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Cherthala

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Cherthala
Cherthala
Taluk
Government
 • MLAMr. Tilothaman (M.L.A Cherthala) 2005-11,Adv. A.M. Arif (M.L.A. Aroor)
Population
 (1991)
 • Total302,194

Cherthala (Malayalam: ചേര്‍ത്തല) (formerly known as Shertallai or Shertallay) is a Taluk and a municipality in Alappuzha (Alleppey) district in the state of Kerala, India. It is 30 km from Cochin and 22 km from Alleppey on the Cochin-to-Alleppey section of National Highway 47 Road Route and Railway Route. The Corporation of Cochin has drafted a Master Plan that aims to develop Cherthala as the satellite township around the Kochi city.

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 means Mud and Thala means 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 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).

Local Governance

Cherthala taluk is a part of Alapuzha Revenue District and Alapuzha Parliamentary constituency. All the villages of Cherthala Taluk come under the Cherthala and Aroor Constituencies of Kerala Legislative Assembly. There are 20 Grama Panchayats or villages under Cherthala Taluk namely Aroor, Arookutty, Perumbalam, Ezhupunna, Kodamthuruthu, Kuthiathode, Thuravoor, Pattanakad, Panavally, Thycattuserry, Pallippuram, Alappuzha, Cherthala South, Muhamma, Thanneermukkom, Kanjikuzhi, Mannancherry, Mararikulam North, Aryad, Kadakarapally and Vayalar. As per Local governance in Kerala, i.e., 3-Tier Panchayat raj, Cherthala Taluk is also divided into 3 block panchayats: Pattanakad, Thycattuserry and Kanzhikuzhy . All these block panchayats are also the part of Alapuzha Jilla /District Panchayat.

Demographics

As per Kerala government website, Cherthala municipality had a population of 43,326 over an area of 16.18 square kilometres. The density of population is 2678 per square kilometre. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%.[2]

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 War I & II

Cherthala Town Municipality has 32 wards [3].The town is well-known after the Karthyayani Devi temple ,located in the center of the town. Two more sub-temples dedicated to Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu are also located on the northern side of the main temple. A sub-temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa 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 famous 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.

Another famous 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 beautiful procession where it is believed that God is going for the divine hunting. The annual festival lasts for 8 days.

The famous Muttom St. Mary's church is located near the market. The Muttom church is also a Marian pilgrimage center. A silver flag mast (Kodimaram) in the church courtyard depicts its unique Kerala heritage found in many Syrian Catholic churches of Kerala.

The Shree Mahadeva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also located near the east end the Muttom Church. The Moorthickal Sri Lakshminarayan temple and Peechi Amman Kovil are also located half a kilometer west of the Cherthala town. The famous Vellorvattom Shree Mahadeva temple having twin sreekovils both dedicated to Lord Shiva is located one kilometer west of Cherthala town.

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 well-known politician and the 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& 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 Alapuzha 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, KSRTC bus stand, Pvt bus stand, Apsara junction, Xray Jn., Iron Bridge, Bhavani theatre, civil station, Taluk office, municipal shopping complex 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 uninterrupted 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)[4]. 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, 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 43 lakhs of people of the benefited area spread over five districts. The water source for the Cherthala project area is Muvattupuzha River at Kulampoorkadavu near Aryankavu.

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 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 famous 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. Famous and ancient Karthyayani Temple is situating in the heart of Aroor. The Vattakkeril temple famous 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 has the Paradevatha Kavu and Kizekakke Kavu. 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 famous for well known St. Sebastian and the original name of the Church is St. Andrues 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, 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. 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.

