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{{short description|Municipality in Kerala, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Kattappana
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[Municipalities of Kerala|Municipality]]
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| border = infobox
| total_width = 300
| image_style =
| perrow = 1/2/2/1
| image1 = Distant view of Kattappana town.jpg
| image2 = Kattappana new private bus stand.jpg
| image3 = Housing Board Shopping Complex Kattappana.jpg
| image4 = St. George Forane Church Kattappana.jpg
| image5 = Kattappana Municipality Office.jpg
| image6 =
}}
| image_alt =
| image_caption = ''From top, left to right'': Kattappana from a nearby mountain, Kattappana new private bus stand, Housing Board Shopping Complex, St. George Forane Church and Kattappana Municipality Office
| pushpin_map = India Kerala#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kerala, India
| coordinates = {{coord|09|45|15|N|77|06|57|E|display=inline,title}}
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 13
| mapsize =
| map_caption =
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|Government of Kerala Logo.svg}} [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Idukki district|Idukki]]
| established_title =
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type = [[Municipality]]
| governing_body = Kattappana Municipality
| leader_title = Municipal Chairman
| leader_name = Joy Vettikuzhy
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 52.77
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 810
| population_total = 42,646
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kudumbashree.org/sub-district/881021/20 |title=Kattappana Municipality-Profile |website=www.kudumbashree.org |access-date=23 October 2024 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111113007/https://www.kudumbashree.org/sub-district/881021/20 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], English
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 685508, 685515
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 04868
| registration_plate = KL-06 (Idukki)
| blank4_name_sec1 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank4_info_sec1 = 1016 [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Literacy
| blank2_info_sec1 = 95.25%
| blank3_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Idukki (Lok Sabha constituency)|Idukki]]
| website = [https://www.kattappanamunicipality.in/ Kattappana Municipality]
| image_seal =
| seal_size = 150
| footnotes =
| image_blank_emblem = Kattappana Municipality Logo.png
| blank_emblem_type = Logo
| blank_emblem_size = 250px
}}
'''Kattappana''' ([[Help:IPA/Malayalam|[kaʈ:ap:ɐna]]]) is a [[Municipalities of Kerala|municipality]] in the [[Idukki district]] of [[Kerala]], [[India]]. It is located 32&nbsp;km (19.8&nbsp;mi) southeast of the Idukki district headquarters in [[Painavu]], 131&nbsp;km (81.4&nbsp;mi) east of major commercial city [[Kochi]] and 211&nbsp;km (131.1&nbsp;mi) north of the state capital, [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. Kattappana is the second-largest municipality in the district by population, and serves as a major hub for commercial and economic activity for the surrounding region.

Kattappana was formed primarily by settlers from [[Thodupuzha]], [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]], [[Kanjirapally]], [[Kothamangalam]], [[Muvattupuzha]] and [[Changanassery]] in the 1950s, and was given the status of [[gram panchayat]] in 1962. The town later attained the [[Municipality]] status in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news | last=Raman | first=Giji K.|date=2015-05-13 |title=Kattappana to become a municipality |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kattappana-to-become-a-municipality/article7204111.ece |access-date=2024-07-01 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20161221083424/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kattappana-to-become-a-municipality/article7204111.ece | archive-date=2016-12-21| url-status=dead}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Historical development ===
The area was mainly settled by people from [[Thodupuzha]], Pala, [[Kottayam]] and [[Changanassery]]. Initially, it was a part of the [[Udumbanchola]] Tehsil (Taluk) within the [[Idukki district]]. Subsequently, it became a part of the newly formed Idukki Tehsil. Notably, Kattappana emerged as the second municipality established in the district, following [[Thodupuzha]]. Mr Johny Kulampally became the first chairperson.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala Local Self Government Profiles |url=https://lsgkerala.gov.in/index.php/en/lbelection/electdmemberpersondet/2015/1265/2015126503201 |website=Lsg |access-date=8 July 2024 |archive-date=8 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708183459/https://lsgkerala.gov.in/index.php/en/lbelection/electdmemberpersondet/2015/1265/2015126503201 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Kattappana eventually established itself as a commercial hub within the high ranges. This development was fueled by its rapid growth in infrastructure and overall development. However, the turning point for Kattappana's commercial success can be attributed to the construction of two key roads: the Kottayam-Kattappana road and the Puliyanmala-Thodupuzha State Highway.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-05-13 |title=Kattappana to become a municipality |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kattappana-to-become-a-municipality/article7204111.ece |access-date=2024-07-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221083424/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kattappana-to-become-a-municipality/article7204111.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Economy ===
Cardamom agriculture is the cornerstone of Kattappana's economy, playing a pivotal role in uplifting the town's economic well-being. The [[Spices Board of India]] (erstwhile Cardamom Board under Government of India) has an office in Kattappana. A Spices Park is established at Puttaday close to the town of Kattappana.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spices Park - Puttady, Kerala {{!}} Spices Board |url=https://www.indianspices.com/locations/spices-park-puttady-kerala.html |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=www.indianspices.com |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701071838/https://www.indianspices.com/locations/spices-park-puttady-kerala.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Recognition for sanitation ===
A significant achievement for Kattappana in sanitation was attaining the distinction of an Open Defecation Free Municipality in Kerala. Kattappana was first civic body in the State of Kerala to achieve this status.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-06-25 |title=First civic body in State |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/First-civic-body-in-State/article14402543.ece |access-date=2024-07-01 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701074419/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/First-civic-body-in-State/article14402543.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> This recognition was conferred upon the then chairman, Shri Johny Kulampallil, by the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, during a ceremony held in Cochin on 18 October 2016.

