Famous small and big towns in Kerala

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New DocumentThiruvalla

History is beyond B.C. 500. We can know that the present day area of Niranam and Kadapra on the western part of Thiruvalla was merged in sea . Some people believe that St.Thomas came to Niranam in A.D. 52 through Purakkadu . It will be interesting to note that the ancient name of Thiruvalla was " Valla vai".

This name had some relation with the river Manimala which was known as "Vallapuzha". The mouth ?vai? is known as "Valla vai". On the western part of Thiruvalla, rivers, Pampa, Manimala and Achen Kovil join which gives us a panoramic view. As in many other places in India, the culture and heritage of Thiruvalla are tied up with the temples.

In olden days, temples were not just places of worship but also centers of judicial, educational and cultural activities. For instance, the Thiruvalla Sree Vallaba Temple governed a Vedic School with one thousand students and one hundred teachers. The temple also maintained a hospital in the service of the public at large. The rulers of Thiruvalla belonged to the Thekkumkoor Dynasty, which had one of its headquarters at Edathil near Kavil Temple. Today's Paliakara Palace is a branch of Lekshmipuram Palace of Changanacherry which was the branch of Alikottu Kovilakam of Pazhancherry in Malabar.

Thiruvalla Municipality started functioning in 1919, with Shri. M.K. Kesavan Nair as the first Chairman. It has a good library functioning in the Municipal Office Building. There is a public stadium in the heart of the town constructed by Thiruvalla Municipality. The very famous pilgrim centre of Sabarimala is about 100 km. from Thiruvalla. The spiritual conventions at Maramon and Cherukolpuzha are at a distance of 17 to 20 km. from Thiruvalla. The link railway of Thiruvalla - Thakazhy connecting the hilly places of Pathanamthitta District to the sea shore of Alappuzha is a golden dream of Thiruvalla.

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Thalassery

Thalassery is in Kannur district of northern Kerala state , south western India. It is 21 km away from district head quarters, Kannur. It was established in 1663 by the British for the pepper and cardamom trade and was their first settlement on Malabar cost.

Thalassery fort was built by British in 1708 and was attacked by Mysore ruler Hyder Ali in 1781. But he failed to capture the fort. British were doing pepper trade by using this fort. It is constructed near to Arabian sea and most of the construction is rocky. During the British rule the jurisdiction of Thalassery court was up to Mysore. Sir.Wellesly who introduced Cricket in this district during 18th century. Now also cricket clubs in and around Thalassery are major players in various tournaments in the state. The beginning of western education in Thalassery may be traced back to the middle of 16th century. The first English school known as Basal German Mission English School was started on 1st March 1856 at Thalassery. The Brennen school at Thalassery, the nucleus of the present Brennen College, was started in 1862 with the generous donations made by Mr. Edward Brennen, Master Attendant at Thalassery. Thalassery and its neighboring villages actively participated in freedom struggle. On 15th September 1940 , Thalassery town Congress Committee called on a meeting at Jawahar Ghat to protest against human right violations in British rule. Sri. O Abu master and Chathukkutty was killed in the police firing.

Basic Data- Municipality
Area 23.98 Sq.Km
Municipal Wards 50
Villages Thalassery, Thiruvangad and Kodiyeri
District Kannur
Thaluk Thalassery
Borders North - Dharmadam
South - New Mahe
East - Eranholi
West - Arabian Sea
Population 105,997
Chairman-Municipality Mr.N.V Muhammed Salim
Member of Parliament Smt. AK Premajam
Member of legislative assembly Sri.Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

German missionary Dr. Herman Gundert played an important role in the history of Thalassery. He was born in Stuttgart on 1814 February 14 and came to India as a Christian missionary. He studied history and religion from Tubin University and got doctorate from Switzerland. In 1834 he become a member of Basal Mission. Basal Mission Society was his motivation for coming to India. He studied Hindi, Bengali and Tamil in early day itself. He started staying at Thirunalveli. At the age of 24 Gundert married Yuliya de Bova. From 27th February 1839 he started staying at Illikkunnu , a place near Thalassery- Ancharakkandy road. Now also Gundert Bungalow is tourist attraction. It is a beautiful building with tiled roof. He was a master in 18 languages. In 1939 he started a school in the Bungalow. He was the first school inspector for Malabar and South Karnataka. In 1847 first Malayalam news paper 'Rajyasamacharam' started from Thalassery. After that another publication named 'Paschimodayam' was also started. Articles published by Gundert in German, English, Malayalam and Tamil languages spanned to various subjects such as history, grammar, language science, general knowledge etc. Out of 50+ books published by him, most famous one is English-Malayalam dictionary. This dictionary was published at Mangalore in 1872. Although the dictionary was published at Mangalore, he verified the content from Kalwa of Germany since he left India on April 11 1859 itself. 'Keralolppathi' published in 1843 and 'Keralapazhama' published in 1868 are also well known. Dr. Herman Gundert died on April 25 1893.
In almost all big circus companies like Great Bombay circus, Jumbo circus, Rajkamal and Gemini circus more than 80% of circus artists are from Thalassery. Keeleri Kunhikkannan , the father of Indian circus , is from Thalassery. He was the sports teacher of BEMP High School, Thalassery. Kamala Circus was the first three ring circus of Thalassery. It was founded by Mr.K Damodaran. Kalarippayttu, an ancient martial arts, was considered to be born at Kathirur, a village near Thalassery. Kathirur Gurikkal, Thacholi Othenan, Payyavelli Chandu and Mayan Pakki were the stalwarts in this field. Mambally Bakery of Tellicherry is the first Bakery of Kerala. Now also bakery items of Thalassery are very famous throughout the world. Sri Vengayil Kunhiraman Nair, Sanjayan (M Ramunni Nair), NE Balaram and O. Chandu menon are also great Tellicherians.

