. ↑ Archived 27 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
  13. ↑ IRAA CUSAT Prospectus 2013
  14. ↑ K.R. Gouri Amma College Of Engineering For Women (20 May 2011). "S.N.G.M. College Campus". Sngmc.org. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  15. ↑ Archived 25 December 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
  16. ↑ Archived 4 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  17. ↑ ":: MGEF Mahathma Gandhi Education Foundation Group website : MG Education Foundation, Mahatma Gandhi, regular and distance education - computer education course, fire and safety course, industrial safety course, management courses, multimedia and animation, hardware, cad, engineering, online education, distance education, fire and safety, management, multimedia, animation, .net, php, ajax, hardware course , Ayurveda Course in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, UP, AP, MP, Delhi, New Delhi, Punjab, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Dubai, Middle East, Asia". Mgef.com. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  18. ↑ "Collegelib Forums. Seminar Topics, Project topics, Latest Technology topics, trends, news and Ideas for Engineering Students". Techlib.911mb.com. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  19. ↑ "Canara Bank Cherthala IFSC Code". Retrieved 2015-06-10.
  20. ↑ "State Bank of India Cherthala IFSC Code". Retrieved 2015-06-10.
  21. ↑ Keltron Controls
  22. ↑ InfoPark Cherthala

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cherthala.
Nearest Towns and cities connected to Cherthala
Fort Kochi Ernakulam Aluva
Arthunkal Vaikom
   Cherthala  
Alappuzha Alappuzha Kottayam
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Monday, April 18, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.