Andhakaranazhy

Andhakaranazhy is a coastal village located 4-km west of Pattanakkad. It's 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. This place is also a popular shooting location for Malayalam film songs. One can reach Andhakaranazhy via the Thanky-Andhakaranazhy-Pallithode beach road or divert towards west at Padmakshi-Kavilpalli junction on NH 47 near Pattanakkad. This place was one of the seriously affected areas in the tsunami disaster, which hit the Kerala Coast on December 26, 2006. Smt. K. R. Gowri Amma, the revenue minister in the Kerala State's first elected government is from this village. 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 Lord 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 (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. Pallipuram is also known for its huge deposits of white silica-rich sandy soil. These huge white soil 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 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 Cherthala Info Park with associated township and other infrastructure is another upcoming project under construction in Pallipuram panchayat. Thiruayranikkulam Kalathil Mahadeva temple, Kadavil Bhagavathi temple, and St. Mary's Church are also located in Pallipuram panchayat. The St. Thomas Hospital and Public Health Centre is also located in this area. Pallipuram 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.

S.L Puram.. Kanjikuzhi (NH 47 Alappuzha )

S.L Puram is also known as Sethulekshmipuram or Kanjikuzhi. Its 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 on 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 famous 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 , Govt. 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.

Kokkothamangalam

The Kokkamangalam Church

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 visited Kerala in 75 AD 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. The place is 4.5 km southeast from Cherthala town accessible via the Chertala - Tannermukkom - Muhamma road.

Muhamma

Muhamma is a Grama Panchayath in Cherthala Taluk. It is home to the famous 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.

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 cores. 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.Its situated at the northern frontier of old Travancore state, sourrounded 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, 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.

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 its 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 etc are located at Poonamveli, an 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.[5] 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 Govt. Vocational Higher Secondary schools are located along the NH-47 near Pattankad. The Milma cattle feed plant is also located 2 km north of Poonamveli along the NH-47.

Poochakkal(പൂച്ചാക്കല്)

Nagari SreeDharmaSastha Kshetram

Poochackal is an important small town. It is located jointly in Thycattussery and Panavally panchayaths. It is about 14 km from Cherthala and 25 km from Ernakulam. There are three schools, one VHSC, one Plus Two and one BEd centre in Poochackal. Royal and KC movies are the main cinema theatres. Nagari Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Sreekandeswaram Mahadevar Temple, Elikkattu Sreedharmasastha Temple, Thevarvattom Masjid, Manappuram St. Theresa's church are the main worship places. Poochackal market is the local market of the area. Federal Bank, State Bank of Travancore, the Alleppey Dist Co-Operative Bank, Chertala service Co-Operative Bank, Sub Treasury and the KSFE are the financial institutions of the area. Thaliyaparambu temple famous for 'kalam kary' is here. Poochakkal police station and Land Registration Office fulfills the needs for the entire Thycattusserry Block.

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.

Thiruvizha

Thiruvizha is situated about 5 km south-west of Cherthala and is famous 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

Vayalar Raktha Sakshi Mandapam

Situated about 2.5 km north of Cherthala, 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, a famous industrialist in erode of Tamil Nadu

