Thodupuzha

For the river, see Thodupuzha river.

Thodupuzha തൊടുപുഴ Gateway of Highrange
Big Town
Thodupuzha Civil Station
Thodupuzha
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Idukki
Government
• Type	Municipality
• Municipal Chairperson	Mrs. Jessy Antony
Elevation	40 m (130 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	52,045
Languages
• Official	Malayalam, English
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	685584
Telephone code	914862
Vehicle registration	KL-38
Nearest city	Kottayam, Pala, Ernakulam
Nearest Railway Station	Kaduthuruthy
Lok Sabha constituency	Idukki
Climate	Tropical monsoon (Köppen)
Avg. summer temperature	32.5 °C (90.5 °F)
Avg. winter temperature	20 °C (68 °F)
Website	www.thodupuzha.com
Major town in the District of Idukki

Thodupuzha is a town and a municipality in Idukki district in the Kerala state of India, spread over an area of 35.43 km². Thodupuzha is 62 km south east of Kochi. Thodupuzha is 200 km from the state capital, Trivandrum. Geographical Classification of Thodupuzha Region is Malanad 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.

Etymology

The name 'Thodupuzha' might have come from two words, 'thodu' (which means a rivulet) 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 Narayana Menon originally from Trivandrum and he was the representative of Maharaja Raja.His official residence was Mattathil Kovilakam located in Chalamkode Village. Official Headquarters of Keezhmalainadu were Karikodu.

History

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. He 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 the 13th century. 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.

Transportation

Road

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.Other state highways, Tekkady - Ernakulam and Sabarimala - Neryamangalam also passes through Thodupuzha town. 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.

Newly constructing KSRTC bus stand will give depot status (now a Sub depot)to Thodupuzha KSRTC stand. So many new inter state services expected start from Thodupuzha after the commissioning of new KSRTC bus stand. Now there is continues bus services to Kottayam, Ernakulam, Vaikom, Kattappana, Thrissur, Trivandrum etc. from Thodupuzha. Bus services which connects to the important locations in the state were also available at this depot. Recently this depot had got 4 high-tech low floor buses which provides luxury transportation facilities.

Railway

At present Thodupuzha has no railway connectivity. The nearest Railway Stations are Kaduthuruthy which is 42 kilometres away from Thodupuzha, Kottayam is at 56 kilometres away from Thodupuzha and Ernakulam Junction is at 61 kilometres distance from Thodupuzha. The Angamaly-Erumely, "Sabari Railway line" to Sabarimala passes through Thodupuzha, and Thodupuzha railway station is planned to be constructed near Thodupuzha Co-operative hospital. Construction of Sabari Railway is completed up to Kalady railway station and Periyar bridge. Since Idukki district and Idukki parliament constituency has not any railway connectivity, there is strong public pressure for a time bound construction of Sabari Railway line at least up to Thodupuzha. Idukki is the only one Parliament constituency in Kerala has not any railway station, will get 6 new railway stations through "Sabari Railway line project" The project is unviable per government as it will bring anti-social elements to remote areas and kerala government said it is not willing to share the cost. Further there was huge opposition from Pampady, ponkunnam etc and so the project is almost abandonded.

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, cocoa, 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 Kavala 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. Thodupzha is strategically located in end route of Highranges other Central Kerala towns of Ernakulam and Kottayam. However the lack of well developed roads from Highranges to reach Thodupuzha has made High range population uses Aluva - Munnar road and Kottayam - Kumaly road as their main transport route, though these routes are through two borders of the district. The new state highways announced Tekkady - Ernakulam and Muvattupuzha - Theni once fully operational will drastically change the mobility from highranges, eventually people from highranges can access Thodupuzha in short distance.

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 35 wards. There is a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, and various Standing Committees to carry out the civic administration. A.M.Harid of Indian Union Muslim League is the present Municipal Chairperson of Thodupuzha Municipality.

