Important Places
HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY
Kanjirappally Block Panchayat
Kottayam District, Kerala
📜
History
Kanjirapally Block Panchayat is an important local body located in Kottayam district of Kerala. Kanjirapally is also known as the Gateway to the High Ranges of Central Trivandrum.
🌳 Name
The name 'Kanjirapally' is believed to have been derived from the name of a church/temple or settlement established in an area where 'Kanjiram' trees were abundant.
🛍️ Ancient Commercial Centre
Kanjirapally was a famous commercial centre centuries ago as it was located on the main trade route sharing the border with Tamil Nadu. Tamil Vishwakarmajars and traders migrated here.
🌿 Christian Migration & Plantation Crops
The area received a new cultural and economic revival with the migration of Syrian Christians from the Nilakkal (Chayal) area from the 16th century onwards. Subsequently, Kanjirappally grew into a major commercial centre for rubber, cardamom and tea plantations in the high range region.
🏛️ Administration
This area, which was part of the erstwhile Thekkumkur and Travancore kingdoms, was formed as the present-day Kanjirappally Block Panchayat as part of the post-independence land reforms and local self-government laws.
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Geography
📍 Location
Kanjirappally Block is located in the eastern hilly region of Kottayam district.
📐 Area
It has an area of approximately 342 square kilometres.
⛰️ Topography
It has a landscape of hills, valleys and forests where the plains and mountains meet. It is one of the major rubber producing centres in Central Travancore.
🧭 Boundaries
North
Erattupetta Block Panchayat
Erattupetta Block Panchayat
East
Azhutha Block Panchayat
Idukki District
Azhutha Block Panchayat
Idukki District
South
Ranni Block Panchayat
Pathanamthitta District
Ranni Block Panchayat
Pathanamthitta District
West
Vazhur Block Panchayat
Vazhur Block Panchayat
🌊 Rivers and Water Bodies
The Manimalayar is the main river of the area. Apart from this, several small streams and streams flow here as a source of water required for agriculture.
🏘️
Grama Panchayats Included
The following 7 Grama Panchayats are included within the limits of Kanjirappally Block Panchayat:
01
Kanjirappally
Kanjirappally
02
Mundakkayam
Mundakkayam
03
Erumeli
Erumeli
04
Manimala
Manimala
05
Parathode
Parathode
06
Koottikkal
Koottikkal
07
Koruthode
Koruthode
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Important Places
Kanjirappally Block Panchayat — Important Places and Attractions
🛕 PILGRIMAGE CENTER
Erumeli Sri Dharmasastha Temple
Panchayat: Erumeli
This is one of the most important stopovers on the Sabarimala route. The famous Erumeli Pettathulla takes place here. There are two temple complexes here, Valiambalam and Cheriambalam.
Speciality: Erumeli Pettathulla, Sabarimala stopover
🕌 PILGRIMAGE CENTER
Nainar Juma Masjid (Vavar Palli)
Panchayat: Erumeli
A historical center that preserves the memory of Vavar Swami, a loyal friend of Ayyappa. The temple gives a great message of Hindu-Muslim religious harmony to the world.
Speciality: Symbol of religious harmony, Pettathullal ritual
⛪ HISTORICAL CHURCH
St. Dominic's Cathedral Church
Panchayat: Kanjirappally
This cathedral church, the mother church of the Kanjirappally diocese, is a symbol of the Christian cultural tradition and attractive architecture of Central Travancore.
Speciality: Mother church of the diocese, beautiful architecture
🛕 ANCIENT TEMPLE
Ganapathiyar Kovil
Panchayat: Kanjirappally
An ancient temple built by prominent Vaniks who migrated to Kanjirappally from Tamil Nadu centuries ago. The carvings on the stone slabs are worth seeing.
Speciality: Tamil style architecture, historical importance
💧 NATURAL WATERFALL
Aruvikachal Waterfall
Panchayat: Koottikkal (Pathampuzha)
A beautiful waterfall that falls from a height through the rocks near Pathampuzha. It is a place that attracts nature lovers and tourists a lot.
Speciality: Natural beauty, suitable for trekking
⛰️ HILL STATION / TREKKING
Muthukora Hills
Panchayat: Koottikkal
A high hilly area suitable for adventure tourists and trekking lovers. The views of the valley from the top of the hill are very beautiful.
Speciality: Off-road travel, sunset views
Kanjirappally Block Panchayat
Kottayam District, Kerala
History • Geography • Heritage • Nature • Culture