Famous temples

  • Karthayayani Devi temple- Chertala town
  • Velorvattom Mahadevar temple - Velorvattom 1 km from Manorama Junction towards West
  • Puthumana Sree Krishna Swamy temple - near NH47 ottappunna
  • Sree Shanmuka Swamy temple, Cherthal CMC 23
  • Kuttikattu sree bhadra kali devi temple
  • Muttathu Thirumala Devasom Lakshmi Narasimha Temple - Chertala town
  • Varanaadu Bhagavathy temple-Varanaadu
  • Kottaram Sri Dharmasastha Temple-Near Ottapunna NH47 Bypass
  • Kadambanadu Sri Devi Temple, CMC-1, Cherthala
  • Sri Dharmasastha Temple-Near Ottapunna NH47 Bypass
  • Dhanvanthri temple-Maruthorvattom
  • Vellappally Sree Dharma Daiva Kshetram - [Maruthorvattom]
  • Kandmangalam Devi temple- Kandmangalam 4 km from Town on Cherthala-Thanky-Anthakaranazhi road
  • Mutharamman Kovil near Railway station
  • Nalpathenneeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple-Panvally -One of the 108 Shiva temples supposed to be built by Parasurama[6]
  • Thrichattukulam Mahadeva Temple -Panvally
  • Mahadevar temple-Tiruvizha
  • Mahadevar temple-Mararikulam
  • Thycattuserry Bhagavathy temple-Thycattuserry
  • Sreekandeswaram Mahadevar Temple-Poochakkal
  • Mahadevar temple-Pattankad - 6 km North of town on NH-47-One of the 108 Shiva temples supposed to be built by Parasurama[7]
  • Kanichukulanghara Bhagavathy temple-Kanichukulanghara
  • Thuravoor Narashimha Moorthy-Sudharshana Moorthy Mahakshethram-Thuravoor - 12 km North of town on NH-47
  • Thuravoor Tirumala Devasom Lakshmi Narasimha temple-Thuravoor
  • Nalukulanghara Bhagavathi temple -Parayakad, Thuravoor
  • Karthayayani Devi temple- Aroor - 20 km North of town on NH-47
  • Kalavancodam saktheeswara temple, famous for kannadi prathista - 6 km north on Kalavancodam-saktheeswara road
  • Sivasubrahmanyapuram Temple, Nadubhagom, Thyckattusery
  • kadambanakulangra temple, Pallippuram, P.O, cherthala
  • Subrahmanya Temple, Puthanambalam
  • Kochanakulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Kayippuram, Muhamma
  • Nagamkulangara Temple, Vayalar
  • Puthiyakavu devi temple,Puthiyakavu,Vayalar

Famous Churches

  • St. Mary's Forane Church, Muttom, Cherthala town
  • St. Joseph Church Madakkal - 3 km southwest from town on Cherthala-Thanky-Thumboly road
  • St. George Church, Arthinkal- 8 km southwest from town on Cherthala-Thanky-Thumboly road
  • St. Andrews Church (famous Arthinkal palli), Arthinkal- 8 km southwest from town on Cherthala-Thanky-Thumboly road
  • St. Mary's Forane Church, Thankey -5 km north from Town on Cherthala-Thanky-Anthakaranazhi road
  • St. Mary's Fornane Church, Pallippuram -8 km north from Town on Arukutty-Cherthala road
  • St. Augustine Church and Pontifical Seminary, Manapuram - 15 km north from Town on Arukutty-Cherthala road
  • St. Thomas Church, Kokkamangalam - 6 km southeast from town on Cherthala-Tannirmukkom-Muhamma road
  • St. Martin de Porres Church,Vadakkumuri- 2 km west from town near Kizhekkenalpathil
  • St. Sebastian's Church, Areepparampu-6 km southwest from town on Cherthala-Kanichukulangara road
  • St.Sebastian's Church,Maruthorvattom,N H 47,4 km from Cherthala

Colleges

Nair Service Society College

The N.S.S College, Cherthala [8], 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.[9]

Sree Narayana College

The SN College[10] 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).The college is affiliated to Kerala University[11].

St. Michael's college

St. Michael's college [12] 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. The college is affiliated to Kerala University.[13]

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 AICTE and is recognized by Cochin University of Science & Technology CUSAT.[14]

Currently it offers the following courses: Master of Computer Application, Msc Biotechnology and Msc Vishual Communication and MBA

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 its venture in 2004. Affiliated to Cochin University of Science And technology CUSAT [15], CE Chertha offers B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, reflecting the modern technological advancements through its updated syllabi. The Training & Placement Cell of CEC is also available at CEC blog.

The institution is approved by AICTE, New Delhi and affiliated to CUSAT. It is under the management of IHRD, a Kerala Government undertaking.