Thodupuzha is an assembly constituency and P J Joseph is the present MLA of Thodupuzha. He got elected 7th time from Thodupuzha marked with highest majority in the history of Idukki district. He is admired for the planned developments carried out during the tenure as MLA and Minister. Knowledge city, Malankara DAM tourism project, Sports complex and Thodupuzha ring roads are his dream plans which we should see how it materialises. Thodupuzha assembly constituency is part of Idukki (Lok Sabha constituency) & Adv.Joice George is the present MP.

Healthcare

There are at least 2150 hospital beds within the municipal area, serving a population less than 50,000 making a hospital beds per 1000 population of about 250 which is above UK average of 3.78 and USA average of 3.32. Besides, Thodupuzha is also an important hub of alternate medicine, with 3 major Ayurvedic groups having their headquarters in Thodupuzha. There are so many hospitals in Thodupuzha area. Some of the famous are District Ayurveda Hospital, Taluk Hospital (Karikode), St. Mary's Hospital (Idukki Road), Holy Family Hospital(Muthalakodam), Chazhikattu Hospitals, Archana hospital (Muvattupuzha Road),Mount Sinai Hospital ( Mount Sinai Road ),St Josephs Hospital & Children's Clinic ( Mount Sinai Road ) etc.

Al Azhar medical college is being constructed at Ezhallor, 7 km away from the town. Thodupuzha taluk hospital got upgraded to District hospital recently. Also a super specialty hospital and cancer center is being constructed near Vengaloor junction.

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

Tourism (The nearby Tourist attractions)

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, Idukki Dam, Peermade etc.

Thommankuthu

Thommankuthu waterfalls

Thommankuthu is a tourism destination 20 km from Thodupuzha, has a series of waterfalls. In addition, there are several caves and viewpoints. The waterfall in Kaliyar river origins from the hills Palkulam medu, 4000 Feet above Sea level.

Uravappara

Uravapara is a hillock temple situated at Olamattom near Thodupuzha, at a height of 500 ft above sea level. Today, Uravapara is known for its religious activities, as well as its natural scenic sights. The annual festival of the temple is conducted in the Malayalam month ‘Makaram’ (January/February) each year.

Malankara Dam

Morning view of Malankara Dam reservoir from Kudayathoor

Malankara situated at a distance of 6 km from Thodupuzha is an upcoming tourist destination. Malankara is famous for its irrigation project, the Malankara Dam and the Reservoir constructed across the tail waters of Moolamattom Power House. This artificial lake is located on the Thodupuzha – Moolamattom Road (State Highway 33) covering an area of around 11 km. Malankara Dam is a gravity dam and is a project of Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project and KSEB ( Kerala State Electricity Board ). Constructed across the Thodupuzha river for the purpose of irrigation, this reservoir is a good picnic spot too. There is also a park nearby the reservoir, which is under construction. Visitors can enjoy a good time in boating and fishing at the lake. The Malankara Tourism Project has been launched by the Department of Tourism and the site will be soon turned into a beautiful tourist spot. As a part of the project, steps are being taken by the Government of Kerala for the protection of trees and developing the area to an entertainment park.

Ilaveezhapoonchira

Ilaveezhapoonchira is one of the tourist destinations in Kerala. Spread over thousands of acres of the Kottayam district, the valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira is a picnic spot for nature lovers. Situated at a distance of 24 km from Thodupuzha via Kanjar and 20 km via Kanjiramkavala, the spot located at the foot of the hillocks of Mankunnu, Kudayathur hill and Thonippara,each rising to about 3200 ft above sea level, makes it a place for trekking. At the top of these hills, one can view large parts of Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Alapuzha, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur districts.

