Elanji

Demographics

As of 2001 census, Elanji had a population of 16995 with 8455 males and 8540 females. The majority of people living in Elanji are Syro Malabar Christians, although there is also a Hindu minority population living there too.

There are three main churches in Elanji. Chief among them is the St Peter's and St Paul's church (estd. 1300) of the Roman Catholic Syrian Christians belonging to the Diocese of Pala mutholapuram church and the other one being Xavierpuram church. The Sts Peter's and Paul's church is also a forane church.

The nearest towns are Piravom, Kuravilangad and Koothattukulam. The taluk headquarters at Muvattupuzha is 27 km away. The village lies about 42 km southeast of Kochi and there are a number of buses that ply between Pala and Ernakulam, which connects Elanji with Kochi. Elanji is almost the mid-way point on the Vaikom–Thodupuzha bus route. Elanji lies about 32 km east of Kottayam town. There is a Panchayath bus stand in the heart of the Elanji town itself, built on land which belonged to the Neduvelil family, a prominent family in Elanji. Elanji is located in Ernakulam district and the last grama panchayth towards the eastern border (towards Kottayam side) of Ernakulam district.

The Vijnan Institute of Science and Technology (VISAT), an engineering college established in the year 2011, is 2 km away from this town. The engineering college is AICTE approved and affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University. This college comes under the Vinjyan Charitable Trust.

Most inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, farming and trading, with the main cash crops being rubber, paddy, coconut, areca nut, ginger, turmeric, 'kacholam' and pepper.

The famous Malayalam novelist Sri Perumbadavam Sreedharan was born in Elanji. He is also known as Perumbadavam. Famous Malayalam director Jeethu Joseph (of Drishyam fame) is also from Elanji. There is also a famous Hindu temple in the name of Lord Shiva; the speciality of this temple is that the main door opens to the west direction. This type of Lord Shiva temples is rare in Kerala state. The name Elanji was believed to be derived from the word Elavanjiyoor d-e-s-am. During the passage of time desam has been dropped off and Elavanjiyoor became Elanji. It is very interesting to know that Elanji is the name of a tree with fragrant blooms commonly found in Elanji village area. One of the oldest and famous high schools in and around Elanji (Monippally, Neezhoor, etc.) is St. Peter's High Secondary School Elanji, which used to be known as St. Peter's High School Elanji.