Kanjirappally

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Kanjirappally
കാഞ്ഞിരപ്പള്ളി
The Door of Highrange
Town
A Rainy Morning in Kanjirappally Town.
A Rainy Morning in Kanjirappally Town.
Kanjirappally is located in Kerala
Kanjirappally
Kanjirappally
Coordinates: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Country  India
State Kerala
District Kottayam
Population (2012)
 • Total 27,127
Languages
 • Official Malayalam, English
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 686507 (Kanjirappally Head Post Office)
Telephone code 04828
Vehicle registration KL-34(Kanjirappally) or KL-05(Kottayam)
Coastline 0 kilometres (0 mi)
Nearest city Kottayam, Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha, Changanassery, Pala
Lok Sabha constituency Pathanamthitta (Kanjirappally Niyamasabha Mandalam)
Climate Tropical monsoon (Köppen)
Avg. summer temperature 35 °C (95 °F)
Avg. winter temperature 18 °C (64 °F)
Website www.kanjirappaly.com

Kanjirappally is a taluk and a town in Kottayam district situated about 38 kilometres away from the district capital, in the state of Kerala, India. National Highway (old NH 220 Kollam - Theni now NH 183) connects Kanjirapally to major nearest cities. Kanjirappally, also known as the Door of Highrange since it is the geographic entrance to the 'Malanad' or the Hill country of Kerala, which extends to Idukki district and then to Tamil Nadu.

Rubber plantations are a major source of income for the local population. The place has a large population of Syrian Catholic Christians. The Christians of Kanjirapally are known to be the earliest agrarian group in Kerala to have switched to plantation agriculture by the beginning of the 20th century. The place is therefore home to many legendary Syrian Christian families of Kerala, who owe their affluence to plantation agriculture, particularly Rubber. Since the early 1980s, Kanjirapally has won a special place in the hearts of Keralites, through scores of Malayalam movies that depict the region as a pocket of Christian affluence. The term 'Achayan', which is colloquially used among the Nasranis of Central Travancore, has always been synonymous with Kanjirapally.

The Syrian Christian colonization of Kanjirappally had a profound impact on the history of commerce and agriculture in these parts. The Christians claim their roots from early settlements at Nilackal or Chayal on the banks of Pamba River, in the Sabarimala Hills of eastern Kerala. There is also a strong belief that the flourishing Christian community here was founded by Saint Thomas the Apostle himself. The place was in the forest recesses far away from seats of power. Nilackal became an important depot for spices like pepper, cardamom etc. and the Christians were engaged in this lucrative trade as procures and sorters. Following a catastrophic event in the mid 14th century, the Christian inhabitants of Nilackal fled the region, a large section of whom migrated to the present day Kanjirapally, which is 30 miles Northwest of the ancient town. The direct descendants of these settlers constructed the Pazhayapally (meaning the 'Old Church') in the middle of the town. Following the agrarian expansion of the 19th century, the Syrian Christians spread to places around Kanjirapally, such as Manimala, Ponkunnam, Erumely, Mundakayam and their surrounding regions, clearing forests and setting up farms.

Religion

File:Kanjirappally Bishop Mathew Arackal at Tomb of Varghese Payapilly Palakkappilly.jpg
Kanjirappally bishop Mar Mathew Arackal with Fr. Prasant Payyappilly Palakkappilly and other priests at the tomb of Mar Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly

Kanjirappally is an old town that boasts of its religious harmony. The population in the town area is a mixture of Syrian Christians, Muslims, and Hindus. However, the Syrian Christians constitute the vast majority in the interior regions of Kanjirapally, where agriculture thrives. They also make up the dominant socio-economic community of the region.


