Cherthala
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| ?Cherthala Kerala • India |
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 |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
320.44 km² (124 sq mi) • 0 m (0 ft) |
| District(s) | Alappuzha |
| Population • Density • Sex ratio |
4.78 lakhs (1991) • 1,491 /km² (3,862 /sq mi) • 1030 |
| Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle |
• 688524 • +0478 • KL-32 |
Cherthala (formerly known as Shertallai) is a Taluk and a municipality in Alappuzha district in the state of Kerala, India. It is 36km from Cochin and 22 km from Alleppey on the Cochin-to-Alleppey section of National Highway 47 Road Route and Railway Route. Cherthala is in Alleppey District, of which Alleppey is the district headquarters. Cherthala is a Major Taluk consisting of 20 villages of which Cherthala is the Taluk headquarters.
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[edit] The Name
According to the folklore, once a namboodiri (the priestly class) was travelling through the present day Cherthala when he found the idol of the 'Devi'(The mother goddess) in a pond. The idol was found with its head immersed in mud. The priest took out the idol and established a temple at the location which is the present day Karthiyayani temple. The place is said to have got its name from this incident. Cher means Mud and Thala means Head in malayalam.
There is another story which say that the former name was Karappuram and this part of land was gifted 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).
[edit] How to reach
One can travel to the Town by train commuting through the Cochin-to-Alleppey rail route. The railway station is known as Sherthalai in Indian railway parlance. The four-lane NH 47 runs through the town. The Cherthala town can be reached by road from Cochin (36 km) or from Vaikom (15 km) or from Kottayam (30 km) as well as from Alleppey (22 km). Thus it acts as the easy meeting point from the neighbouring towns. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport about 50 kilometers north west and the nearest seaport is Cochin Harbour about 36 kilometers north west of the town. The famous vembanad Lake flows along this beautiful town. The international tourist destination Kumarakom is only a 10 km travel from here.
[edit] Industry
The main industry here is based on the products from the humble coconut tree. The coconut oil is used for cooking, as hair oil and in manufacture of soap. The coir extracted from the husk of the coconut tree is used for making rope, door mats, carpets and as protection against soil erosion.
Fishing and allied industries is another major source of lively hood. The place is endoved with a network of canals which are invariably connected with either the Arabian sea on the west or the Vembanad back waters on the east side. Of late prawn farming has caught up with the place. The prawn mainly go into the export market. There is major industry involved in export of sea food in Aroor industrial belt on the northern part of the taluk.
Recently tourism is also developing throughout Cherthala along the costal areas of Vembanad lake. So land prices are growing up much faster and lot of tourist restorts were built up throughout the costal area including one from the ITDC (India Tourism Development Corporation. There are so many private resorts also functioning in Thanneermukkom village.
[edit] Demographics
As per kerala government website , Cherthala municipality had a population of 43326 over an area of 16.18 square Kilo Metres. The density of population is 2678 per square Kilo Metre. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%.[1]
Cherthala has an average literacy rate of 94%, with male literacy of 98.4% and female literacy of 89.7%.
[edit] Administration
Cherthala is one of 6 taluks of the Alapuzha district, Kerala state, India . The taluk of cherthala is divided into 20 villages for government administration. Cherthala is represented in the kerala constituent assembly by constituencies named Cherthala and Aroor.
[edit] Places of importance
[edit] Aroor
Aroor is situated on the National Highway 47 between Cherthala and Kochi. Aroor is identified as industrial park for sea food exports. It is also one of the fish landing centres.
[edit] Arthunkal
It is an important pilgrim centre of Roman Catholic Christians and is famous for well known St. Andrews Church, popularly known as 'Arthunkal Church' situated 8 km south-west of Cherthala town facing the sea coast. 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, Arthunkal 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. Hindu pilgrims from Sabarimala used to visit Arthunkal and take bath in a tank in the Church premises to formally conclude their penance. The tank is not in existence now.
[edit] Cherthala
The town is famous for the well known Devi (Karthyayani) temple located in the centre of the town. Padayani and vela thullal of the temple are famous. The idol of Bhagavathy(goddess) is said to have been consecrated by Vilwamangalath Swamiyar (A famous priest). Cherthala is well -connected by road and rail. It is a major centre of coir industry. The well-known politician and the present Union Defence Minister A K Antony hails from Cherthala Town. The present Union Minister for Forgin Affairs, Shri. Vayalar Ravi is also from Cherthala.
[edit] Poochakkal
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 and 30 km from Ernakulam. Three schools, one VHSC, one Plus Two, one BEd centre, one TTC are here in Poochackal. Royal, KC movies are the main attractive theatres. Nagari Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Sreekandeswaram Mahadevar Temple, Elikkattu Sreedharmasastha Temple, 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 & State Bank of Travancore), One Alleppey Dist Co-Operative Bank, Chertala service Co-Opertive Bank, Sub Treasury, KSFE are the financial Institutions. Thaliyaparambu temple famous for KALAM KARY is here. Poochakkal police station and Land Registration Office fulfills the needs for the entire Thycattusserry Block. Infact this Block Panchayath can be renamed after POOCHACKAL.
[edit] Chennam Pallippuram (Pallippuram)
Chennam Pallippuram commonly know as Pallippuram is a Panchayath, situated in Cherthala taluk and belongs to Thycattussery block Panchayath. 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.
A serene village vedged between Cherthala Muicipality and Thycattussery Panchayath, it is noted for its huge deposits of silica sand. It is surrounded with Vembanad lake on eastern and western sides and Chenganda river on its southern side. The bridge over the river connect this area to the mainland of Cherthala. It is also connected to Vaikom by means of ferry service and boats.
