Keerampara

Keerampara is an Indian village in the state of Kerala, India.

History

Ensconced at the eastern range of Ernakulam district in Kerala, Keerampara is a quaint village bordering Chelad with its breath-taking views and historical surprises about 7 km (4.3 miles) from Kothamangalam, the erstwhile seat of Chera Kings.

The Keerampara Panchayat is encompassed with many historical locations like the Cheramala, believed to be the summer palace of erstwhile Chera kings; Kalappara, the sword fighting ground of Kings; Ayyappan mudi,the serene temple at the hill top, the royal route of Alwaye-Madura passes through this place.

St.Thomas is believed to have visited this place during his journey to Madura and converted 240 "Cheladans" into Christianity.

General

The name itself signifies its contacts with the western countries from time immemorial. This part of the country has names tagged with "para". Contrary to general belief this does not signify a rock. "Para" in the Thracian language means a "village" and thereby Keeram + para makes Keerampara = The Village of Parrots. [ [http://members.tripod.com/~Groznijat/thrac/thrac_8.html Tripod] ] Similarly Oonjappara becomes the Village of Swings. This place is once blessed with the footprints of all the holy personnel who passed through the Royal route (from Madurai to Kothamangalam). Moreover, the Chera capital is in its immediate vicinity. The [Thracians] had a very good influence in India during the "BC" period" especially in the Ernakulam district due to the trade links with Musris. [ [http://saifal.tripod.com/id110.htm Saifal] ]

Fact file of Keerampara Panchayat

* Formation: 1 August 1953
* Area : 28.745 km² (11 sq. miles)
*Density of population: 522 persons/km². (200 people per sq. miles)
*Total population: 15,000.
*The first President of Keerampara Panchayat: Late Sri. Joseph G Chelad.
*Climate: Two predominant seasons are experienced there: Summer and Rainy season. The maximum temperature reaches about 25^oC (77^oF). Rainfall is about 2,500 mm (98") per year. Winter season is moderate there during December and January.
*Rivers: The main river in Keerampara Panchayat is the Karickakkuzhi River which runs for 4 km (2.5 miles) and meets at Chelad Erappungal river.

Places of touristic interests

* [http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/thettakad.htm Periyar river for boat cruise; Thattekkad]
* [http://www.wikimapia.org/349406/ Salim Ali Bird sanctuary Thattakkad, a protected area for Tropical forest birds]
* [http://www.ecoindia.com/parks/thattekkad-bird-sanctuary.html Cheramala a historical place]
* [http://www.wikimapia.org/349430/ Ayyappan mudi (mountain),a trekking destination]
* [http://www.wikimapia.org/349523/ Nadukani mudi, a trekking cum Catholic religious destination]
*Boothathankettu barrage, Old Boothathankettu etc.

How to reach Keerampara

Nedumbassery airport is just 40km (25 miles) from Keerampara and the nearest railway station is Alwaye which is 35 km (22 miles) from Keerampara. The holy Trikkariyur temple is only 6 km (3.75 miles) from Keerampara. The holy Mar Thoma Cheria pally is 6 km from this place.

References