{{multiple image
| border = infobox
| total_width = 400
| image_style =
| perrow = 1/2
| image1 =
| caption1 =
| image3 = M. Venkaiah Naidu presenting the Swachhata Certificate to the Chairman, Kattappana Municipality on becoming the Open Defecation Free Municipality in Kerala, in Kochi.jpg
| caption3 = M. Venkaiah Naidu presenting the Swachhata Certificate to the Chairman, Kattappana Municipality on becoming the Open Defecation Free Municipality in Kerala, in Kochi
}}

==Geography==

The average elevation of Kattappana Municipality is 950 m above sea level.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://en-in.topographic-map.com/map-v65z4/Kattappana/ | title=Kattappana topographic map, elevation, terrain }}</ref>

===Climate===
Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], Kattappana has a [[tropical monsoon climate]]. Humidity rises from March to April and mid-May. The average annual temperature is 23&nbsp;°C. The months of June, July, August and October receive significant of rainfall. November and December are the coldest months in the year.

{{Weather box/concise_C
| location=Kattappana, Kerala
| source=Climate-Data.org<ref name="Climate-Data.org">
{{cite web | title=Kattapana climate: Weather Kattapana & temperature by month | website=Climate data for cities worldwide | url=https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/kerala/kattapana-964894/ }}</ref>
| 26.1|27.4|29.1|29.3|29.2|27.2|26.1|26.5|26.8|26.2|25.5|25.5
| 16.8|17.5|19.0|20.2|20.8|20.1|19.6|19.6|19.3|19.1|18.5|17.2
| 22|30|52|116|163|307|396|246|163|252|176|75
}}

== Civic administration ==

=== Administration ===
Kattappana is one of the two municipalities in the district, formed through the powers of Kerala Municipalities Act 1994.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Municipality act 1994 |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/17250/1/kerala__municipality__act_1994.pdf |access-date=1 July 2024 |archive-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813065804/https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/17250/1/kerala__municipality__act_1994.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> It was officially declared as municipality by the state government on 1 November 2015.The members of the municipal council are elected from each of 34 wards every five years, held with the local government elections across the state.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala Government LSG |url=https://lsgkerala.gov.in/en/lbelection/electdmemberdet/2015/1265 |access-date=1 July 2024 |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701091254/https://lsgkerala.gov.in/en/lbelection/electdmemberdet/2015/1265 |url-status=live }}</ref> The elections was held in 2021.The chairperson is the executive authority of the municipality.

Kattappana town is the part of the Idukki legislative assembly constituency and the [[Idukki Lok Sabha constituency]]. The legislative assembly election is conducted every five years, most recently in May 2021.

[[File:Kattappana Municipality Office.jpg|center|thumb|682x682px|Administrative headquarters of Kattappana Municipality]]

===Administrative divisions===

[[File:കട്ടപ്പന രാഷ്ട്രീയ ഭൂപടം.jpg|300px|center]]

For administrative convenience, the municipality is divided into 34 wards.

