Pezhakkappilly

Pezhakkappilly is located to the north of Muvattupuzha which is 4 km from the city centre. Perumbavoor and Kolenchery, which are proposed to be a part of the Greater Cochin Development Authority, are within a distance of 15 km. The closest towns of Pezhakkappilly include Mannoor, which is 4 km north along MC Road, Cheruvattoor, which is 5 km east along the Payipra Cheruvattoor Road, and Mulavoor, 5 km to the east. Nellad is 5 km away, along the Paipra Veettoor Road.

Paipra Panchyath has a population of 32,779 and an area of 32.18 km². The population density is about 1000/km². The male population was 16,718 and the female was 16,061 at the time of the 2011 Census.[1] The major religion in Pezhakkappilly is Islam. The place has one of the largest Muslim populations in the Ernakulam district. Hindus and Christians make up the majority of the rest of the population. There is also a large immigrant labour population.

Pezhakkappilly is a part of Paipra Panchayath. The town has the presence of the major political parties in Kerala, Indian National Congress, CPI(M), CPI, and the Muslim League. Panchayath is ruled by UDF on a power-sharing basis between Congress and the Muslim League. Alice George of Congress is the current President of the panchayath.

Pezhakkappilly is part of the Muvattupuzha legislative assembly constituency and part of the Idukki Lok Sabha constituency.

Pezhakkappilly consists of mainly highlands and midlands with agriculture and small-scale industries as its primary economy. The main agricultural outputs are rubber, pineapple, tapioca and banana. There are a number of plywood and timber mills. With the influx of migrant laborers there are lot of jobs for them at several plywood and other manufacturing units.

The economy has also benefited much from the infertility clinic, Sabine Hospital & Research Centre with lot of jobs created directly and indirectly. Local businesses include homestays, lodges, hotels, and bakeries.

Being on the route of State Highway 1, it is also a prime stop for passengers travelling across Kerala. It is a main route during the Sabarimala Pilgrimage. Pilgrims across several states pass through this town providing a lot of business to the local restaurants and lodges. It is also an alternative route from Kottayam to Thrissur, which bypasses Kochi.

Almost 7000 thousand students are learning in Several Schools and Colleges in Pezhakkappilly. The main Educational Institutions in Pezhakkappilly are

• Govt. Higher Secondary School Pezhakkappilly
• Arafa Public School, Arafa College of Arts and Science
• Ilahia College of Arts and Science, Ilahia School of Science and Technology
• Jamia Badariya Arabic College
• TMA Public School
• Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology in Mulavoor

Major infrastructure in Pezhakkappilly includes:

• KSEB 110 KV Sub station and 1.25 MW solar power plant sittuvated.
• Sabine Hospital & Research Centre, Infertility Treatment Centre.
• Charis Hospital.
• Paipra Panchyath Office, Ayurveda Hospital, Village Office, Proposed Police Station,
• Shamma Auditorium, Meppattu Auditorium, KYS Mahal, Kunnapally Auditorium
• Kunnathan Chipboard Factory.
• Metrola Steels.

Religious sites include:

• Pezhakkappilly Central Juma Masjid
• Jamia Badriya Juma Masjid
• Paipra Kavala Juma Masjid
• Pallichirangara Juma Masjid
• Pallikkavu Thri Devi Temple
• St George Jacobite Church