Kollam

Kollam district, earlier known as Quilon district, is one among the 14 districts of Kerala state,India. The district is representative of all the natural attributes of Kerala and is endowed with a long coastal region, a major sea port on the Arabian Sea inland in Astamudi lake and was called Tarsish.

Plains, mountains, lakes, lagoons and Kerala Backwaters, forests, farm land and rivers. The area had mercantile relationship with Phoenicians and the Romans

About thirty percent^{[dubious – discuss]} of this district is covered by the Ashtamudi Lake, thereby making it a gateway to the Kerala Backwaters.Thevalakara and Thekkumbagam panchyaths together had made the very ancient korekini(sea pointed inland) kollam port of Tarsish even in 1500 BC.

Administration

Kollam district has five administrative sub-divisions (taluks): Pathanapuram, Kunnathur,Kottarakkara, Karunagappally and Kollam.

The District Collector is a key functionary of the government, exercising large powers and responsibilities. He or she has a dual role to play, as the agent of the government and as the chief administrator of the District, always reporting to the state government. Among the tasks of the District Collector is it to maintain law and order. The District Collector is also the head of the Land Revenue Department of the district. TheTahsildar is the main revenue official in charge of each taluk.

The district has a single revenue division with its headquarters at Quilon.

Taluks

§ Kollam Taluk (taluk headquarters: Kollam)

Adichanallore, Chirakkara, Eravipuram, Kalluvathukkal, Kilikolloor, Kizhakkke Kallada (East Kallada), Kollam East, Kollam West, Kottamkara,Kottappuram, Mangad, Munroethuruth, Mayyanad, Meenadu, Mulavana, Mundakkal, Nedumpana, Pallimon, Panayam, Parippally, Perinadu,Poothakulam, Paravur, Sakthikulangara, Thazhuthala, Thrikkadavoor, Thrikkaruva, Thrikkovilvattom, Kundara and Vadekkevila.

§ Pathanapuram Taluk (taluk headquarter: Punalur)

Alayamon, Anchal, Arackal, Arayankavu, Ayranallore, Channapetta, Edamon, Edamulakkal, Eroor, Karavaloor, Kulathupuzha, Maloor,Pathanapuram, Pattazhi, Pidavoor, Piravanthoor, Punalur, Punnala, Thalavoor, Thenmala, Thinkalkarikkom, Vadakode and Vilakkudi.

§ Kottarakkara Taluk (taluk headquarter: Kottarakkara)

Chadayamangalam, Chakkuvarakkal, Chithara, Elamadu, Ezhukone, Ittiva, Kadakkal, Kalayapuram, Kareepra, Kottarakkara, Kottukkal,Kulakkada, Kummil, Mangodu, Melila, Mylam, Neduvathoor, Nilamel, Odanavattom, Pavithraswaram, Pooyapally, [Puthoor,] Ummannore,Valakom, Velinallore, Vettikavala and Veliyam.

§ Karunagappally Taluk (taluk headquarter:Karunagappally)

Adhinadu, Alappad, Ayanivelikulangara, Chavara, Clappana, Kallelibhagam, Karunagappally, Kulasekharapuram, Neendakara, Ochira, Paavumba, Panmana, Thazhava, Thekkumbhagam, Thevalakkara, Thodiyoor and Vadakkumthala.

§ Kunnathur Taluk (taluk headquarter: Sasthamkotta)

Kunnathur, Mynagappally, Padinjara(West), Kallada, Poruvazhi, Sasthamkotta, Sooranad North and Sooranad South.

Places of worship

world famous spiritual Guru Mata Amrithanda mayi has her spiritual abode set on the beautiful shores of the Arabian sea in the karunagapally taluk of kollam district

Oachira, located in the north end of Kollam on National Highway 47, is famous for the Oachira Parabrahma Temple. Oachirakali is a special annual event at the padanilam (paddy fields) in the month of Vrichikam. Oachira Town Masjid (mosque) and the Oachira temple are situated close to one another and are a proud symbol of communal harmony.

