Chittarikkal

History

Chitarikaal is a silent hamlet connecting the mountain pathways linking the Thejaswini river jetty at Perumbatta to Cherupuzha and Pulingome, thus forming an important link from the coastal town of Nileshwaram to the further reaches of the Western Ghats. The area was surrounded by forests where the primary mode of agriculture was by shift farming known as "Ponamkrishi" and pepper cultivation. The place was used as a stopover while transporting the forest produce such as pepper to the coast. The name "Chitaari" means a storehouse for agricultural products-mainly rice-and "Kal" represents a specific location. So together "Chittarikkal" means "At Chittaari". The region was a part of the Dakhina Kannada District, headquartered at Mangalore under the Madras Presidency.

Migration

The post-independence and thereafter with the creation of linguistic states the region became a part of the Kannur district of Kerala and subsequently that of Kasaragod District. Post-independence there was a gradual migration of people from the southern districts of Kerala (mainly from Kottayam district) primarily because of the availability of cheap agricultural land. In the following years the pattern of agriculture shifted towards rubber and was pioneered by the migrants from the earstwhile thiruvithamkoor region. The overall development and economy of the region has witnessed a sea change over the years and now Chitarikaal boasts of reasonably modern facilities in terms of roads, electricity, educational institutions, medical facilities etc.

Chittarikkal attained most of its development after the migration of Christian farmers from Southern Districts like Kottayam and Idukki. This migration which is popularly known as 'Malabar Kudiyetam' happened in the 1950s and 1970s.The first educational institution in Chittarikkal was St:Thomas Lower Primary School which started on 30 June 1949 and became a High School on 4 July 1960. Now Chittarikal is home for two prestigious Schools, St Mary's English Medium High School and St Thomas Higher Secondary School. 'Elavunkal Hospital' takes care of the health need of people. Chittarikkal is home for St Thomas Forane Church and Lord Shiva Temple(Shiva Kshetram). Chittarikkal is an agricultural oriented village and main products are Rubber, Coconuts etc.

Closest cities, towns and villages

1. Nileshwar [33 km]
2. Kanhangad [42 km]
3. Kasaragod [68 km]
4. Payyanur [40 km]
5. Vellarikkundu [20 km]
6. Cherupuzha [10 km]
7. Chavaragiri [10 km]
8. Thayyeni [8 km]
9. Malom [9 km]
10. Kavumthala [4 km]
11. Pulingome [8 km]
12. Palavayal [7 km]
13. Katamkavala [3.5 km]
14. Athirumave [4.5 km]

Landmarks

Transportation

The town has no air or rail link. Buses are available to nearby towns: Kanhangad, Nileshwar, and Cherupuzha. This village is connected to Karnataka state through Panathur. There is a 20 km road from Panathur to Sullia in Karnataka from where Bangalore and Mysore can be easily accessed. Locations in Kerala can be accessed by driving towards the western side. The nearest railway station is nileshwar railway station on Mangalore-Palakkad line. There are airports at Mangalore and Calicut.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Chittarikkal had a population of 14278 with 7000 males and 7278 females.