  • Ganapathy Koil is a beautiful Hindu temple built in granite. Hindus from Kerala come here to offer prayers. It was built by the Vellala community of Tamil Nadu, but this 900-year-old structure is almost in ruins today, although the carvings and inscriptions on its granite pillars are still visible.
  • Madhura Meenakshi Temple is another beautiful temple in the heart of Kanjirapally Town. Devi Madhura Meenakshi is worshipped there.
    Sree Madhura Meenakshi Temple procession
  • St. Dominic's Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Kanjirappally and was built in 1826. The 150th anniversary of St. Dominic's Cathedral was celebrated in 1977.
  • Nainaru Mosque is one of the popular mosques in the region. The Nainaru Mosque attracts Muslims from the town as well as the surrounding areas to offer their prayers.

Location, distance, transportation

The K. K. Road (NH 183: Kollam-Theni) (Kottayam-Kumily Road) connects Kanjirapally to major nearest cities like Mundakkayam (16 km), Kottayam (38 km), Kuttikkanam (34 km), Kumily (72 km) and Ponkunnam (5 km).

Pamba - Chemmalamattam - Erattupetta - Neriyamangalam (SH44) connects Kanjirapally to Sabarimala (65 km), Erumely (15 km), Pamba (60 km), Erattupetta (16 km) and Thodupuzha (46 km).

Main Eastern Highway (Muvattupuzha-Manimala - Pathanamthitta-Punalur Road) connects Kanjirappally to other major towns.

Kanjirappally-Manimala (12 km) road connects Changanassery easily. Chenappady (8 km) connects Ranni (26 km).

A link road that connects Pala (26 km) directly from Kanjirappally through Thambalakkadu (3 km).

The nearest international airport is Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery, the nearest railway station is in Kottayam and Changanassery and the nearest KSRTC bus station is in Ponkunnam. The nearest Medical College is at Kottayam. A railway station is expected to be built at Kanjirappally as a part of Angamaly-Sabarimala rail route in future.

Junctions

Petta Junction, Kurisungal Junction, Puthanangadi Junction, Bus Stand Junction,Mannarakayam Junction, Poothakkuzhy Junction, 26th Mile Junction, Kunnumbhagom Junction, Kovilkkadavu, Rani Hospital Junction are the major junctions in Kanjirappally.

City roads

Puthanangadi road connects Kadamappuzha Hospital Kanjirappally and St . Dominic's Cathedral Kanjirappally. Kokkappally road(TVS Road) connects Akkarappally. Chacko Mukadans road connects Hotel Hilltop Kanjirappally and Police Station Kanjirappally. KMA Hall road, Myca road connects Nainar Juma Masjid. T.B road connects Mannarakkayam with Kunnumbhagom Junction through P.W.D Rest House and St. Joseph Public School. A bypass road connects Kurisungal Junction to Petta Junction. Thampalakadu road connects St . Dominic's Cathedral Kanjirappally and Kurisinkal Junction.

Politics, administration offices

Kanjirappally mini civil station

Kanjirappally assembly constituency is part of Pathanamthitta (Lok Sabha constituency). Previously it was part of Muvattupuzha (Lok Sabha constituency). Most of the local administration offices like PWD, Railway Reservation Counter, Employment Exchange, Taluk offices etc. are now located in the recently constructed Mini Civil Station.

Munsif Court, 1st class Magistrate Court, 2nd class Magistrate Court are in Court Complex, Court Junction ponkunnam which is 4 kilometers away from the town.

Kerala State Electricity Board in Kanjirappally is at Puthanangadi Junction near St. Dominic's Higher Secondary School Kanjirappally.

Kanjirappally Grama Panchayat offices and Kanjirappally Grama Panchayat Town Hall are at Kurisungal Junction. Kanjirappally Block Panchayat offices are at Mannarakkayam (Koovappally road).

Kerala State Highway Board, Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe development offices are at Chacko Mukadans road.

Kerala State Housing Board Colony is near Kanjirappally Town Hall. Kanjirappally Taluk Supply office is at Kurisungal Junction.

B.S.N.L Telecommunications Head office is near Grand Opera Theatre in Kanjirappally. B.S.N.L Customer care service centre in Kanjirappally is near Mini Civil Station.

