Cherukunnu

Demographics

As of 2011 India Census, Cherukunnu had a population of 16,111, with 7,153 males and 8,958 females.

Cherukunnu is a tiny village tucked on Kannur-Payyannur hi-ve, situated near Pazhayangadi in Kannur District of North Malabar region in Kerala.

Etymology

The name Cherukunnu means Little Hill ("cheru-ചെറു"=Little and "kunnu-കുന്ന്"=hill). There are about five very small hills surrounding this place. The name Cherukunnu is believed to have been derived owing to the presence of these Hills. However, as per a local Hindu mythological belief, the "Choru-Kunnu" (heap of cooked rice) which is made just before the daily "Annadhaanam" (free feast) at Annapoorneswari Temple gave the place this name.

Main Hills

History

During Kolathiri rule, Cherukunnu was under their reign. Later, Tipu Sultan adjoined this area as part of Kingdom of Mysore. The British Raj put this place under Chirakkal Taluk of Malabar District in Madras Presidency. Presently this is a village of Kannur District of Kerala State.

Culture and Geography

Greater part of this village is surrounded by Backwater. The thuruths (small islands) of "Ayiram Thengau" and "Mungam" are places of interest known for scenic beauty. This village shares borders with Kannapuram to the south, Madayi to the north, Mattool to the west, Ezhome and Pattuvam to the east.

Cherukunnu (ചെറുകുന്ന്) is famous for:

Thavam Church

The Thavam Church is a famous Roman Catholic Church of North Malabar. This church is very old which proclamates the presence of Christians in North Malabar since ancient days. This is a heritage place for North Malabar Roman Catholic society. This church is under the Diocese of Kannur. This church is located at Thavam; between Cherukunnu and Pazhayangadi, around 17 km from Kannur, 19 km from Taliparamba and 15 km from Payyannur. Pazhayangadi is the nearest rail head. Other Roman Catholic churches of Cherukunnu are at Kattakulam, Paadiyil Ferry and Kavinisseri (Christhukunnu).

Oliyankara Juma Masjid

Oliyankara Juma Masjid (Hazrath Valiyullahi (RA)), a Famous Dargah Shareef of Sahaba-e-Ikhram (Sufi Saints/Auliyas) is an important Mosque of North Malabar. It is believed that the priests in ancient days gave importance to the Hindu Gods at this Mosque. The Mosque is at Pallichal near Cherukunnu town, around 14 km from Kannur, 16 km from Taliparamba and 18 km from Payyannur. This is a location of a famous sufi grave, visited by people of all religions.

Kannapuram is the nearest rail head.

Annapoorneshwari Temple

At this Temple, Lord Krishna is collocated with Sree Annapoorneswari. It is believed that Sree Annapoorneswari has visited this shrine which was under the sea. There is a mythological belief that this shrine was elevated by Lord Parashurama. The temple is near Cherukunnu town, around 14 km from Kannur, 16 km from Taliparamba and 18 km from Payyannur. A large chira (swimming pool) also can be spotted near this temple.

In April every year, various religious and ritual and entertainment activities, including spectacle fireworks, are shown at this Temple to during the celebration of Vishu Villakulsavam.

Kannapuram is the nearest rail head.

Mission Hospital

Mission Hospital alias (St. Martin de Porres Hospital) is a very famous hospital of this region. Presently this hospital is equipped with all modern ultra medical facilities and is also a super speciality hospital having 24 hours Casualty and Trauma Care Centre. The Leprosy Department of this hospital provides free of cost treatment to Leprosy patients. This hospital is attached with a Nursing College viz. "Canossian College of Nursing" run by "Canossian Daughters of Charity" Convent Cherukunnu.

Administration

Education

The average literacy rate is more than 90%. The important schools of Cherukunnu are:

The important Colleges are:

Arts

Cherukunnu plays a vital role in nourishing the arts and culture of Kannur District, and is home to various Arts & Music Institutions, which are popular in district level

Suburbs and Villages

Politics

After re-constituting; Cherukunnu is under Kalliasseri Assembly constituency which is part of Kasaragod (Lok Sabha constituency). Earlier, this place was under Azhikode Assembly constituency which is part of Kannur (Lok Sabha constituency). Presently, the following persons represents this Village on behalf of its people.

Major Attractions

Transportation

The national highway passes through Taliparamba town. Goa and Mumbai can be accessed on the northern side and Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram can be accessed on the southern side. The road to the east of Iritty connects to Mysore and Bangalore. The nearest railway stations are Pazhayangadi and Kannapuram on the northern and southern sides respectively in the Mangalore-Palakkad line. Trains are available to almost all parts of India subject to advance booking over the internet. There are airports at Mangalore and Calicut. Both of them are international airports but direct flights are available only to Middle Eastern countries.