Thalassery and neighboring villages like Eranholi, Pinarayi, Kadirur, Kodiyeri etc. are strongholds of Communist parties. Congress and Muslim league is having good support in Municipal areas and New Mahe. BJP is having some support in Pathayakkunnu, Konkachi, Panoor ares. These areas ill famous for atrocities.

Panchayats
Pinarayi Eranholi Dharmadam
Chokli Kadirur Kariyad
Kottayam New Mahe Peringalam
Keezhallur Kanichar Kelakam
Kolayad Kottiyur Malur
Muzhakkunnu Peravur Aralam
Ayyankunnu Keezhur - Chavassery Koodali
Payam Thillangeri Chittariparamba
Kunnothparamba Mangattidam Mokeri
Pannyannur Panur Pattyam
Thriprangottur Vengad

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Pinarayi

Pinarayi is at a distance of 20 KM from the district head quarters Kannur. The population is around 29,000. The nearest town and railway station is Thalassery which is 8 Km away. Three sides of my village is surrounded by rivers. Remaining boundaries consists of five panchayats namely, Kadirur, Dharmadam, Peralassery, Vengad, Kottayam and Erancholi.

Arabian sea is just five Km away from here. Main occupation is Beedi manufacturing in which 'DINESH' is having a monopoly. For administrational purposes the Panchayat is divided into two villages Eruvatty and Pinarayi. Pinarayi consists of 15 wards and almost all wards contains one or more primary schools. My village is having all the facilities for cultural and social activities mainly anchored by sports clubs, reading rooms, educational centres, youth organizations and libraries. Pinarayi is having 18 reading rooms , 19 libraries and more than 60 arts and sports clubs. Electricity reached this village in 1958 itself and was inaugurated by then state minister Sri VR Krishna Iyer. Former Deputy Collector Mr. MP Kunhiraman Nair was the first consumer. Totally seven Muslim mosques and forty three Hindu temples are there in this Panchayat.

Pinarayi is a beautiful village which is surrounded by rivers on its three sides. Hundreds of years ago feudal fights between Kottayam and Kolathunadu rulers were common in this village and lot of peoples died during these fights. Due to this, it is believed that, the name Pinarayi was derived from 'Pinam' ( word for dead body in Malayalam). In 1920's itself peasant and teachers organizations were strong in this village and there was a wide support for freedom movement. As a part of freedom movement struggle, 'boycotting foreign cloths' strike was conducted here In 1930. Leaders of this strike were Sri AKG, AK Sankaran Nambiar, Kacherikkandi Chathukkutty and Thattari Kunhiraman. In 1938 seven thousand peasants marched from Pinarayi to Kottayam kovilakam for reducing 'varam and pattam' (rent given by peasants to landlords). It is worth to note that the population of Pinarayi during that time was around 10,000. This was considered as the first instant of unified mass movement against landlordism. AKG, Kundancheri Kunhiraman master, NE Balaram, Pandyala Gopalan Master, Pinarayi Krishnan master and TV Govindan Nair were the leaders.
In 1937 itself a committee of Communist Party was formed in a formal meeting at Kozhikkode that was presided by Com. SV Ghatte. But Kerala unit of Indian communist party started publicly working after its historic conference at Parapram of Pinarayi village in 1939. Communist legendaries like AKG, EMS, P Krishnappilai were present in the conference. Late CPI leader Sri. NE Balaram ( former Industry minister of Kerala and Member of Parliament) was a delegate. Pandyala Gopalan Master , great son of Pinarayi, was a volunteer during the conference.