SNGM Institutions - Valamangalam, Thuravoor

The Sree Narayana Guru Memorial Charitable and Educational (S.N.G.M.)[16] 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.[17] The campus is situated in Valamangalam South village, 4 km east of Thuravoor - NH 47 junction. The institutions are affiliated with the Kerala University.[18]

St. Joseph's School of Pharmacy

Situated near Cherthala

ITIs,ITCs and Nursing Colleges

  • St.Joseph's ITI - Kurakanchanda, Thuravoor South
  • S.B College of Engineering & ITC Munisif Court Junction,Cherthala
  • Sobha ITC, K.R.Puram.P.O, Pallippuram
  • KVM Nursing College - KVM Hospital Cherthala
  • Sacred Heart Nursing College & Hospital - Mathilakam, Cherthala
  • EXCEL ITC south of private bus stand near st.marys G.H.school cherthala-688524 ph.0478-3251396

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:

  • for JDC - SSLC (medium: Malayalam/English)
  • for HDC&BM - any degree (medium: Malayalam/English)

(some of the seats are reserved for SC/ST, employees of co-operative societies& Govt. 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[19] 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

  • Govt. Polytechnic College, Xray Jn., Cherthala Town[20]
  • Govt. Lower Primary School, Cherthala Town
  • Govt. Boys Higher secondary School, Cherthala Town
  • Govt. Girls Higher secondary School, Cherthala Town
  • Holy Family Higher secondary School, Muttom, Cherthala Town
  • St. Mary's Girls High School, Near Pvt. Bus Stand, Cherthala
  • St. Anns English Medium Higher Secondary School, Muttom, Cherthala
  • Naipunya School of Management Studies, West of Manorma Junction, Cherthala
  • St. Joseph Public School, Pattanakad, one of the oldest ICSE schools in Kerala

Public Utility services

Bank Name IFSC Location
The Muttom Service Co-operative Bank Ltd. NA Main Road, Cherthala, Kerala - 688524
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 West of Gandhi Bazar Shopping Complex, Cherthala
Indian Bank Ltd West of Civil Station, St. Mary's School Road, Cherthala
HDFC Bank Ltd HDFC0001489 BNNP Building, Muttom Bazar, Cherthala
North Malabar Gramin Bank NA 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 hopping Complex, Private Bus Stand, Cherthala
State Bank of India SBIN0011916 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
  • Movie Theaters in Cherthala Town- KSFDC's Chithranjali Movie theater Non A/C DTS (sound system),Paradise Cine House Non A/C DTS (sound system)
  • Local TV channels - KMCN and C-Vision -providing local news,local content and providing other satellite channels
  • Halls / Auditoriums in Cherthala Town - Municipal Town Hall, S.S. Kalamandir, S.S. Kalabhavan, NSS Auditorium, Brahmana Samooham Hall, Mahadeva Mandir-Velorvattom, Ashwini Residency Conference Hall
  • Parcel and Courier Services - ABT

Government and Judiciary offices

Hospitals

  • Govt. Taluk Hospital, Cherthala
  • Agasthya Ayurvedic Medical Centre, Ezhupunna
  • SNMM Hospital, (aka X-Ray Hospital), Cherthala
  • Dharmagiri hospital, Cherthala
  • KVM Super-specialty Hospital with 24- Hr Accident Emergency care unit, Cherthala
  • Poochakkal Medical Centre (PMC), P.O. Poochakkal
  • Sacred Heart Hospital, Mathilakam
  • Lakshmi hospital, Aroor
  • Mercy hospital, Aroor
  • Karthika hospital, Aroor
  • Jeevans hospital with 24- Hr Accident Emergency care unit, Chandiroor
  • Moham Hospital, Chammanad
  • Nicholas hospital, Eramaloor
  • Santhi hospital, Kuthiathode
  • PHC, Aroor,
  • St. Sebastian's visitation hospital, Arthunkal
  • C.K.V HOSPITAL (ayurveda)estd.1952,Poochakkal p.o ,cherthala
  • S V Hospital Cherthala, Near Private Bus stand, Nadakavu road

Drama/Theater troupes in Cherthala

  • Cherthala Jubilee Theatres -Ran by Late Rajan P.Dev
  • S.L. Puram Suyrasoma Theatres

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. We can find exquisitely designed carpets and mats displayed in the showrooms along the NH-47. Some of the major coir manufactures in Cherthala are TMMC group -Chertala, Koncherry Coir Exporters, Maithara Coir house, Loomcraft, Charangattu Mats and Coir, Shertallai Coir Cooperative Society, MC MILLS, Kalavamkodam,[21] COMET EXPORTS, Cherthala.

