Aluva

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Aluva | type = city | latd = 10.1167| longd = 76.3500
state_name = Kerala
district = Ernakulam
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 8
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 24,108| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone = 91.484
postal_code = 6831xx
vehicle_code_range = KL 41
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Aluva (Alwaye ആലുവ) is a town and a municipality in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is one of the most industrialised towns in Kerala, though most of the factories are actually situated in the newly minted town Kalamassery. It is famous for the Aluva Sivarathri festival at "Manal Puram" (land with sand) on the banks of Periyar River. Aluva serves as a transit point to the following four towns in Ernakulam district - Angamaly to the North , Kalamassery to the south , North Paravur to the west and Perumbavoor to the east

Overview

Aluva is as much a quaint and interesting town as it is a strategic one. Communal amity and economic well being are the characteristic hallmarks of this town. It is located 10 km from the Cochin International Airport. Aluva also is the home for the "Advaitha Ashramam". It is also the headquarters of the Federal Bank, a large Private Bank in India. Aluva is also is famous for the Kings palace (Travancore),which was a favourite of many movie directors of the state, till recently,when the archeological department imposed certain restrictions for the use in films. Aluva has some of the famous Hindu temples such as Siva Temple, Narasimha Swamy Temple (Kadungaloor temple) Krishna temple, Perumpalli devi temple, Cheerakada temple etc. and also famous Christian churches and seminaries such as Thrikkunnathu Seminary and Mangalapuzha. Aluva mosque also is very famous. Above all Aluva is famous for its smooth flowing Periyar River which is the second largest river in Kerala. Periyar river is also known as Aluva puzha (river of aluva).

Aluva is well connected to all major cities in the country by air (Nedumbassery, 10 km far), rail, road and sea (nearest port Cochin 22 km away). Most trains have stops at Alwaye railway station. National Waterways pass through Alwaye.

The Uliyannur temple desingned by Perumthachan is very special in its circular constructional art. The Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadevar Temple situated at Sreemoolanagaram in Aluva is one of the holiest pilgrim centres of Kerala. It is the only temple where lord Siva and devi Sri Parvathy co exist in a single Srikovil back and back. The devi's darshan will be available only on the period between December and January. Lakhs of devotees are coming during the Nadathurappu mahothsavam in the month of Dhanu.

Education

Aluva is also famous for one of the oldest residential schools called as "Christava Mahilalayam" or "Mahilalayam" (as the locals call it) is perched on top of a hill which overlooks paddy fields and orchards, in the Chowara Ferry and Kuttamassery villages. Other noteworthy schools are St. Mary's High School, SNDP, Government Boys and Girls schools, Islamic Higher Secondary School , Vidyadhiraja Vidhyabhavan, Nirmala High school , St. John the Baptist, St Francis and The Alwaye Settlement.

Union Christian College of Alwaye, is a prominent institution in the field of education. St Xavier's college, Al Ameen Engineering College, MES college, are some other premier institutions in Aluva.

Geography

Aluva is located at coord|10.1167|N|76.3500|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/13/Alwaye.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Alwaye] ] It has an average elevation of 8 metres (29 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Aluva had a population of 24,108. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Aluva has an average literacy rate of 87%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 49% of the males and 51% of females literate. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Transport

* By air: Closest airport is 10 km north, Cochin International Airport (COK) at Nedumbassery.
* By rail: Alwaye (AWY) railway station.
* By road: NH 47 passes through Aluva and the NH 17 is 15 km away. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) provides bus services from their Aluva (ALV) depot. Private buses connect Aluva with Kochi. The Aluva Munnar road starts from here.

References

External links