Moolamattam Power House

The Idukki Hydroelectric Project is the biggest hydrolectric Project in Kerala (India). It comprises three dams at Idukki, Cheruthony and Kulamavu and related systems. The power house at Moolamattom is the longest underground power station in India and the pressure shaft is the largest in the country. The Idukki dam is one of the highest dams in the world and the first arch dam in India. Cheruthony is the largest and highest gravity dam in Kerala. The Project harnesses a major portion of the power potential of Periyar, the largest river in Kerala, by the creation of a reservoir of 2,000 M.cum (2 Billion Tonnes) capacity, diversion of waters thus impounded through a water conductor system consisting of a power tunnel and two underground pressure shafts to an underground power house situated in Moolamattom. The installed capacity of the Power House is 780MW consisting of 6 Units of Pelton-type turbines with a power generation capacity of 130 MW each. The regulated waters of Periyar falls through a drop of about 669.2 metres (2195 feet) while generating power in the underground power house. Irrigation The tail waters flowing to Kudayathurpuzha through tunnel and open channel is diverted for irrigation purposes in the Muvattupuzha Valley. Its one of the widely visited destinations for study tour packages. Visitors are only allowed to visit the area under special permissions due to security reasons.

Thumpichi Calvery Samuchayam

This is a Christian Pilgrim Centre and the pilgrims climb up the hill during Lent and Good Friday. The way to the Mountain is graced by the 14 crosses placed at regular intervals.

Elappally Water Falls

Elappally Waterfall

Elappally is 26 km from Thodupuzha town, 106 km from Kochi city. The Elappally Falls are situated on the Moolamattom - Wagamon road, which originates in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. This fall will be active only in monsoon season and will be dry during the summer season.

Vagamon

Vagamon meadows, Kerala, India

Route to Vagamon

Vagomon is a hill station situated 1200 meters above sea level, 42 km from Thodupuzha.

The hill station also provides option of trekking, paragliding or rock climbing for adventurous seekers. The place has many varieties of flora and fauna located in various parts of hilly region. Evergreen tress, tall grasses and shrubs are present in the lower regions of Vagomon. Many rare species of birds, insects, wild buffaloes and elephants can be easily located in the forests. The main attractions are here mist-covered mountains and lakes, Pilgrim centers – Kurishumala, Murugan temple, Burial chamber of Sufi saint and Pine forests

Chalachitra Nagari

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, Vagram, Nasrani, Manassinakkare, Kunjikoonan, Rasathanthram, Palunku, Veruthe Oru Bharya, Swantham Lekhakan, Kadha Parayumbol, Samastha Keralam PO, Pappy Appacha, Vairam: Fight For Justice, Janapriyan, Arya (2005 film), Swapnam Kondu Thulabharam, Elsamma Enna Aankutty, Marykkundoru Kunjaadu, Oridathoru Postman, Detective, Vismayathumbathu, SringaravelanSwapna Sanchari, 101 Weddings, Evidam Swargamanu, Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus, Drishyam, Om Shanti Oshana, Vajram, Rebecca uthup kizhakkemala, Vellimoonga, 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 college of Engineering & Technology 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 Kumaramangalam, De Paul High School,De Paul Public School, Co-operative Public School, Vimala Public School, Jai Rani High School,Jai Rani Public School, and THSS Muttom are some of the famous schools in Thodupuzha.

The engineering colleges around Thodupuzha are Al-Azhar college of Engineering &Technology and the University College of Engineering which is run by Mahatma Gandhi University.

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.

How to Reach

Thodupuzha, although situated on the eastern most portion of the midlands starting just east of Kochi, is accessible from every part of the state due to good highway connectivity. Although, eastern and southern parts connectivity is affected by the hilly geography owing to being closer to Western Ghats (High Ranges), the connectivity to Muvattupuzha in the western side gives Thodupuzha region easy access to most of the destinations. The important highway passing through the town is Punaloor-Muvattupuzha Main Eastern Highway. This hill highway connects a string of towns lying on the border of Western ghats including Punaloor, Pathanapuram, Konni , Ranni , Ponkunnam, Pala and Thodupuzha to the major intersection at Muvattupuzha, where Main Central Road and NH 49 meets. Other major roads are Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala highway connecting to Idukki, Kattappana and other parts of high ranges. Thodupuzha-Muttom-Erattupetta, Thodupuzha-Muthalakodam-Vannappuram, Thodupuzha-Vaikom roads also are strategic roads to Thodupuzha.