  • Seafood Export
A seafood export processing plant at Aroor.The coldstorage 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, Orissa, Tamilnadu 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

Mac-Downell's Breweries near Varanadu, Cherthala

  • 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 & instrumentation division running in Aroor.[22]

  • IT Park

An IT Info park complex and associated township is coming up near Pallipuram, 8 km North of Cherthala Town[23].

Roads

Route display panel across NH-47 Near Aroor
  • NH 47 is the major road providing a four-lane motorway running across the Cherthala Taluk. NH-47 connects Cherthala to Cochin city at the North end and Alapuzha town at the south end. The Aroor-Kumbalam bridge is the longest railway bridge in South India, measuring 993 meters, and connects the Ernakulam District (at Kumbalam) with Alapuzha district (at Aroor) across the Vembanad lake. There are three bridges, two bridges carrying motor traffic on NH-47 and another carrying the single lane Alapuzha-Ernakulam Railway line. In the night, the panoramic view of South Cochin city is visible from the bridge against the foreground of backwaters. The old Aroormukkom-Edacochin bridge is also visible. On the sunny days, the Western ghat mountain ranges are also visible on the eastern side of the bridge. The Kollam-Kottapuram Inland waterway passes below this bridge en marked with navigation lamp buoys floating over the backwaters. A 24-hr Toll checkpost functions on both the ends of the motorway bridge. Except two-wheelers and authorised government vehicles, all other vehicles have to pay a nominal Toll charge to cross the bridge.
  • Cherthala -Kypuzhamuttu- Kottayam road (30 km) can be used to reach tourist destinations Kumarakom and obviously Kottayam.
  • Cherthala-Arookutty-Aroor road is another major road connecting the eastern villages lying along the shores of Vembanad Lake to the north end of the taluk and finally reaching NH47 at Aroor.
  • Cherthala-Muhamma-Alapuzha road runs across the Tanneermukkom panchayat along the southeastern side of the taluk parallel to NH 47. One can get down at Kaipuram to reach the famous Pathiramanal bird sanctuary on this road.
  • Cherthala-Arthunkal-Tumboly beach road connects the coastal areas to Alapuzha.
  • Thanky-Andhakaranazhy-Pallithode-Chellanam beach road connects the taluk to the coastal area of Cochin city.

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. We 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.

Famous personalities

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.namboothiri.com/articles/vilwamangalam-swaamiyaar.htm
  2. ^ Panchayat Statistics 2001
  3. ^ http://www.cherthalamunicipality.in Cherthala Municipality
  4. ^ www.kerala.gov.in/keralacalljan04/p15-16.pdf Japan Water Supply Scheme PDF format
  5. ^ http://vaikhari.org/108shivalaya.html
  6. ^ http://vaikhari.org/108shivalaya.html
  7. ^ http://vaikhari.org/108shivalaya.html
  8. ^ http://www.nsscollegecherthala.com/
  9. ^ http://www.keralauniversity.edu/nsschertala.htm
  10. ^ http://www.sncollege.in
  11. ^ http://www.keralauniversity.edu/snchrtala.htm
  12. ^ http://stmichaelscherthala.edu.in/
  13. ^ http://www.keralauniversity.edu/stmicheals.htm
  14. ^ http://www.cusat.ac.in/notify/recog_institutions.pdf
  15. ^ http://www.cusat.ac.in/notify/recog_institutions.pdf
  16. ^ http://www.sngmc.org
  17. ^ http://www.sngmc.org/krg_eng.html
  18. ^ http://www.keralauniversity.edu/afiliatedcolleges.htm
  19. ^ http://www.mgef.com
  20. ^ http://techlib.911mb.com/index.php/gptc_cherthala/
  21. ^ http://www.mcmills.net MC MILLS, Kalavamkodam
  22. ^ http://keltron.org/Manu_ce/KCA/KCA_index.php Keltron Controls
  23. ^ http://www.infoparkkochi.com/whatsnew.php InfoPark Cherthala
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