Aluva
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Aluva | |
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| Country |  India |
| State | Kerala |
| District(s) | Ernakulam |
| Population | 24,108 (2001[update]) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 8 m (26 ft) |
Aluva (Alwaye ആലുവ) is a town and a municipality in Ernakulam district and also a part of Kochi metropolitan area in the state of Kerala, India. It is one of the most industrialised towns in Kerala, though most of the factories are actually situated in the newly minted town Kalamassery. It is famous for the Aluva Sivarathri festival at Manal Puram (sand bank) on the banks of Periyar River. Aluva serves as a transit point to the following four towns in Ernakulam district - Angamaly to the North, Kalamassery to the south, North Paravur to the west and Perumbavoor to the east.
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[edit] Overview
Aluva is as much a quaint and interesting town as it is a strategic one. Communal amity and economic well being are the characteristic hallmarks of this town. It is located 10 km from the Cochin International Airport. Aluva also is the home for the Advaitha Ashramam. It is also the headquarters of the Federal Bank, a large Private Bank in India. Aluva is also is famous for the 'Aluva Palace' one-time summer residence of the Travancore royalty, and now known as the KTDC Guest House. This picturesque building was a favourite of movie makers till the Archeological department imposed certain restrictions on filming there. Aluva has some of the famous Hindu temples such as Siva Temple, Narasimha Swamy Temple (Kadungaloor temple) Krishna temple, Perumpalli Devi temple, Cheerakada temple etc. and also famous Christian churches and seminaries such as Thrikkunnathu Seminary and the Catholic Mangalapuzha Seminary. Aluva mosque also is very famous. Above all Aluva is famous for its smooth flowing Periyar River which is the second largest river in Kerala. Periyar river is also known as Aluva Puzha (river of Aluva). As a consequence of industrial pollution and indiscriminate building on the river banks, Aluva Puzha is now one of the most polluted rivers in Kerala. Known at one time to have medicinal qualities, its water now creates severe skin irritation to bathers.
Located at the centre of Ernakulam District, Aluva is well connected to all major cities in the country by air (Nedumbassery, 10 km) (Cochin International Airport), rail, road and sea (nearest port Cochin 22 km away). Most trains including express have stops at Alwaye railway station. National Waterways pass through Alwaye. Aluva has its own Mini Civil Station, situated near the Railway Goods shed.
The Uliyannur temple desingned by Perumthachan is very special in its circular constructional art. The Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadevar Temple situated at Sreemoolanagaram in Aluva is one of the holiest pilgrim centres of Kerala. It is the only temple where Lord Siva and Devi Sri Parvathy are seated in a single Srikovil back to back. The Devi's darshan is available only for 15 days in a year, between December and January. Lakhs of devotees come during the Nadathurappu Mahothsavam in the month of Dhanu.
[edit] Education
Aluva is also famous for one of the oldest residential schools called Christava Mahilalayam or Mahilalayam (as the locals call it) is perched on top of a hill which overlooks paddy fields and orchards, in the Chowara Ferry and Kuttamassery villages. Other noteworthy schools are St. Mary's High School, SNDP, Government Boys and Girls schools, Islamic Higher Secondary School, Vidyadhiraja Vidhyabhavan, Nirmala High School, St. John the Baptist, St Francis, The Alwaye Settlement, Jyothi Nivas Public School and Sivagiri Vidyaniketan.
Union Christian College of Alwaye, is a prominent institution in the field of education. St Xavier's college, Al-Ameen College Edathala, Al Ameen Engineering College, MES college etc. are some of the other premier institutions in Aluva. Aluva has the highest literacy rate in the in state of Kerala.
[edit] Geography
Aluva is located at 10°07′00″N 76°21′00″E / 10.1167°N 76.3500°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 8 metres (29 feet).
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Aluva had a population of 24,108. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Aluva has an average literacy rate of 93%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 49% of the males and 51% of females literate. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Politics
Alwaye assembly constituency is part of Chalakkudy (Lok Sabha constituency).[3] It is a minority community constituency and only Christian or Muslim candidates are elected.
[edit] Transport
- By air: The closest airport is 10 km north, Cochin International Airport (COK) at Nedumbassery.
- By rail: Alwaye (AWY) railway station. Alwaye
- By road: NH 47 passes through Aluva and the NH 17 is 15 km away. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) provides bus services from their Aluva (ALV) depot. Private buses connect Aluva with Kochi. The Aluva Munnar road starts from here.
[edit] References
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Alwaye
- ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
- ^ "Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies". Kerala. Election Commission of India. http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
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