The Anchal Agasthyakode Mahadevar Temple is another major Mahadevar temple in the Kollam district. It is situated in Anchal Panchayath. Every year during Sivarathri, people from every caste and religious background come for the religious festivities, such as Jikku Krishnalayam.

The Thrikkadavoor Mahadevar Temple is the most famous Siva Temple in Kollam District. It is situated in the Thrikkadavoor Panchayath and on the banks of the Ashtamudi lake. The annual Srattu festival attracts thousands of people, including foreigners. The festival falls in the month of Kumbham (February). The eight artificial horses, which represent the eight areas (karas) around the temple, is a special attraction for tourists.

The Veerabhadra Swamy Temple at Ashtamudi in Kollam is the only temple in the southern part of the country with Veerabhadra as the presiding deity. This belongs to Kuttiyazhikam, Karuva, a two hundred & fifty-year-old Ezhava Family.

The Mahaganapathi Temple at Kottarakara, famous for its Unniappom, is one of the most venerated Ganesh temples in Kerala.

Umayanalloor Sri Balasubramania Swamy Temple is situated on the NH-47, about 8 km from Kollam town, on the Kollam-Trivandrum road. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees. Its 'Aana Vaal Pidutham' Mahotsavam during the Malayalam calendar 'Meenam'[mid-March], attracts hundreds of devotees from all over the state. 'Thaipuyyam' is also celebrated in a big way. The lore is that the temple was built by the powerful lady ruler 'Umayammarani' of Venad Kingdom about 500 years ago. Aryankavu in the Western Ghats is the easternmost point in the district on the National Highway. One of the five ancient Ayyappa temples is situated here; two others are at Achankovil and Kulathupuzha in the district.

Chathanoor is 17 km south from Kollam town and has a lot of attractive places to tourists. Sree Bhootha Natha Temple, Chennamath Temple and Vilappuram Bhagavathy Temple at Chathannoor are famous temples. Polachira is a beautiful place near Vilappuram Temple and Anathavalam (elephants shelter) at Chirakkara are also there.

Thalavoor Sri Durga Devi Temple, Peroor Karunalloor Bhagavathy Temple,Pattazhy Devi Temple, Kundara Elampalloor Devi Temple and ParavurPuttingal Devi Temple are among the important Hindu temples in Kollam District.

Another important temple is the Kottamkulangara temple near Chavara, where there is a tradition of males participating in 'Vilakkeduppu' wearing women's dresses.

Parayakadavu, a coastal village near Karunagapally, is the birthplace of Mata Amritanandamayi and is the headquarters of her Math.

Thirumullavarom Temple is the most famous temple in Kollam situated near the Arabian Sea where thousands used to come annually for performing Vavu Bali.

Kundara St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral[1] is located about 200 meters from Arumurikkada junction (NH - 208) on Arumurikkada - Kuzhimathikadu - Nallila Road. The church in Malankara is an integral part of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church with the Patriarch of Antioch [2][His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas] as its supreme head. The local head of the church in Malankara is the Catholicose of India [3] [His Beatitude Baselios Thomas I], ordained by and accountable to the Patriarch of Antioch. The Feast of Virgin Mary's birth is celebrated from September 1 to 8 every year.On September 7 evening a Rasa (Procession) is conducted from Church to Cheerankavu Junction (East) and Mukkada Junction (West) , and back to Church. http://www.syrianchurch.org/ch/KundaraChurch.htm

Apostle Thomas founded one of his "seven and a half churches" in Kollam.They were family or community churches as neither Holy Bible was codified nor cross was acknowledged as the symbol of Christian faith in the first century AD. The church founded by the Apostle at the ancient kollam port of Tarsish(thevalakara) was re-constructed three times .The second re organising of the Tarsish Christian nambuthiri community which was still inside vedic vaishnavism was in the 4th century when a Persian cross brought from a Red sea port was erected in accordance with the Nicaea sunnahodose the first ecumenical council of the Christian church, meeting in ancient Nicaea (now İznik, Tur.). It was called by the emperor Constantine I, an unbaptized catechumen, or neophyte, who presided over the opening session and took part in the discussions declaration making the cross the symbol of Christian faith the World over for the first time. In 825 AD Mar S(abo)r ministered here re constructing the Tarsi sh-a -palli at Thevalakara for the third time as the first church founded by him with Syrian litergy after receiving the Tarsish-a-palli plates from kulshekara kings which in reality laid the foundation of Christianity as a religion in Kerala outside vedic vaishnavism .

