Kattappana

Municipal administration

Previously, Kattappana was included in the Udumbanchola tehsil of Idukki district and was later included in the newly formed Idukki tehsil. In 1962, it became a grama panchayath and the first council was held under the presidentship of V.T Sebastian in 1964. It was officially declared as municipality by the state government on November 1, 2015. It became the second municipality in the district, while Thodupuzha became the first one within the low ranges. The current municipal chairperson is Jhony Kulampalliy, elected in the previous year representing the Congress or UDF (right wing). Bindu Sebastian is the Vice Chairperson.

Etymology

It is believed that the name Kattappana derived from the Malayalam word Koottappana (Kootta means a group and Pana means palm tree) which later became Kattappana.

Demographics

It is one of the more important commercial centre in the high ranges and was on a fast track in terms of development and infrastructure building. Kattappana became a grama panchayat in 1962 and the first panchayat council under the presidency of V.T. Sebastian was formed in 1964.

However, it was the development of the Kottayam–Kattappana road and the Puliyanmala–Thodupuzha State highway that turned the town into a commercial centre. It was the agriculture sector that played a pivotal role in economically uplifting the town

As of 2011 census data, the population was 42,646, with 21,159 males and 21,487 females. The population in the age group 0–6 years are 4,412. The Scheduled Castes (SC) were 2,585 and the Scheduled Tribes (ST) were recorded as 524. The number of literates are 36,418 with the average literacy rate at 95.25%.

The town had a large population of Syrian Catholic families who migrated to Kattappana in early 1950s from Central Travancore. The migrations were majorly from Palai, Chenganassery and Kanjirapally taluks of Kottayam district and Pathanamthitta. Apart from the Catholics, the Nadar, Viswakarma, Nair, and Ezhava communities also make up a good part of the population. The landmark of the town is an edifice dedicated to Narayana Guru. There are also Muslim families and the Juma Masjid caters to their religious needs.

Descendants of earlier inhabitants, the tribals of the forest, can still be seen. The Mannan tribe is now concentrated around Kovilmala, near Kanchiyar. Before large scale migration and settlement took place in Kattappana and surrounding areas in early 1950s, there were Tamil farmers. There is a sizable number of Tamil labor force forming part of the floating population of Kattappana.

Agriculture

Kattappana is the center for spices trade and the primary producer of cardamom and black pepper. The main occupation of people of Kattappana is agriculture. A specific type Njallani high yielding variety of cardamom, was developed in Kattappana. It is also the centre of production and marketing of coffee, cocoa and ginger. There are also several reputed tea plantations (Tata Tea, A V Thomas & Co, Malayalam Plantations, Kannan Devan etc.) in adjoining areas of the district.

Spices Board (erstwhile Cardamom Board under Government of India) has an office in Kattappana. A Spices Park is established at Puttadi near Kattappana. Cardamom Research Institute is situated at Pampadumpara.

Njallani high yielding variety of cardamom was developed by Sebastian Joseph Njallani of Kattappana, who migrated to Kattappana in 1952.

Tourism

Tourism thrives in the rural areas of Kattappana. The main tourist attractions are Thekkady, Kumily, Idukki Dam and Munnar. Calvari Mount (Kalyanathandu) and Anchuruli are also famous tourist spots. A scenic view of Idukki dam, which is a part of the largest hydro-electric project in the state of Kerala, is visible from Kattappana. Calvari Mount has a bird's eyes view of the reservoir from 200 m (660 ft) above the reservoir. Within 17 km we can reach Ramakkalmedu near Thookkupalam.Panoramic views of Anchuruly from Nirmalacity Hills,Neelakkurinji hills of Vazhavara , sceneries from Muneeswrapuram are some of the important tourist destinstions in Kattappana Municipality

Climate

The climate of Kattappana falls under the Köppen climate classification. The palace normally experiences a moderate climate. The humidity rises from the month of March to April and mid May. The average annual temperature here is 23°C. The months of June, July, August and October receives significant amount of rainfall. November and December are the coldest months in the year.

Infrastructure

Raising of Kattappana Panchayat into a municipality paves the way for developmentioned of the town. Kattappana is changing its face with multi-storey buildings, developed roads and rated facilities. Kattappana is presently a new aim of some MNC and hospitality sector. Like all developing towns in Kerala, Kattappana is also facing stiff traffic congestion due to absence of a well defined road network.

Landmarks

Schools

Colleges

Tourist attractions

Filming locations

Transportation

Kattappana has a well established road system to other districts as well as to nearby state Tamil Nadu. It lies on the Thodupuzha - Kumily state highway (SH-33), about 34 km from Kumily, 85 km from Thodupuzha and 25 km from Nedumkandam. Recently one new 'National highway 185' announced to Idukki district, through Adimali - Cheruthoni - Kattappana - Kumily.

Night bus services

Distances to nearby towns