Kanjirappally Head Post Office and Kanjirappally Police Station are at Kurisungal Junction. Kanjirappally Fire Station is at Rani Hospital Junction.

Educational Offices, D.E.O & A.E.O Offices are at Ponkunnam near Bus Stand. R.T.O Office is at Attickal, Ponkunnam.

P.W.D Rest House is in T.B Road near Kunnumbhagom Junction and Kanjirappally Village Office is at Thambalakkadu road.

Famous personalities

Accamma Cherian

Accamma Cherian was a freedom fighter from the erstwhile Travancore (Kerala), India. She was popularly known as the Jhansi Rani of Travancore, a name given to her by Mahatma Gandhi, on hearing of her courage and boldness. She was born on 14 February 1909 in a prominent Nasrani family at Kanjirapally, Travancore, as the oldest daughter of Thomman Cherian and Annamma Karippaparambil. She was educated at Government Girls High School, Kanjirapally and St. Joseph's High School, Changanacherry. She earned a B.A. in History from St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam. After completing her education in 1931, she worked as a teacher at St. Mary's English Medium School, Kanjirapally), where she later became head mistress. She worked in this institution for about six years, and during this period she also did her L. T. degree from Trivandrum Training College. Her husband V. V. Varkey Mannamplackal, Chirakkadavu. served as an MLA in the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 1952–54. Accamma Cherian died on May 5, 1982. A statue was erected in her memory in Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram. A documentary film was made on her life by Sreebala K. Menon.

K. J. Thomas Karippaparampil

was a freedom fighter who started the branch of State Congress in Kanjirapally and surrounding villages. He brought in several members of his immediate family and friends including Rosamma Punnoose, later a Communist MLA, her husband P. T. Punnoose and Communist M P. While Accamma Cherian after her heroic confrontation with the Diwan's police chief was nominated as the first MLA in the free Travancore State, K. J.Thomas was the first elected member. He fought a tough close battle to defeat the congress candidate. His term lasted two years, as the assembly was dissolved. In the next election his nephew and protege defeated him, running as Congress Candidate and him as a Praja Socialist at the request of venerable Pattom Thanu Pillai the father of Modern Kerala, and his mentor. K. J. Thomas also established a great Vayanashala for the city he grew up in and love, with the help of many friends and relatives. He donated this library to the Panchayat when he retired from politics. He was the top leader of the Congress party and is a much respected and popular speaker. His reading room conducted annual cultural and sports events that were famous. He died in December 1994. His 100 birth anniversary was celebrated by the officers of his second library and at Mannarkad on Onam day 2013. Sree Sivadasa Menon (a former minister) presided.

P. T. Chacko

P. T. Chacko Pullolickal was a prominent politician of Travancore and later Kerala. He was the first Leader of Opposition of the newly formed state of Kerala. He was also the Home Minister of Kerala holding the additional portfolios of Revenue and Law during the period 1960-64.[1]

Hospitals, banks, shops

Hospitals

  • Government General Hospital Kunnumbhagom Junction Kanjirappally. 2 km from Kanjirappally town.
  • Kadamappuzha Hospital, Puthanangadi Kanjirappally.
  • Rani Hospital Kanjirappally.
  • St.Joseph's Eye Hospital Kanjirappally.
  • Kokad's Hospital Kanjirappally.
  • Mary Matha Hospital Kanjirappally.
  • Government Veterinary Hospital, Thambalakkadu road. Kanjirappally.
  • Mary Queens Mission Hospital, 26th Mile Junction Kanjirappally.
  • The Highrange Hospital, Parathodu Kanjirappally.
  • Santhinikethan Hospital, Court Junction Kanjirappally.

Banks

  • Catholic Syrian Bank Kanjirappally,Chacko Mukadans road Kanjirappally.(BANK ROAD)
  • State Bank of Travancore Main Branch. Chacko Mukadans road Kanjirappally.(BANK ROAD)

ATM 1: Near to Bank. ATM 2: Petrol Pumb.

