Thodupuzha

For the river, see Thodupuzha river.

Thodupuzha
—  town  —
Thodupuzha Location of Thodupuzha in Kerala and India
Coordinates	9°54′00″N 76°43′01″E
Country	India
State	Kerala
District(s)	Idukki
Population	46,226 (2001)
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 22 metres (72 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 685584 • Telephone • +914862 • Vehicle • KL-38

Thodupuzha (Malayalam: തൊടുപുഴ) is a town and a municipality in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 35.43 km². It is 62 km from Ernakulam. Geographical Classification of Thodupuzha Region is Midland or Idanad.

Thodupuzha is also the name of the river that flows through the town. It is the largest town in the district and is the commercial centre. The town is being modernised with the help of a programme sponsored by the World Bank which is financing the programme through the Government of Kerala. It was once part of the territory of the princely state, Travancore. It lies in central Kerala, southeast of Muvattupuzha. The Thodupuzha municipality area is characterised by hilly terrain with a lot of green vegetation.

The Main Eastern Highway (Muvattupuzha - Pathanamthitta - Punalur Road / SH - 08) passes through Thodupuzha and connects it to two of its neighboring towns, Muvattupuzha and Pala.

Hindus, Syrian Christians and Muslims co-exist in harmony adding to the diversity in faith and religion. The place has a large population of Syrian Catholics. The Muslim minority are mostly rawthers who were the warriors of Madurai Raja and migrated from Madurai and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. As well as that, there are some converts from lower castes to Islam but these are only a few.

P. J. Joseph got elected from the Thodupuzha assembly constituency for the seventh time. He is the Working Chairman of the Kerala Congress (M) party.

The popular film actress Asin's family is originally from Thodupuzha. Malayalam film actors Asif Ali and Nishanth Sagar are also from Thodupuzha.

Name

The name 'Thodupuzha' might have come from two words, 'thodu' (which means a small stream) and 'puzha' (which means a river). It is believed that the stream developed into a river, and the town on the banks of the river came to be known as Thodupuzha.

There is another version which defines the word ‘thodu’ (Malayalam word) as ‘touch’ and ‘puzha’ as ‘river’. Thus the town touching the river became Thodupuzha. Mattathil Kovilakam was the protectors and rulers of the Desham (region)Thodupuzha that they were in and a reporting relationship emerged to a "Naadu Vaazhi" (Ruler of the land)of Keezhmalainadu. Naadu is a group of Deshams came to known as Thodupuzha.The last ruler of the desam was Elasamprathi(Ruler of a region appointed by Maharaja of Keezhmalainadu) Shri Narana Menon originally from Trivandrum and he was the representative of Maharaja Raja.His official residence was Mattathil Kovilakam located in Chalamkode Village.Official Head Quarters of Keezhmalainadu were Karikodu.

History

Sarvadhikari Elasamprathi Shri Narayana Menon of Thiruvithamcore/Vadakku

In records of Kerala state Archaeology Department Sarvadhikari Elasamprathi Shri Narayana Menon of Keezhmalainadu/Vadakku was the ruler and father of Thodupuzha. The Kings of Vadakkumkoor used to live at Karikode for several years . At the time of King Marthanda Varma, Vadakkumkoor became part of the state of Travancore. He appointed his representative 'sarvadhikari' Elasamprathi Narayanamenon from Neyyattinkara (Trivandrum) to flourish Thodupuzha. The period of his reign was the golden age of Keezhmalainadu . His erected many splendid monuments, the most famous of which is the government offices, Pandika Shala and Temples. The Karikode Mosque and many other buildings in Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha also date from his reign. He was also the founder of the new style tax collection in this region. He traveled every day from Chalamkode to Karikkodu in a Pallakku (palanquin). The relics of the fort is still there at Karikode.The Annamalai Temple, which carries the traits of Tamil Architecture is at Karikode. At this temple one can see many statues and lamps made out of stone and metal believed to have been made in the 14th century. Thodupuzha is an ancient town with a history dating back to many centuries. The Buddhist and Jain religions which made their first inroads into Kerala in 300 BC have left their impact at Thodupuzha and neighbouring areas. The Buddhist religious relics found at Karikode near Thodupuzha is ample proof of this surmise. In AD 100, Kerala was divided for administrative reasons into several provinces such as Venadu, Otanadu, Navishainadu, Munjunadu, Vempolinadu, and Keezhmalainadu. Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha were in Keezhmalainadu which had its headquarters at Karikode. Keezhmalainadu was in existence till AD 1600. In that year it lost a battle with Vadakkumkoor and became a part of it. The church at Muthalakodam, a small town, 4 kilometers from Thodupuzha, is believed to have been constructed before 13th century by Mattathil Karthyaramma(Karthiyaini Amma). The Ninnar Mosque near Karikode is said to have been constructed by Sarvadikari Elasmprathi Narayana Menon and instructions given by the Vadakumkoor Raja for his Muslim soldiers.

