A small but beautiful coastal town 40 kms south of Kochi and only 20 Kms from Alappuzha and also 30 Kms from Kottayam. Western boundary is the sea coast with magnificent beaches at Arthinkal and Thaickal just 4 Kms drive from downtown Cherthala.While the eastern border embraces the serene backwaters of Lake Vembanad (Vembanad Kayal) just 5 kms east of the town. Cherthala is a peice of land which is fully emerged from sea. It has the best white sand in Asia, which is similar to that found in Hawaii. Though there are several myths about the name, history and logic says Karappuram -the former name- was donated by Cochin state to Travancore for an agreement to protect the former from the threat of Tippu Sultan. So, Chertha Thala -joined, edge of land- became Cherthala. Cherthala is well connected by road (right on NH 47)by rail (a major hub on the Alleppey-Ernakulam coastal line) with direct connection to major cities in India and also by waterways to adjacent towns Vaikom, Kumarakom the bird sanctuary and the ultimate backwater tourism destination of India- and to Kottayam. A two Km long levee (called bund) and road built at Thanneermukkom across lake Vembanad to restrict saline water to the paddy fields of Kuttanad is a landmark and a proven example of peoples participation in local development. One can enjoy the backwaters riding an eco friendly house boat (an improvised Kettuvallam)or the sugar sand beaches with a comfortable accommodation in thatched hutments with the local delicacies 'karimeen (a refined lake fish) with Toddy-the country liquor tapped from coconut trees.
The people are friendly, religious and politically conscious. The Muttom Church about 1000 years old, The Arthinkal pilgrims sanctuary built by the Portuguese,The Devi Temple at Cherthala town, The Vayalar martyr's memorial, various hi-tech designer Coir mats manufacturing units are all land marks of this small county. 112 men from this village took part in the World War II -demonstrates the patriotic spirit and heritage.
St. Thomas, one among the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ reached Cherthala just 19 years after the crucifixion and established a church in Kokkothamangalam here. Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, the founder Acharya of Santhigiri, hails from Cherthala. Itti Achyuthan Vaidyar of Thaickal here has originally prepared the legendary botanical bible 'Hortus Malabaricus' (published in 1678) for Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede, the Dutch governor of the former princely state of Cochin between 1670 and 1677
Another mysterious, historical evidence from Cherthala is the recent discovery of ancient ship ruins excavated in Thaickal; the ship-building technology is far superior from that of Europeans or Arabs but the carbon dating dates it beyond 1000 AD!
Politically conscious and fairly well educated new generation is quite enterprising too. Cherthala is the home land of present day stalwarts in Indian Politics and other arenas, A.K Antony- an uncorrupted three times Chief Minister of Kerala, Vayalar Ravi, Union Cabinet Minister for NRI affairs, K R Gauri, ex-minister and a veteran communist, Vellappalli Natesan (Gen. Secretary of SNDP yogam), S D Shibulal, founder director of Infosys (the second richest Keralite/Malayalee), S L Puram Sadanandan (communist and Cine-Drama writer) and Cine Actor Rajan P. Dev etal.
This palm fringed constituency is academically and culturally in the forefront. There are 6 affiliated Colleges (including an Engineering College and a Nursing College), one Poly technique and several ace higher secondary and high schools, Nursing Schools and 4 high quality health care delivery facilities each having 100 to 200 beds are available.
Hotels available - Marari beach resort of Casino group and various backwater resorts. Food and beer - Hotel Karthiyayini...Cherthala TB(tourist Bungalow)
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