It is an educationally as well as industrially forward area with an Engineering College (IHRD), Arts and Science College (N.S.S,College, Cherthala)and many schools both in Kerala and CBSE syllabi.
There is an industrial growth centre in Pallipuram. Malabar Cements(owned by Government of Kerala )is the major industrial unit operating out of the industrial growth centre.
it has many places of worship like Thiruayranikkulam Kalathil temple,Kadavil Bhagavathi temple, and St.Mary's Church.
The Panchayath have all the basic amenities within itself. There is a Public Health Centre(managed by the Government health department) and a private hospital called St.Thomas Hospital with 100 beds and with surgical unit.
Pallipuram is connected to Cherthala by road at a distance of 5 km. The major roads are the Cherthala -Aroor road with a high frequency of buses and the MLA road (parallel to Cherthala - Aroor road) with a comparitive less frequency of buses.
[edit] 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. At present Kanichukulangara has gained importance in politics since the chief of Ezhava community Sri Vellappilly Natesan is a native of the place.Almost all political leaders are in a habit of getting blessings of the leader because he controls a major votebank. Mr Natesan is a business man as well as a man with guts.
[edit] Kokkamangalam(Kokkothamangalam )
Situated on the western shore of Vembanad lake is the seat of one oldest churches world. It is said that the apostle St. Thomas, who visited Kerala and established 7 churches including one here, consecrated a cross there. Later the cross was found missing and it was recovered from Pallipuram and brought back to Kokkothamangalm where a church was built. The present church was built in 1900. It is a major pilgrim centre. St Antony's High School is located in Kokkothamangalam.
[edit] Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal known 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.
[edit] Thannermukkom
It is situated on the western bank of Vembanad lake. The Thannermukkom salt water barrier was constructed as apart of Kuttanad Development Scheme. The Thannermukkom regulator constructed across Vembanad lake between Thannermukkom and Vechur is to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water. It is the largest mud regulator in India. Famous temple chalenarayanapuram
[edit] Thiruvizha
Thiruvizha is situated about 5 km south-west of Cherthala and is famous for Shiva temple. The temple attracts large number of devotees on account of the divine prasadam which is supposed to possess medicinal and curative properties for mental illness.
[edit] Vayalar
Situated about 2.5 km north of Cherthala, Vayalar is a politically important place in the history of modern Kerala. The historic struggle at Vayalar by the communist party against Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, Diwan of Travancore, 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 cocunut 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 a birth place of Mr. S.Raja a famous industrialist in erode of tamilnadu
[edit] Panavally
Panavally is a serene village that is part of Cherthala taluk and Alappuzha district. It is at the north frontier of old Travancore state. Different branches of the backwaters of Vembanad surround the village. The studies on the soil of the place has 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 is a great source of special silica sand, containing 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. Nalpathenneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple, Thrichattukulam Mahadeva Temple, Edappangazhi Sree Krishna Temple, Odampally Devi Temple are the main Hindu religious centres in Panavally. Poochakkal police station and Thykkattussery Block Office situate in this village.
[edit] Colleges
[edit] MGEF College of Computer Science, Fire & Safety
MGEF (Mahathma Gandhi Education Foundation) An Autonomous Education Mission Registered Under Govt. of Kerala invites application for distance education courses of IT (Multimedia, Animation, .NET, Software, Hardware Courses), Fire & Safety, Management, Fashion Technology, Modeling Courses. 100% Placement Assistance, Global Certification etc. MGEF is the largest Education Institution in India. MGEF is approved by International Computer Operating Licence (www.icol.ws) and National Safety Council of India. MGEF website division in the Middle East in association with Aljubailsa places our students. MGEF conducts regular and distance education courses.
Contact : MGEF, North of Devi Temple, Cherthala, Kerala, India visit us at www.mgef.com, email at riazmt@yahoo.co.in Ph:09995955393, 9745100393, 0478-2182972, 2182314
[edit] Nair Service Society College
The N.S.S College, Cherthala, owes its origin to the hardwork 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 fulfilsthe 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.
[edit] Sree Narayana College
The SN College 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, and Zoology), Master of Arts(Economics), Bachelor of commerce and Master of Science(Botany, Zoology, Physics).
[edit] St. Michael's college
This institution 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 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.
[edit] KVM College of Engineering & Information Technology
KVM College of Engineering & Information Technology is a long cherished dream of K.Velayudhan Memorial Trust. KVM College of Engineering & Information Technology started in 2001-2002 academic year. It is approved by the All India Council of Technical Education and is recognized by Cochin University of Science & Technology.
Currently it offers the following courses. Master of Computer Application, Msc Biotechnology and Msc Vishual Communication and MBA
[edit] College of Engineering, Cherthala
Run by Institute of Human Resources Development( IHRD), College of Engineering, Cherthala has been the leading technical institution in Kerala since it's venture in 2004. Affiliated to Cochin University of Science And technology (CUSAT), CE Chertha offers B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, reflecting the modern technological advancements through its updated syllabi.
The institution is approved by AICTE, New Delhi and affiliated to CUSAT.It is under the management of IHRD, a Kerala Government undertaking.
[edit] Hospitals
Govt. Hospital Cherthala, SNMM Hospital, KVM Hospital, Sacred Heart Hopstital, and many more...
[edit] Roads
NH 47 goes through Cherthala. Alapuzha and Cochin can be reached using this national highway. Cherthala - Kottayam road(30km) can be used to reach tourist destinations Kumarakom and obviuosly Kottayam.