Pinarayi was very famous for its Hindu-Muslim friendship. When there were communal riots in different parts of Thalassery, this village remained unaffected, which proved the progressive mentality of the public. Hindu communalists attacked several mosques and Muslim houses in and around Thalassery. CPIM leader Pinarayi Vijayan, Velayudhan Nambiar and Chirayi Ananthan played an important role in resisting those communalists and protected minorities.

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Puthiyangadi

Puthiyangadi, a beautiful Village, located at the Madayi Panchayath, is a land of lush green coconut palms swaying in tune with the whistling breeze. On its western length, span beaches with smooth sands that look like gold dust.

These are interspersed with the breathtaking lagoons, creeks and myriad tiny inflows from the Arabian Sea. This is a land which thrives on fish, in food and trade. The men, women and children are involved in this trade. Traditionally, women wear wonderful sarees, draped in a style very typical only to them, and ornaments include gold necklaces, bangles and other normally worn jewellery.

Coconut forms another versatile means of food and occupation. Many delicious recipes are becoming popular. One interesting point to note that all cooking is done in coconut oil. This impart a very different and distinct flavor to cuisine from this region.

Though lovers of seafood, many interesting dishes which are vegetarian curry the typical malabarian flavor.

Puthiyangadi Village consists seven wards of Madayi Grama Panchayath. The total area is 9.24 square km., while the population is about 15,000. The main occupation of the people are fishing, agriculture.

The land is mainly undulated without any hills or mountains. All area is inter-connected with well-maintained motor-able roads. The bus stand is situated in the heart of the village. Puthiyangadi is well connected to major towns like Kannur, Payangadi and Payyannur.

The Ezhimala Naval Academy (Ezhimalai hills) is located towards the northern border of Puthiyangadi.

The village has a creditable record of educated population, mostly due to the presence of Madayi GMUP school and Puthiyangadi Jama-ath high school. There are around 12 Muslim religious teaching centers called ?Madrassas?.

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Pathanamthitta


Situated near the western ghats and bordered by the hills, Pathanamthitta district is a treat to eyes with its vast unending stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. Blessed by nature, the district is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals.

Pathanamthiita is a true tropical diversity adorned with fertile agricultural land, plantations and forest, Paddy, tapioca, varieties of vegetables and spices like cardamom, pepper etc. are extensively cultivated. The district also abounds in extensive rubber plantations.

It is presumed that the regions presently under the district were formerly under the Pandalam reign which had connections with the Pandya kingdom. Pathanamthitta now includes portions of the erstwhile Kollam, Alappuzha and Idukki district.Pathanamthitta, Adoor, Ranny, Konni and Kozhencherry are some of the important are the major places taken from Alappuzha district.

Pathanamthitta is a combination of two words Pathanam and Thitta which mean an array of houses on the river side. This district was formed on 1st November 1982 in the interest of the hastening process of development. The total area of district is 2642 sq.kms., of this 1300.73 sq.kms come under forest.

The district consists of three natural divisions, viz., the lowland, the midland and the highland. The highland stretches through the western ghats and descends to the midland in the center, down to these lowland and coconut gardens on the western borders of Alappuzha district. The topography of the district is highly undulating., It starts from the tall hill slopes covered with thick forests on the East along the mountains down to the valleys and small hills to the flat land of coconut trees in the West.

The district has more or less the same climatic conditions as prevalent elsewhere in the state, Viz., dry seasons from December to February and hot seasons from March to May. The south west monsoon from June to September and the north west monsoon from October to November provide fairly good rain. The south west monsoon is usually very heavy and about 75% of the annual rain is received during this season. The climate is generally moderate, the temperature rising from 20'0 to 39'0c.

Forest covers an area of 1390.73 sq.kms. in the district. This is more than 50% of the total area of the district, while the optimum area fixed by experts is only 33% . The total cropped area in Pathanamthitta district is 1086.53 sq.kms. The forests in the district can broadly be classified as evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forest.

Timber is the most important forest produce in the district. In fact, forest is the main source of raw materials for wood based industrial units. Teak, rosewood, Jack tree, Manjakadamu, Anjili, Pala etc. are some of the important for rayon, newsprint, plywood etc., these forests are source for a number of useful minor products like bamboo, reeds, honey, medicinal plants and herbs.

Three important rivers flow through this district. They are Pampa, Achankovil and Manimala rivers. The Pampa rivers is formed by the confluence of Pambayar, Arthayar, Kakkadayar, Kakkar and Kallar. It descends from Sabrimala, flows through various parts of Ranny taluk enters Alappuzha district itself into the Vembanad lake. The river Achankovil is formed by the confluence of several small steams originating from Rishimala, Pasukidamettu and Ramakkalteri and joins the Pamba at Veeyapuram in Alappuzha district.