Tourism

Palaruvi (waterfalls), Thenmala (forests and reservoir), the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Ashtamudi (backwaters) and Kollam beaches(Kollam city beach ,Thirumullavaram beach ,Thangassery beach) are all beautiful spots in this area. The first community tourism program in the state will begin on the Munroethuruth islands in Kollam district.

Kollam was the seat of the Desinganad kings. Kottarakara is famous as the place where the classical dance form of Kathakali was conceived. It was also the capital of the Elayidath Swaroopam. Kundara is famous for the 1812 proclamation against the British by Velu Thampi Dalawa.

Alappad village is located on the seashore of Kollam District, which was affected by the Tsunami in 2005.

Suspension bridge (hanging bridge) at Thenmala

The famous Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasham, is 26 km south of Kollam.

The famous Duriyodana temple is in Kunnathur Taluk.

The Sakthikulangara Dharma Sastha Temple-Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple is famous for the Utsavam, in the month of Makaram [Malayalam Calender], which is between mid-January and mid-February.

Polachira in Chirakkara Gramapanchayat is a beautiful place for site seeing. The famous "Anathavalam" is near here, where one can see domestic elephants, touch it and even travel on it. Don't forget to see "Mannathippara" at Polachira. It is 4 kms towards south from Chathannoor town.

Education

Kollam has several privately-owned and state-owned educational institutions. ST.Joseph's convent school at tuet,kollam is the school without Government Aid & having maximum students in the world(over 12,000 students).The state-run school is the Govt. Model Higher Secondary School For Boys which is the oldest school in the city. Schools like Mount Carmel Convent Anglo-Indian Girls High School, Sree Narayana Public School, Infant Jesus Anglo Indian School[4] and Trinity Lyceum School[5] are affiliated with theIndian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE),Accel IT academy, the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Kerala State Education Board. '''' Divine Public School, Puthoor(CBSE Senior Secondary School, affiliated to the CBSE, Delhi, offers admission from 'Play Class to Plus Two.) Web:www.divinepublicschool.'com'''''''''After students have completed their 10+2 years of schooling, they can enroll in higher education institutions for professional degree/diploma courses. The professional colleges of the district include Fatima Mata National College(FMNC), SN College, SN Women's College, TKM College of Engineering (Karikode), TKM Institute of Technology (Karuvelil), Younus College of Engineering and Technology (Pallimukku), Amritha Institute of Technology, Travancore Engineering College (Oyoor), Prasanth Computers, Kadappakada and The V Institute of Wireless and Telegraphy. Arafa Medical Mission Hospital and School of Nursing in Kadakkal contribute prominently into the field of nursing education.www.kollamcity.com

]Industries

Two central government undertakings, the Indian Rare Earths Chavara and Parvathi Mills Ltd., are among the industries in Kollam. Kerala Ceramics Ltd.[6], Kundara, Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company, Kundara, Kerala Premo Pipe factory, Chavara, Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited, Chavara, United Electrical Industries-Kollam and the Kerala Agro-Fruit Products Punalur are state government-owned companies. Other major industries in the private sector are Thomas Stephen & Co., Kollam, Floorco Paravur, Cooperative Spinning Mill, Chathannur and Punalur Paper Mills, Punalur. 1963 SSI units have been registered in the district.

The Travancore Plywood Industries at Punalur and Aluminium Industries Ltd. at Kundara have been notified as being sick units and have consequently been closed down.

