Ayyappancoil
Ayyappancoil, also spelt Ayyappankovil is a village in newly formed Idukki taluk in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala.[1] It is highly noted for the newly constructed suspension bridge and the old historic Sastha temple on the banks of Periyar river.
Ayyappancoil | |
|---|---|
village | |
 Periyar river at Ayyappankovil | |
  Ayyappancoil Location in Kerala, India  Ayyappancoil Ayyappancoil (India) | |
| Coordinates: 9.7176400°N 77.056980°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Idukki |
| Named for | Ayyappancoil hanging bridge, old Sastha temple |
| Government | |
| • Type | Panchayath |
| • Body | Ayyappancoil panchayath |
| Area | |
| • Total | 42.68 km2 (16.48 sq mi) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 33,700 |
| • Density | 790/km2 (2,000/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Vehicle registration | KL-37 |
| Literacy | 92% |
| Website | |
Ayyappancoil is 14.430 km far from Kattappana, which is a nearby major town. Ayyappancoil is located 42.33 km (26.30 mi) from district headquarters and 230 km (140 mi) km from its State capital city Thiruvananthapuram . Ayyappancoil was a big township in early 1960s. During the construction of Idukki hydro-electric project, the township was evacuated by the Kerala government.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census, Ayyappancoil had a population of 33700 with 16795 males and 16905 females.[1]
Economy
Ayyappancoil is predominantly an agrarian based economy. Cash crops like cardamom, pepper and tea are widely cultivated here.
Administration
Ayyappancoil panchayath was formed in 1977 and it spreads over an area of about 42.68 km². It is divided into 13 wards for administrative convenience. It is surrounded by Kanchiyar panchayath in north, Kumily in east, Upputhara in west and Elappara in south.
Wards in Ayyappancoil panchayath
- Ayyappancoil
- Aanakuzhi
- Mattukatta
- Chembalam
- Dorland
- Palanikkavu
- Sulthaniya
- Pachakadu
- Heavenvalley
- K. Chappathu
- Aalady
- Poovanthikudi
- Marykulam
Places of interest
Ayyappancoil suspension (hanging) bridge
Ayyappancoil hanging (Suspension) bridge is built across the Periyar River, connecting the Ayyappancoil Grama panchayath and Kanchiyar Grama Panchayath in Idukki district, Kerala. The new hanging bridge will give a new hope to the villagers as the can connect easier. This bridge is the longest hanging suspension bridge in the district. The suspension bridge draws a lot of tourists owing to its picturesque scenery.[2]
Ayyappancoil Sastha Temple
The old temple dedicated to Sastha which is on the banks of Periyar river is a main landmark of Ayyappancoil. The idol here is believed to consecrated by sage Parashurama himself. The temple would often submerge when the water level in Idukki reservoir rises at times of heavy rainfalls.[3] An interesting fact is that the sreekovil stands alone when the temple submerges in water. Pilgrims on this occasion reaches the temple through small canoes in Periyar river. The temple was later replaced to a place called Thoppipala, which is on the Kattappana - Kuttikkanam state highway.
References
- "Census of India : Villages with population 5000 & above". Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 10 December 2008.
- "ayyappancoil suspension bridge". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 10 May 2013.
- "Remains of an ancient culture submerged by dam waters". www.thehindu.com. 5 November 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2016.