{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
! Ward no. !! Ward name!! Ward no. !! Ward name
|-
| 1 || Vazhavara||18 || Kunthalampara North
|-
| 2 || Nirmala city ||19 || Kunthalampara South
|-
| 3 || Society ||20 || Pallikavala
|-
| 4 || Konginippadavu ||21 || Erupathekkar
|-
| 5 || Vellayamkudy ||22 || Ambalakkavala
|-
| 6 || Vettikkuzhakavala ||23 || Mettukkuzhi
|-
| 7 || Nathukallu ||24 || Vallakkadavu
|-
| 8 || Kallukunnu ||25 || Kadamakkuzhy
|-
| 9 || Pezhumkavala ||26 || Nariampara
|-
| 10 || Valiyapara ||27 || Thovarayar
|-
| 11 || Kochuthovala North ||28 || I T I Kunnu
|-
| 12 || Kochuthovala ||29 || Valiyakandam
|-
| 13 || Anakuthy ||30 || Govt. College
|-
| 14 || Parakkadavu ||31 || Suvarnagiri
|-
| 15 || Puliyanmala ||32 || Kalyanathandu
|-
| 16 || Ambalappara ||33 || Mulakaramedu
|-
| 17 || Kattappana ||34 || Kounthi
|}

== Politics ==
The major political parties active in Kattappana are [[Indian National Congress]] (INC), [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]] (CPI(M)), [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) and [[Kerala Congress]]. Active trade union are [[Indian National Trade Union Congress]] (INTUC) and [[Centre of Indian Trade Unions]] (CITU).{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}

The current member of legislative assembly (MLA) from Idukki is [[Roshy Augustine]]. He has been the member of legislative assembly of Kerala representing Kattappana town forming a part of Idukki constituency since 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Idukki Election Result: Roshy Augustine Beats Congress' Francis George in Hat-trick Win |url=https://www.india.com/kerala/idukki-election-result-live-updates-round-wise-counting-of-votes-lead-trail-key-candidates-4622719/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=www.india.com |language=en}}</ref>

The current member of parliament (MP) from Idukki is [[Dean Kuriakose]]. He was elected to the Parliament in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-04 |title=Lok Sabha Elections: Dean Kuriakose once again scripts a stunning victory in Idukki |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/lok-sabha-elections-dean-kuriakose-once-again-scripts-a-stunning-victory-in-idukki/article68251283.ece |access-date=2024-07-01 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802125147/https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/lok-sabha-elections-dean-kuriakose-once-again-scripts-a-stunning-victory-in-idukki/article68251283.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Demographics ==
As of the [[2011 Census of India|2011 Census]], Kattappana had a population of 42,646, with 21,159 males and 21,487 females. Kattappana has an area of {{cvt|52.77|km2}} with 13,180 families residing in it. Kattappana had an average literacy of 95.25%, higher than the state average of 94%.<ref>{{cite book |title=District Census Handbook, Idukki |publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala |location=Thiruvananthapuram |page=58,59 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3209_PART_B_IDUKKI.pdf |access-date=14 July 2020 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621172040/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3209_PART_B_IDUKKI.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

People migrated to Kattappana mainly during the 1950s from Central Travancore. The migrations were mainly from Palai, Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha, Changanassery and Kanjirapally taluks of the undivided Kottayam district and Pathanamthitta. Descendants of earlier inhabitants, the tribals of the forest, can still be seen. The Mannan tribe is now concentrated around Kovilmala, near [[Kanchiyar]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Mannan, caste in India | website=Joshua Project | url=https://www.joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17636/IN | access-date=24 March 2025 | archive-date=24 March 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324164454/https://www.joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17636/IN | url-status=live }}</ref>

== Tourist attractions ==

=== Anchuruli Tunnel ===
{{Main|Anchuruli Tunnel}}

This is a 3.5 meters wide, 4&nbsp;km long tunnel that connects the Idukki and Erattayar Reservoirs. Beyond its functional purpose, the tunnel offers a glimpse of the [[Anchuruli]] Waterfalls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anchuruli Tunnel {{!}} Tourist Places in Idukki {{!}} Adventure Spots in Kerala |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/2022/anchuruli-tunnel-idukki/1241 |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Kerala Tourism |language=en |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701080853/https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/2022/anchuruli-tunnel-idukki/1241 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Tunnel at Anchuruli.jpg|thumb|Anchurali Tunnel]]

=== Kalvary Mount ===
[[Kalvary Mount]] or Kalliyanathandu is a Christian pilgrimage site atop a hill with a view of the Idukki Reservoir and its surrounding peaks and forests.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Kalvarimount Ecotourism {{!}} Kerala Eco Tourism- Official Ecommerce Website of Department of Forest, Government of Kerala |url=https://keralaforestecotourism.com/calvarimountecotourism |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=keralaforestecotourism.com |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701083035/https://keralaforestecotourism.com/calvarimountecotourism |url-status=dead }}</ref> Once a secluded spot, it gained fame after the [[Idukki Dam]]'s construction.