The traditional cashew industry is centralised in this District. Kollam is approved by the central government as a "centre of cashew industry". Most of the workers in this industry are women and among them a majority comes from the weaker sections of the society. There are several cashew processing units working in the district. The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Ltd,, a government of Kerala undertaking, has its headquarters in Kollam. It serves as a model agency for the cashew processing industry. The corporation has 30 cashew factories and employs more than 20,000 workers. Another government organisation in this field is CAPEX, which is in the cooperative sector and has 10 cashew factories. Interested persons can visit the website of the Corporation ([7])to understand more details of the Cashew Industry.

Coir production, handloom industry, clay and wood-based industries KDTTA

Kollam is connected by inland waterways to Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha. These waterways are main attractions and scenic tourist destinations in the area. Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) had an operating centre near the KSRTC bus stand. Now, KSWTD is not operating boat service from Kollam to Alappuzha anymore.However circular chain boat service from kollam to astamudi via thopilkadavu,kureepuzha,kavanadu &sampranikodi is to begin this year. Tourists may privately hire motorised country boats with all amenities in Kettavulam in Malayalam.

Kazargod

Kasaragod(Malayalam: ) is one of the districts of the Indian state of Kerala. Kasaragod District was organised as a separate district on 24 May 1985.^[1] It is the northernmost district of Kerala.

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Overview

To its south lies Kannur District and to the north the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnatakastate. All along its east it is walled by the Western Ghats while along the west the Arabian Seaborders it. The district, covering an area of around 1992 km², has a population (2001 census) of 1,203,342 and has two taluks, namely, Kasaragod and Hosdurg both being municipalities as well; seventy-five villages; thirty-nine panchayats. The district is further sub-divided into four administrative segments called development blocks, namely, Manjeshwar, Kasaragod, Kanhangad, and Nileshwar. Like other districts of Kerala, Kasaragod district too has a high literacy rate, around 85.17%. People from southern Kerala generally find it difficult to understand the Malayalam spoken here. Kasaragod district has Arabian sea to the west and Western ghats to the east.

In ancient times, Kasaragod was known by Arabs by the name Harkwillia.^[2] Many Arab travellers who visited Kerala between 9th and 14th century visited Kasaragod, which was an important trade centre then. Duarte Borbosa, the Portuguese traveler who visited Kumbla, nearKasaragod in 1514, recorded rice being exported for coir to Maldives.^[2] Dr. Francis Buccanan, who was the family doctor of Arthur Wellesley, visited Kasaragod in 1800.^[2] In his travelogue, he recorded information on places like Athiraparambu, Kavvai, Nileshwaram, Bekal, Chandragiriand Manjeshwaram.^[2]

Recorded History

Chandragiri bridge which connects Kasaragod town to Chemnad Panchayath.

The Northernmost parts of Kasaragod District were once within the territory of the Tuluvakingdom, while the Central and Southern parts were ruled by theMushika_Kingdom/Kolathiri/Chirakkal_Raja Royal Family of North Kerala. Then, there were 64Malayalam and 64 Tulu villages in this part.^[2] When the Vijayanagara empire attacked Kasaragod, it was still under the Kolathiri Raja who had Nileshwaram as one of his capitals. During the decline of the Vijayanagara empire, the administration of this area vested with Ikkery Naiks.^[2] At the onset of collapse of the Vijayanagara empire, Vengappa Naik declared independence to Ikkery. Kumbla, Chandragiri and Bekal are considered to be the chain of forts constructed or renovated by Shivappa Naik.^[2] In 1763, Hyder Ali conquered Bedanoor (Bidnur), the capital of the Ikkery Naiks. His son Tippu Sultan conquered much of Malabar. As per theSreerangapattanam Treaty of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar, except Tulunadu (Canara) to the British. The British got Tulunadu only after the death of Tippu Sultan.^[2]

Geography

The district is the northern most district of state of Kerala. Kasaragod is located at 12.5°N 75.0°E.^[3] It has an average elevation of 19 metres (62 feet).

The landscape is dominated by the characteristic coconut palms accompanying rolling hills and streams flowing into the sea. The landscape is dotted with tiled-roof buildings, topped with the famous Kasaragod tiles made with the local hard red clay and typically walled with laterite blocks. Older houses are commonly found with elaborate wood-work.

