Thulappally

Etymology

It is believed that in ancient times there were many small churches in the forest regions including Nilakkal and Thulappally as a result by the visit of St.Thomas in 52 AD. Places like Thulappally and Plappally in the forest were named after these churches. The head church of all these churches were known as Thalappally (Thala means head and pally means church) and which in course of time became "Thulappally".

Geography

Basically Thulappally is classified as Malanad (geographic division of Kerala) or high land with an altitude ranging from 117 m (384 ft) above mean sea level. The place is located near to the sacred forest regions (Poongavanam) of Sabarimala with comparatively less population. River Pamba flows westwards through the northern part of Thulappally.

Hindu temple

Vaikundapuram Sri Krishna Swami Temple, a Hindu shrine located on the banks of Pamba River with Lord Krishna as the principal deity is the main temple at Thulappally. The annual festival is hosted from May 10.

Church

Mar Thoma Sleeha Syro-Malabar Church, being an important landmark of the place is a pilgrimage church located here under the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Kanjirappally. The St.Thomas's feast festivities held here every July attracts a number of devotees from in and around Kerala. Sharon Fellowship Church, Thulappally is a Pentecostal Church.

Economy

Majority of people depends upon the agricultural sector. Rubber is being cultivated widely and many rubber plantations are widespread in the populated regions. The hilly terrains here are suitable for its cultivation. Moreover, pepper, banana etc., are also cultivated. Many people works in abroad as well as in urban areas. The 'Malanadu development society' under Kanjirappally diocese has a rural electrification system named "Malanadu Mycro Hydel Power Project" (MHPP) at Thulappally. This small scale power project generates electricity from water bodies and supplies to about 250 families, shops and pilgrim centers.

Climate

A tropical climate is normally experienced here. The place receives significant rainfalls during the monsoon, with a short dry season. The average annual temperature rises to 27.3 °C. The months of June, July and August receives sufficient amount of rainfall, while the temperature falls to 21.7 °C in the month of January. Humidity normally increases in the months of March and April. The presence of thick forests helps to develop local thundershowers.

Nearby schools and colleges

Nearby hospitals

Transport facilities

There are well connected state highways and rural roads which makes transportation more flexible. Neriyamangalam - Pamba state highway (SH-44), one among the important roads to Sabarimala passes through Thulappally. Both state-owned (KSRTC) and privately operated buses provides service to Thulappally from places like Kottayam, Erumely and Kanjirappally. At times of Sabarimala pilgrimage (Mandala-Makaravilakku), thousands of vehicles passes through the place. In the past, the regions including Thulappally was not so easily accessible due to the absence of quality roads. But the transportation facilities improved when the Kanamala- Elavumkal highway was inaugurated.

Airports

Cochin International Airport is at distance of 125 km (78 mi) from here and Thiruvananthapuram international airport about 147 km (91 mi). A heliport is situated in Perunad which operates at times of Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Railways

Chengannur (59 km) Thiruvalla (63 km), Kottayam (65 km) and Changanassery (61 km) are the nearby railway stations.

Nearby places