At the formation of Kerala state in 1956, Thodupuzha was part of the Ernakulam district. In the year 1972, Idukki district was formed by joining Thodupuzha taluk along with Devikulam, Udumbanchola and Peermade taluks, which were part of the erstwhile Kottayam district.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, the total population of 46,226. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Thodupuzha has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 81%. In Thodupuzha, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. The majority of Thodupuzha's population consists of Syrian Christian, closely followed by Hindus and then Muslims.It also has a large population of people of the " Vellala Pillai" clan who migrated here from "Tenkasi" in Tamil Nadu. They spread later on to different parts of Kerala and their main deity, the symbol from Tenkasi is situated near Erattupetta and all Vellala Pillai people meet there once a year to mark the plight of them from Tenkasi.

Transport

Neighbouring cities & towns

Thodupuzha has an excellent network of roads which connects it to the nearby towns and cities. The Main Eastern Highway (Muvattupuzha - Punalur / SH-08 / 154 km) passes through Thodupuzha and connects it to two of its neighboring towns, Muvattupuzha and Pala. Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala road (SH-33) connects Thodupuzha to Idukki District centre at Painavu as well as tourist destinations like Idukki Dam and Thekkadi. Alappuzha-Madurai road (SH-40) also passes through Thodupuzha town. SH-43 which connects Muvattupuzha with Theni passes through some parts of the Thodupuzha Taluk but doesn’t pass through Thodupuzha town. The nearest Railway Stations are Aluva which is 56 kilometres from Thodupuzha. Kottayam Railway station is at 55 kilometres from Thodupuzha and Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is at 60 kilometres. The suggested Sabari Rail route to Sabarimala passes through Thodupuzha. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport at a distance of 54 kilometres from Thodupuzha. New 4 Lane Highway Proposed from Muvattupuzha to Kakkanad if materializes will connect Thodupuzha to Kochi in Less than 45 minutes to reach reducing the distance to 50 kilometres.

The private bus stand at Thodupuzha

Economy and Infrastructure

Thodupuzha's economy is driven by agriculture, business and small industries. Farmers in Thodupuzha raise a number of crops, mostly rubber. Other crops such as pineapple, coconut, rice, pepper, coco, tapioca, banana, ginger, turmeric etc. are also being cultivated in plenty. In recent years Thodupuzha has showed more interest in promoting tourism. The planned developments in Thodupuzha after the changeover from Taluk to Municipality status has changed the face of Thodupuzha a lot in the last decade. The new private bus stand, Temple Bypass road, Kanjiramattom Bypass road, Kothayikkunnu Bypass, Vengaloor Bypass, Mangattu Kaval 4 lane road, Mini Civil Station, New Bridge, Municipal Park, Shopping complex at bus stand, New Townhall complex etc. are noted landmarks to change the look of Thodupuzha to a planned city. The famous footwear brand Lunar’s has its base at Thodupuzha.

Politics

Thodupuzha was administered by a village panchayat and village union for several years, But on 1 September 1978, Thodupuzha was upgraded into a municipality and the Thodupuzha Municipality came into being. The Thodupuzha Municipality was formed by joining together the Thodupuzha Panchayat and the neighbouring Panchayats of Kumaramangalam, Karicodu and Manacaud. The municipality was administered by a special officer for 10 long years. In 1988, elections were held and the first popularly elected municipal council came into existence with Advocate N. Chandran as the Chairman . Today the Municipality has 28 wards. There is a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, and various Standing Committees to carry out the civic administration. T.J Joseph of Indian National Congress is the present Municipal Chairperson of Thodupuzha Municipality.

Thodupuzha is an assembly constituency and P J Joseph is the present MLA of Thodupuzha. He is admired for the developments carried out during his ministerial position. Improvement of infrastructure

Thodupuzha assembly constituency is part of Idukki (Lok Sabha constituency)& P T Thomas is the present MP.

Healthcare

There are so many hospitals in Thodupuzha area. Some of the famous are Taluk Hospital (Karikode), St. Mary's Hospital (Idukki Road), Holy Family Hospital(Muthalakodam), Chazhikattu Hospitals, Archana hospital (Muvattupuzha Road) etc.

The age old Ayurvedic Group Dhanwanthari Vaidyasala (Estd.1933) has a 60 bedded Ayurvedic Hospital In Thodupuzha.