Kasaragod district consists of two taluks viz., Kasaragod and Hosdurg (Kanhangad).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,^[4] Kasaragod had a population of 12,03342. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Kasaragod has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 76%. In Kasaragod, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Languages

The Kasaragod District is uniquely known for its Multi-Linguistic Culture and it is the best example for the "Linguistic Harmony". Kasargod is one of the rare districts in India which houses as many as 7 different languages (excluding dialects and tribal languages), with each spoken by a substantial number of people.

Its principal and recognized administrative language is Malayalam. Tulu, Beary bashe and Konkani are also widely used. Besides theseKannada, Marathi, Urdu and Hindi are also spoken here.

The Malayalam spoken here has influences from Beary bashe and also from the languages of Urdu, Kannada, Konkani and Tulu. Like wise TheKannada and Tulu spoken here are also influenced by Malayalam.

Tourist attractions

Also visit Kasaragod

Kasaragod is the one of the most beautiful districts in Kerala state with 11 rivers (out of a total of 44 rivers in Kerala), forts, beaches, hills and backwaters.

§ Bekal Fort is the biggest fort in Kerala which is 14 km from Kanhangad and 11 km from Kasaragodtown. The nearest railway station is Pallikere railway station, now Bekal Fort railway station and the nearest airport is Mangalore airport.

§ Ranipuram - A number of grassy hills near by the Panathady town and linked to Kanhangad by Kanhangad-Panathur state highway.

§ Kottencheri hills - They are near Talakaveri, the starting point of the Kaveri river. It is 35 km from Kanhangad town.

Other tourist attractions are the Chandragiri Fort, Ananthapuram temple, Anandashramam, Nithyanandashramam, Malik Deenar Masjid, Valiyaparamba backwater and Kareem forest park - the only man made forest in the Kerala. The forest park is located at Parappa near Nileshwar. Kerala government has planned to set up a IT park in Kasaragod. Park will be constructed in 100 acres (0.40 km²) revenue land in Cheemeni which is estimated to bring 50,000 IT jobs.

Pilgrim centres

§ Ananthapuram temple a famous lake temple in Kerala.

§ Madhur temple, Malik Deenar Masjid, Mallam temple etc. are other famous pilgrim centres

Flora and Fauna

Another look at the Bekal Fort

Kasaragod district surrounded by three forest districts, North by Dakshin kannada (one NP and 2 wildlife sanctuaries), kodagu in east (one NP and two wildlife sancturaies) south by Kannur (one wildlfe sanctuary and one elephant corridor). Still today, forest officials of this district never sent any proposal to state forest department or central government for setting up sanctuary here, although shola, evergreen and mangrove forests are seen here.

Kasaragod district is very rich in vegetation. Natural vegetation, except in some coastal regions, consists of different types of forests. But, in spite of generally favourable climatic conditions, vegetation is not uniform. In restricted regions, with their own micro climate or special edaphic features, plant formations assume different characters. Thus, plant communities, ranging from psammophytes and mangroves to evergreen forests are seen in this district.

Ranipuram shola NP/ wildlife sanctuary (50 km², proposed)

Although local people of this area reported presence of wild elephants and shola forests, concerened forest officials of this district never tried for setting up of a NP or wildlife sanctuary. The proposed Ranipuram Wildlife sanctuary / National park of Kanhangad forest range consists of various flora and fauna which are endemic to the Western Ghats and a yet to studied biodiversity hotspot. It merges with the Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary. Ranipuram hill station which falls in Panathady reserve forest is an ideal area to notify as a wild life sanctuary/National park. sholaforest seen only here in this district. Elephants, leopards, deer, wild dogs, wild boars, macaques, jungle cats, Leopard cats slender loris, porcupines, malabar giant squirrels, malabar civet cat, many species of birds, rare butterflies and medicinal plants are found in these forest.