During Lent, the area becomes a pilgrimage centre as Christians go in a procession up the hillock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kalvary Mount or Kalliyanathandu - famous Christian Pilgrim Centre in Idukki |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/kalvary-mount-christian-pilgrim-centre/206 |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Kerala Tourism |language=en |archive-date=27 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227040813/https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/kalvary-mount-christian-pilgrim-centre/206 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Agriculture==

{{multiple image
| border =
| direction =
| total_width = 240
| image_style =
| perrow = 1/1
| image1 = Black Pepper - Raw.jpeg
| caption1 = Raw black pepper
| image2 = Cardomom plant.JPG
| caption2 = Cardamom plant
}}

The main occupation of people in Kattappana is agriculture. [[Cardamom]] is produced.<ref>[https://cardamomindia.blogspot.com/ Cardamom Cultivation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120094512/https://cardamomindia.blogspot.com/ |date=20 November 2023 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=March 2025}} [[Njallani]], a high yielding variety of cardamom, was developed by Sebastian Joseph Njallani from Kattappana.<ref>{{cite web | title=Tale of an ingenious farmer | website=Rediff |date=May 30, 2007 | url=https://www.rediff.com/money/2007/may/30farm.htm }}</ref>

[[Coffee]], [[Cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[black pepper]] and [[ginger]] are produced, and there are [[Tea|tea plantations]] (Tata Tea, A V Thomas & Co, Malayalam Plantations, Kannan Devan etc.) in adjoining areas of the district.

The [[Spices Board of India|Spices Board]] (erstwhile Cardamom Board under Government of India) has an office in Kattappana. A Spices Park was established at Puttadi near Kattappana. The Cardamom Research Institute is situated at Pampadumpara.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara |website=Kerala Agricultural University |url=https://kau.in/institution/cardamom-research-station-pampadumpara |access-date=2024-07-01 |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701111541/https://kau.in/institution/cardamom-research-station-pampadumpara |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Healthcare==
St. John's Hospital, managed by the [[Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God|Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God]], is in Kattappana. The St. John College of Nursing is attached to the hospital.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stjohns.co.in/|title=St. John's Hospital website|access-date=17 August 2016|archive-date=12 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812091142/http://stjohns.co.in/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Transportation==
[[File:Kattappana new private bus stand.jpg|thumb|Kattappana bus stand]]

Kattappana has a well established road system to other districts as well as to the nearby state Tamil Nadu.

=== Highways ===
In 2015 a new national highway named [[National Highway 185 (India)]] was announced to Idukki district, through [[Adimali]]-[[Cheruthoni]]-Kattappana-[[Kumily]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-07-21 |title=Idukki to get two national highways |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/idukki-to-get-two-national-highways/article7450168.ece |access-date=2024-07-01 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701053532/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/idukki-to-get-two-national-highways/article7450168.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Malayora highway, also called [[Hill Highway]], is another major road passing through Kattappana.In 2024 this road was upgraded to 13.5 metre width.<ref>{{Cite web |title=88 കോടി ചെലവ്, 13.5 മീറ്റർ വീതി; മലയോര ഹൈവേ ഒന്നാം റീച്ച് അവസാനഘട്ടത്തിൽ |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/idukki/2023/03/10/idukki-hill-highway-developments.html |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=www.manoramaonline.com |language=ml}}</ref>

===Distances to nearby towns===

*[[Nedumkandam]] - {{rint|bus}} - 18&nbsp;km
*[[Kumily]] - {{rint|bus}} - 26.8&nbsp;km
*[[Thodupuzha]] - {{rint|bus}} - 78.6&nbsp;km
*[[Kottayam]] - {{rint|bus}} - 100.2&nbsp;km
*[[Cumbum, Tamil Nadu|Cumbum]] - {{rint|bus}} - 31.2&nbsp;km
*[[Pala, Kerala|Palai]] - {{rint|bus}} - 75.2&nbsp;km
*[[Changanassery]] - {{rint|bus}} - 114&nbsp;km
*[[Theni]] - {{rint|bus}} - 68.8&nbsp;km
*[[Thopramkudy]] - {{rint|bus}} - 21.&nbsp;km
*[[Murickassery]] - {{rint|bus}} - 29.&nbsp;km
*[[Adimaly]] - {{rint|bus}} - 47.&nbsp;km

===Major roads connecting Kattappana===

*{{jct|state=Kerala|NH|185|country=IND}}
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|43|country=IND}}
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|33|country=IND}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Kattappana}}
* [http://idukki.nic.in/map.htm Tourist map of Idukki District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217044751/http://idukki.nic.in/map.htm |date=17 February 2015 }}
* [http://idukki.nic.in Idukki District administration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307071501/http://idukki.nic.in/ |date=7 March 2018 }}

{{Northern Travancore}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Idukki district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Idukki district]]

Kattappana - Revision history

CleanupBot at 07:04, 22 March 2026