Karunagappalli

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
type =City
native_name =Karunagappally
state_name =Kerala
latd =9 |latm =6 |lats =0
longd=76 |longm=33 |longs=0
coordinates_display = inline,title
coordinates_type = type:city_region:IN
area_total =66.34
area_magnitude =
altitude =14
population_total =410514
population_as_of =2001
population_density =
leader_title_1 =
leader_name_1 =
area_telephone =914762
postal_code =69054X
vehicle_code_range =KL

Karunagappally (or Karunagappalli) is a well-developed town in Kollam district, Kerala, India and is situated 27 km north of Kollam. It has a thriving economy and boasts of well developed commercial establishments and public infrastrucutre. Karunagappally is a balanced town with lots of urban development within a pleasing rural backdrop.

The place has beautiful back-waters, which connects it to Kollam and Alappuzha. Padanayarkulangara, which forms part of the town, was once the military station of the Kayamkulam Rajas. An idol of Buddha, recovered from a local tank here, has raised speculations that Karunagappally was once a centre of Buddhist teachings.

Places of Interest

The famous Amritapuri, the main Ashram of Mata Amritanandamayi is located in Vallickavu, Karunagappally.

The Oachira Temple, dedicated to Parabrahamam attracts a large number of pilgrims, particularly during the festival called Oachirakkali in June-July. The Panthranduvilakku Mahotsavam (November-December) of this temple is also very famous.

The tourist Point of Alumkadavu in the Kollam-Alleppey National Water way is just 3 km from the centre. Sasthamkotta Lake is a freshwater lake spread over a huge area of 375 hectares situated close to Karunagappally. The highlight of this lake is that it neither gets frozen during the winter season nor does it dries up in the summers. Throughout the year, the freshwater of this lake provides clean drinking water for around 10 million people. Green Channel resort in Alumkadavu is another major tourist attraction. Sree Narayana Trophy Vallam Kali (Boat Race) in Pallickal River (Kannetty river) takes place in Karunagappally every year.

Karunagappally Taluk consists of 12 Panchayats viz,

Geography

Karunagappally taluk covers an area of 66.34 km². The taluk is bound on the north by Kayamkulam, east by Kunnathur taluk, south by Kollam and on the west by the Arabian Sea.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Karunagappally had a population of 410514. Males constitute 199494 of the population and females 211020. Karunagappally has an average literacy rate of 89.5%, higher than the national average of 60.5%; with 52% of the males and 51% of females literate. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Transport

Karunagappally has a well developed transportation network. It is well connected through roads by the National Highway 47 (India). Major mass transportation through roads is provided the state owned KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation). There are several private services including long distance buses and taxi-cabs. Most local transportation needs are satisfied by Auto rickshaws.

The two closest airports are at Trivandrum and Cochin. The Trivandrum International Airport is closest (at about 120 km north to Karunagappally). The Cochin International Airport, otherwise called Nedumbassery Airport is also a convenient destination for international tourists.

The Karunagappalli railway station situated at Edakkulangara falls on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam railway line. Kanyakumari-Bangalore Express, Parasuram Express, Venad Express, Malabar Express, Amritha Express and Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam Intercity Express are among the main train connections. Station Code: KPY.

Industries

The major employers in the public sector are Indian Rare Earths Limited (IRE), Kerala Metals and Minerals Limited (KMML) at Shankaramangalam, KeraFed Puthiyakavu, House Boat Manufacturing Alumkadavu & Kozhikode. Cashew nut industry plays a vital role. Coconut, Paddy, tapioca, Banana etc are the other main agricultural crops. Prominent small scale and cottage industries are based on bricks, well rings making, engineering and electronics items handicrafts etc.

Gallery

ee also

*Kollam
*Mata Amritanandamayi

External links

* [http://kollam.nic.in/karu.html Karunagappally Taluk]