• Kochi- Thrippunithura-Kolenchery-Muvattupuzha-Thodupuzha (63 km)
• Kozhikode-Feroke-Parappanangadi-Tirur-Ponnani-Kodungallur-Aluva-Perumbavoor-Muvattupuzha-Thodupuzha (221 km)
• Trivandrum- Kottarakkara-Changanassery-Kottayam-Pala-Thodupuzha (208 km)
• Kottayam- Ettumanoor-Pala-Thodupuzha (56 km)
• Thrissur- Chalakudy-Angamaly-Perumbavoor-Muvattupuzha-Thodupuzha (100 km)
• Alappuzha- Muhamma-Thanneermukkom-Vechoor-Manjoor-Kuravilangadu-Koothattukulam-Marika-Vazhithala-Thodupuzha (83 km)
• Munnar- Pallivasal-Adimaly-Oonnukal-Paingottur-Vengallur-Thodupuzha (93 km)
• Kollam - Kayamkulam-Thiruvalla-Kottayam-Pala-Thodupuzha (150 km)
• Theni- Cumbum-Kumily-Kattappana-Idukki-Thodupuzha (158 km)

Famous Personalities

• P J Joseph Minister.
• Elasamprathi Narayana Menon
• Ancy Roy, Cognizant Employee
• Swami Ayyappadas –General-Secretary-Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam state and Kerala Kshethra Samrakshana Samithi.
• S. Gopinath IPS (Thrisure Range IG Kerala Police)
• S.Balachandran -Rear Admiral (Rtd.)
• T C Mathew (Kerala Cricket Association president & National Cricket Association Chairman)
• Elizabeth Antony –Wife of A.K.Antoney.
• Tom Jose –IAS (Rtd.)
• Tomin J Thachankary IPS -(DIG Kerala Police)
• Ajithkumar Nair –IFS - (High Commission of India, London)
• Asif Ali (Film Actor).
• Jaffer Idukki (Film Actor).
• Nishanth Sagar(Film Actor)
• Adv.C.K.Vidya Sagar (General convenior of Sree Narayana Dharma Vedi)
• Rajesh Touchriver-(Film Director)
• Thodupuzha Vasanthi(Film Actress)
• Dr P. K. Abdul Aziz vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
• Shiny Wilson olympian and Asian Games Medal Winner
• Preeja Sreedaharan olympian and Asian Games Medal Winner
• G VISHAK IAS, SDM in Uttar Pradesh
• Naduparampil Pappachen Pradeep Defender for the Indian National Football Team, former captain of the U23 team.
• Tagel Wilson [Current Member of SQUAD & Future Nurse, considered a Slytherin]
• Dr. Prince Kuruvila Mattam-FIBA Commissioner for Asia(India)
• Gince Mattam-IFS(High Commission of India,Beijing-China )
• Honey Rose (Filim Actress)
• D Mooken ( Drama Artist - 2 time Kerala State Sangeetha Nadaka Academy award winner)

Famous Brands/Companies/Manufacturers from Thodupuzha

• Lunar rubbers pvt ltd
• Brahmins foods India pvt ltd
• Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Group
• Farmers community in Kerala Entekrishi.com
• Charakas Ayurveda Hospital

Famous Landmarks

• Gandhi Square
• Thodupuzha Sri Krishna Temple
• Karikode Nainar Juma Masjid
• St. Sebastian's Town Forane Church
• Karikode Devi Temple
• Manakkad Narasimha Swami Temple
• Town Hall
• Mini Civil Station
• Kanjiramattom Siva Temple
• Private Bus Stand
• Newman College
• Kanjiramattom Junction
• Municipal Park
• KSRTC Stand
• Jyothi Super Bazar
• Uravappara Temple
• Boys High School
• St.Thomas Forane Church, Mylacombu (known as the Mother Church of the East)
• Rotary Junction

Gallery

• 

  Sreekrishna Swami Temple

• 

  St. Sebastian's Forane Church Thodupuzha

• 

  Old Bridge in Thodupuzha

• 

  Gandhi Square

• 

  Mini Civil Station

• 

  Thodupuzha River - A view from Olamattom Kambipalam

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  Olamattom - Thekkumbhagam Kambipalam.JPG

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  University College of Engineering

See also

• Main Eastern Highway
• Thenathoor