Tourism

Thodupuzha is blessed with natural scenic beauty. Although Thodupuzha itself is not a major tourist destination, it is the gateway to top tourist destinations like Munnar, Thekkadi, Vagamon, Idukki Dam, Malankara Dam, Peermade etc. Thommankuthu which is 20 kilometres east of Thodupuzha is famous for its numerous waterfalls. The place is ideal for nature lovers. To enjoy the panoramic beauty the best way is to undertake a trek that takes one to the top of the mountain, a nearly 12-kilometre trek. Malankara Dam is a beautiful reservoir across the Thodupuzha river at 6 kilometres from Thodupuzha town. Elaveezhapoonchira is another trekking destination which offers a serene grassland at the top of a hill. Other major tourist spots include Nadu Kani Pavilion, Thumbichi Mount, Moolamattom power house, Uravappara, Kolani Kavu, Paramada echo point, Elappilly waterfalls etc. Thattakuzha is also a nice place in thodupuzha.

The natural scenic beauty of Thodupuzha has attracted many Malayalam movie makers. Of late Thodupuzha has become a hot spot for Malayalam movies especially with Achayan background. Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum, Kunjikoonan, Rasathanthram, Palunku, Veruthe Oru Bharya, Swantham Lekhakan, Kadha Parayumbol, Samastha Keralam PO, Pappy Appacha, Vairam: Fight For Justice, Elsamma Enna Aankutty, Marykkundoru Kunjaadu, Oridathoru Postman etc. are some of the movies shot at and around Thodupuzha .

Education

The first centre of higher learning which started functioning in Thodupuzha Taluk was Newman College. It was established in 1964 by the Syrian Catholic Diocese of Kothamangalam, and named after Cardinal Newman. The second college of Thodupuzha was established in 1982: St.Joseph's College at Arakkulam. Besides these, a number of parallel colleges are also active in the field of higher education in Thodupuzha.

The University College of Engineering, Thodupuzha managed and run by the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, is located in Thodupuzha which is the first of its kind in the state of Kerala. The college started functioning in 1996. The college campus is located in a picturesque place spread over 25 acres (100,000 m²) of land at Muttom, 7 km from Thodupuzha, by the side of State Highway No 33. Other colleges in Thodupuzha include Santhigiri College at Vazhithala, Al-Azhar College of Arts and Science, Al-Azhar Dental College, Al-Azhar Engineering College and Al-Azhar Training college at Thodupuzha East, Perumpillichira College of Applied Science at Olamattom, and St. Thomas College of Teacher Education. The Village International School, MKNMHSS, DePaul Hig School,Vimala Public School,Jai Rani High School,THSS Muttom are some of the famous schools in Thodupuzha

Janaranjini Vayanasala, Kolani, Thodupuzha, is one of the biggest libraries in Kerala and has around 30000 books including novels, children's books, stories, poems, Vedas, Upanishads etc. It is accommodated in its own two-storied building with separate TV room, reading room, book room, computer centre with high speed internet facility, and mini conference room.

Famous Personalities

• Elasamprathi Narayana Menon.
• Karthyaramma –Founder of Muthalakkodam Church.
• P J Joseph Minister.
• Swami Ayyappadas –Kerala Kshethra Samrakshana Samithi.
• S. Gopinath IPS (Thrisure Range IG Kerala Police)
• S.Balachandran- Rear Admiral (Rtd.)
• Elizabeth Antony –Wife of A.K.Antoney.
• Tom Jose –IAS (Rtd.)
• Tomin J Thachankary IPS- (DIG Kerala Police)
• Ajithkumar IFS.(High Commission of India, London)
• Asif Ali (Film Actor).
• Asin (Film Actress).
• Nishanth Sagar (Film Actor)
• Adv.C.K.Vidya Sagar (S.N.D.P)
• Rajesh Touchriver-(Film Director)
• Thodupuzha Vasanthi (Film Actress)
• Dr P.K. Abdul Azis vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)

Famous Landmarks

• Gandhi Square
• Thodupuzha Sri Krishna Temple
• St. Sebastian's Town Forane Church
• Karikode Devi Temple
• Town Hall
• Thodupuzha Mini Civil Station
• Kanjiramattom Siva Temple
• Private Bus Stand
• Newman College
• Kanjiramattom Junction
• Mini Civil Station
• Municipal Park
• KSRTC Stand

Gallery

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  Old Bridge in Thodupuzha

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  Gandhi Square

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  Mini Civil Station

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  Thodupuzha River - A view from Olamattom Kambipalam

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  Olamattom - Thekkumbhagam Kambipalam.JPG

See also

• Main Eastern Highway
• Thodupuzha Facebook Page

External links

• wikitravel's Thodupuzha page
• Kerala's own Portel
• Santhigiri College Thodupuzha official website
• Thodupuzha newman college official site
• Ernakulam Official website
• Kottayam Official website
• Muvattupuzha Official website
• Muvattupuzha website
• Pala Official website
• M.G University college of engineering official website