ATM: Near to Bank.

ATM: Near to Bank.

  • ICICI Bank. Mahathma Gandhi Road,(Thampalakkadu Road) Kanjirappally.

ATM: Petta Junction Kanjirappally.

  • HDFC Bank. Near AKJM Public School Kanjirappally.
  • Federal Bank. Mahathma Gandhi Road,(Thampalakkadu Road) Kanjirappally.

ATM: Opposite of South Indian Bank Kanjirappally.

  • Canara Bank. Kurisungal Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Bank of Baroda. Bus Stand Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Indian Overseas Bank.Bus Stand Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Kottayam District Bank. Bus Stand Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Kanjirappally Service Cooperative Bank. Puthanangadi Kanjirappally.(church square)

Evening and Morning Branch at Kurisungal Junction Kanjirappally.

  • Kanjirappally Central Service Cooperative Bank . Petta Junction Kanjirappally.

Education

  • St Antony's Public School Anakkal, Kanjirappally
  • AKJM Public School, Kanjirappally.
  • St. Mary's Higher Secondary School Kanjirappally.
  • St. Dominic's Higher Secondary School Kanjirappally.
  • St. Joseph's Public School and Junior College, Kunnumbhagam Kanjirappally.
  • Mumtaz Memorial MYCA School Kanjirappally.
  • Alfeen Public School, 26th mile Kanjirappally.
  • St. Ephrem's HighSchool, Chirakkadavu Kanjirappally.
  • Assumption High School Palampra Kanjirappally.
  • St.Joseph's L.P School Velichiyani.
  • Government Higher Secondary School Kanjirappally.
  • Infant Jesus Public School Kanjirappally.
  • John Joseph Murphy Memorial Higher Secondary School.
  • N.H.A.U.P. School.
  • Government L P School Thampalakkad, established 1910.
  • Assaf Islamic Model School(for Islamic Education), Edakunnam P.O, Kanjirappally

Engineering colleges

Arts and science colleges

  • College of Applied Science (under IHRD) Petta Junction, Kanjirappally.
  • St Dominic's College, 27th Mile Kanjirappally.

Entertainment

Theatres

  • Grand Opera Theatre Kanjirappally. Kurisungal Junction.
  • Baby Theatre Kurisungal Junction Kanjirappally.

Stadiums, playgrounds

  • Gov. Higher Secondary School Stadium Kunnumbhagom.
  • St. Dominic's College Stadium, Parathodu Kanjirappally.
  • AKJM Public School Stadium Kanjirappally.

Hotels, restaurants

  • The Hotel Elegance Kanjirappally Panchayat Turnaround.
  • Mukkadans Hotel Hilltop Kanjirappally Kurisungal Junction.
  • Queens Restaurant Bus Stand Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Kottaram Restaurant Puthanangadi Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Hotel Hilda. Bus Stand Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Hotel Guest. Puthanangadi Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Hotel Swaagath. Iron Bridge Kanjirappally.
  • Hotel Thoufeeq. Bus Stand, Petta Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Kottaram Bakers. Bus Stand, Kurisungal Junction Kanjirappally.
  • Ameen Bakery, Petta Junction Kanjirappally.
  • -Anns Bakery,Petta Junction Kanjirappally.

Tourist homes

  • Karamayil Tourist Home, Bus Stand, Kanjirappally.
  • Pulimoottil Arcade Lodge, Petta Junction Kanjirappally.

Auditoriums, halls

  • Fabees Auditorium, Rani Hospital Junction Kanjirappally.
  • KMA Hall, Kovilkkadavu Kanjirappally.
  • Maha Jubilee Hall, St.Dominics Cathedral Kanjirappally.
  • Pastoral Central Hall, St.Dominic's Cathedral Kanjirappally.
  • MYCA Auditorium Kanjirappally.
  • Grama Panchayat Town Hall Kanjirappally.
  • Members Club Auditorium Kanjirappally.

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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