Kattappana

Kattappana ([kaʈ:ap:ɐna]) is a municipality in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is located 21 km (13.0 mi) southeast of the district headquarters in Painavu and about 140 km (87.0 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 Pala, Changanassery and Kanjirapally in the Kottayam district in the 1950s, and was given the status of gram panchayat in 1962. The town later attained the Municipality status in 2015.

Historical Development
The area was mainly settled by setters from Pala, Kottayam and Ernakulam. Initially, it was 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

Kattappana eventually established itself as a crucial 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 oPuliyanmala-Thodupuzha State Highway.

Economic Mainstay
Cardamom agriculture serves as the cornerstone of Kattappana's economy, playing a pivotal role in uplifting the town's economic well-being.Spices Board (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.

Recognition for Sanitation
A significant achievement for Kattappana in feild of sanitation was attaining the distinction of an Open Defecation Free Municipality in Kerala.Kattappana was first civic body in State of Kerala to acheive this status. 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 Kochi on 18 October 2016.

Geography
The average elevation of Kattappana Muncipality is 950 m above sea level.

Climate
Under the Köppen climate classification, the climate of Kattappana has a tropical monsoon climate.

The place 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.

Adminstration
Kattappana is one of the two municipalities in the district, formed through the powers of Kerala Municipalities Act 1994. 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. 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, last in May 2021.

Administrative Divisions


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

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. Trade union movements are also popular in Kattappana as Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) affiliated workers engaged in the labour sector.

The current member of legislative assembly (MLA) from Idukki is Roshy Augustine. He has been of the member of legislative assembly of Kerala representing Kattappana town forming a part of Idukki constituency since 2001.

The current member of parliament (MP) from Idukki is Dean Kuriakose.He has been elected to the Parliament since 2019.

Demographics
As of 2011 Census, Kattappana had a population of 42,646, with 21,159 males and 21,487 females. Kattappana has an area of 61.32 km2 with 10,419 families residing in it. Kattappana had an average literacy of 95.25% higher than the state average of 94%.

People migrated to this place mainly during the 1950s from Central Travancore. The migrations were majorly from Palai, Chenganassery and Kanjirapally taluks of 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.

Anchuruli Tunnel
This is 3.5 meters wide,4 km long tunnel that connects the Idukki and Erattayar Reservoirs. Beyond its functional purpose, the tunnel offers a breathtaking glimpse of the Anchuruli Waterfalls.

Kalvary Mount
Kalvary Mount or Kalliyanathandu is a famous Christian pilgrimage site perched atop a hill offers that an aerial view of the Idukki Reservoir and its surrounding peaks and forests.

Once a secluded spot, it gained fame after the Idukki Dam's construction. The cozy climate and picturesque scenery have transformed it into a popular destination.

Guided trekking can be availed from here to nearby places. During Lent, the area turns into a pilgrimage centre as Christians go in a procession up the hillock.

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 from Kattappana.

Healthcare
St. John's Hospital, managed by the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, is a leading health institution in Kattappana.An institution named St. John College of Nursing is attached to the hospital.

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

Highways
In 2015 a new national highway named as National Highway 185 (India) was announced to Idukki district, through Adimali-Cheruthoni-Kattappana-Kumily.

The Malayora highway also called as Hill Highway is another major road passing through Kattappana.In 2024 this road got a significant upgrade to 13.5 metre width.

Distances to Nearby Towns

 * Nedumkandam -  - 18 km,-
 * Kumily -  - 26.8 km,
 * Kottayam -  - 100.2 km,
 * Cumbum - - 31.2 km,
 * Palai -  - 73.8 km,
 * Thodupuzha -  - 85.8 km,
 * Changanassery -  - 112 km,
 * Theni -  - 68.8 km,