One third of the electricity produced by the State comes from this district. Power is generated from the Sabarigiri Hydro-electric Project situated at the Pamba basin in the district.


The abundant water resource in the district is also utilized for irrigation purpose through the Kallada Irrigation Project and the Pampa Irrigation Project.


The district has the highest concentration of commercial banks in the State. For every 6000 people, there is a bank. There are 200 branches of commercial banks in the district with a deposits of Rs. 2000 crores. The per capita deposits is Rs.16700/- which is the highest in the State and the C.D. ratio of 14%, the lowest.

Major banks in the district are State Bank of Travancore (50 branches), Federal Bank(37 branches), Indian Overseas Bank (21 branches) and Catholic Syrian Bank (18 branches). The State Bank of India has 8 branches.

The Patthanamthitta District Co-operative Bank started functioning on 1st July 1985, taking over seas branches each of the Kollam and Alappuzha District Co-operative Banks. Now it has 31 branches.

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Palakkad

Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and Paddy fields. It is the chief granary of Kerala, often called the Gateway of Kerala. Palakkad lies at the foot of the gigantic Western ghats on the border of Kerala. This district with mountains, forests and fertile valleys, rivers and mountains streams are rich in flora and fauna. Palakkad is known for its historical background and the remnants of Tippu Sulthan?s Fort are still maintained. The famous tourist spot of Malampuzha is situated just 8km away from Palakkad Town

Its a place of tourist importance. Some of the picnic spots are Tippu?s Fort , Malampuzha - Garden, Snake park, Aquarium, Rope way, Rock garden and Fantasy park , Loknayak J.P.Smrithi Vanam and Deer Park, Mayilladumpara - Cholanoor Pea*censored* Sanctury, Kanhirapuzha dam, Mangalam Dam, Pothundy Dam, Seetharkundu water falls near Nelliyampathy, Meenkara dam, Parambikulam wild life sanctuary and boating, Chulliar dam, Killikurrussi Mangalam, Meenvallam, Siruvani, Silent Valley National Park and Attappady ghats.

Tourist sports are
Malampuzha
Dhoni
Loknayak J.P. Smrithi vanam and Deer Park
Mayilladumpara-Cholanoor Pea*censored* Sanctuary Kanhirapuzha
Mangalam Dam
Pothundy Dam
Meenkara Dam
Parambikulam
Chulliar Dam
Attappady
Nelliyampathy
Palakkad Fort
Killikurrussi Mangalam
Kottayi
Jain Temple of Jainmedu
Thiruvalathoor
Chittur Gurumadam
Silent valley
Meenvallam
Siruvani

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Pala

Pala, the small, calm, prosperous town resting on the lap of the highranges (the Western Ghat) is the land of rubber and spices, letters, beautiful hillocks, daring and loving people, religious and cultural heritage, serene and vibrant streams and ever cherishing dreams.

History of Pala dates back to the Sanghaya period, when, it is believed, that a few Brahmin families settled in Pala.

The first settlements were known in connection with the cultivation of spices, especially tamarind. Even now the 'Pala tamarind' is world famous.
Pala had contacts with the outside world long ago. An Armenian had an important role to play in the establishment of the Lalam Church (New) in 1663 A.D. The contacts with the outside world were mainly for commerce. It is assumed that the jungle route to Gudalloor through Pala, Bharananganam or Aruvithura brought a lot of 'Vellala Chettiyar' people from Tamil Nadu, for trade.

There are many legends about how this region became known as ' Pala'. Pala is believed to be an old time holy place of Hindus. The very word Pala was derived from 'Palazhi' the mythological Ocean of Milk from which nectar was churned out.
It is also believed that the word comes from ?Palathu Chethyar' families the then prominent settlers of the region. Another school maintains that the first group of Christian settlers who came from 'paloor' was instrumental in christening the place 'Pala'. According to another school, the 'palayam' ( fort) of the Meenachil Karthas (the ruling family ) was situated in the region and so the name Pala got established. The first Kartha families were known as 'Njavakattu Karthas'.

Pala was the headquarters of the Meenachil region. 'Meenachil derives its name from the famous Meenachil river. It is believed that the famous Pala market was established in 1736. It is then Meenachil Karthas, who decided to allot a place to the Christians to form a market in and around the places where the present Government hospital is situated. It is believed that later a 'Meenakshi' temple was established somewhere on the shores and over centuries, the holy abode of Meenakshi became known as Meenachil.
? Pala Municipal Bus stand.


The Athirampuzha, Erattupetta Road was established in 1868. The Pala, Thodupuzha Road became operational in 1893.

Buses started plying the Pala-Kottayam route in 1920 . Pala became a municipality in 1949.