Most of these highly endangered animals are killed by people due to lack of conversational awareness or to protect their crops. Ranipuram wild life sanctuary will be in contiguous to Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. If it is declared as a wild life sanctuary, it will enhance the tourism industry of this district along with Ranipuram hill station/Biodiversity park. Declaring it as a wildlife sanctuary is the only way to protect this Westernghat biodiversity hotspot and permanent solution for Encroachment, Poaching, hunting in night, mining, Illegal tree felling which are main threats for this park. The proposed Munnamkadavu Dam may very useful to create a fresh water and wetland ecosystem and sanctuary for wild crocodile, otter, endangered fish and water birds. Afforestation around the catchment area of dam reservoir will help to create another new wildlife sanctuary here in future and recreate lost wild elephant corridor.

Malom wildlife sanctaury (5 km²)

Malom reserve forest of Kanhangad range consists of Tropical rainforest and many wild animals like as rhesus monkey, wild pig, flying squirrels, slender loris, porcupine, and birds like peacock, Malabar hornbill and grey horn bill are seen. Snakes like cobras, python and king cobras reported. It is 28 km away east of Kanhangad in Balal-Kallar panchayath.

Adoor wildlife sanctuary (2 km²)

Adoor reserve forest which spreads about 2 km² in Kasaragod district is the home for endangered animals like jungle cat, slender loris, wild pig, porcupine, turtles, peacock, Malabar horn bill, butterflies, medicinal plants and wet evergreen forest. Illicit tree felling, hunting, encroachment are main threats for this sanctuary. It is about 35 km east of Kasaragod town in Adoor-Kuttikol panchayath.

Parappa wildlife sanctuary (2 km²) Parappa reserve forest of Kanhangad range are home for jungle cats, slender loris, wild pig, porcupine, turtles, peacock, Malabar horn bill, butterflies, medicinal plants and wet evergreen forest. Illicit tree felling, hunting, encroachment are main threats for this sanctuary. It is about 22 km East of Chervathur town

Kammadam sacred grove wildlife sanctuary (50 acres) Kammadam kavu, related with Bhagavathi temple, is the biggest sacred grove of Kerala and rich in wildlife, evergreen forest, orchids, medicinal plants and shrubs. Wild animals like Jungle cat, monitor lizard, civets, fox, bats, snakes, various species of birds and butterflies seen. It is 25 km east of Kanhangad town.

Kareem's Forest park (32 acres)

India's first private sanctuary which spreads across 32 acres (130,000 m²) and rich in diverse species of trees, medicinal plants, birds, insets, reptiles, amphibians, small wild animals, microorganisms and so on. People from different walks of life environmentalists, scientists, University and Ayurveda students, and laymen, all over the country visit his forest park for practical experience and study purpose. He is also multiplying and distributing the seeds and saplings of forest trees and medicinal plants and help our mother earth and help the nation to convert waste lands in to thick forests by replicating his efforts without involving additional coasts.

The park is situated at Puliyamkulam, near Parappa. It is 23 km away east of kanhangad town. Frequent bus service available.

Thalangara Children's Park

Located 4 km from Kasargod Town, Thalangara West, is located right next to the Fishing Harbour. Many water birds, spotted snakes, foxes also reported.

National Movement

Kasaragod played a prominent role in the National Movement for the freedom of the country. Mohammed Sherul Sahib and Kandige Krishna Bhat were the frontline leaders of the independence movement. Umesh Rao, K. M. Krishnan Nambiar, Shreesankarji, Naranthatta Raman Nair, A. C. Kannan Nair, T. Gopalan Nair and Meloth Narayanan Nambiar were prominent freedom fighters.

The agrarian struggle to end the exploitation and oppression by landlords and chieftains were part of the National Movement. The Kadakom Sathyagraha was started following the arrest of Gandhiji in 1932. The Palayi Harvest Agitation (1941), Cheemeni Estate Struggle (1942), Kayyur Agrarian Riot (1944), Eleri Estate Agitation (1946), Karinthalam Paddy Seizure Revolt (1948) and many other struggles waged by the peasant organisations accelerated the tempo of the freedom movement. Besides the agitation of the peasants, the various struggles unleashed for the uplift of the scheduled castes and tribes also supported and enlivened the National Movement.