Kozhencherry കോഴഞ്ചേരി | |
|---|---|
 Entrance of Kozhencherry Bridge | |
  Kozhencherry Location in Kerala, India Show map of Kerala Kozhencherry Kozhencherry (India) Show map of India | |
| Coordinates:9°20′20″N76°42′46″E / 9.3388°N 76.7127°E /9.3388; 76.7127 | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Pathanamthitta |
| Government | |
| • Type | Panchayati Raj (India) |
| • Body | Gram Panchayat |
| Area | |
• Total | 9.74 km2 (3.76 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 12,021 |
| • Density | 1,230/km2 (3,200/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 689 641 |
| Telephone code | 91-468 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-03 |
| Nearest city | Thiruvalla |
| Sex ratio | 90:29♂️/♀️ |
| Literacy | 96% |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Pathanamthitta |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Aranmula |
| Civic agency | Grama Panchayat |
Kozhencherry is acensus town inPathanamthitta district of South Central Kerala inKerala state, India. As of 2011[update] census, the population was 12,021 of which 5,594 are males while 6,427 are females.[2]
The nameKozhencherry is believed to have originated from theMalayalam word “Kovilancheri,” which refers to a settlement near a temple in the banks of river. Over time, the name evolved into Kozhencherry.[3]
Kozhencherry is located in central Travancore and at the heart ofPathanamthitta District. It lies along the banks of the sacredPampa River, which originates fromSabarimala, and is surrounded by hills and lush green valleys. The town's history is deeply intertwined with that of Central Travancore.
The land of Kozhencherry is highly fertile, supporting the cultivation of plantations, paddy,tapioca,coconut,rubber,pepper,sugarcane,vegetables,spices, and more. In the past, goods from the Kozhencherry market were transported toKochi andAlappuzha via the Pampa River in large boats. In 1869, during the reign ofSree Moolam Thirunal, resident Mr. G.A. Bellard initiated a public market, which later became known as the Bellard Public Market. This highlights Kozhencherry's significant role in ancient trade. The town was also closely linked to banking and cooperative societies, with Malankara Syndicate Bank being a pioneer in Travancore.
On 11 May 1935, SriC. Kesavan called for the opening of roads and schools to the public, the cessation of Divanji's rule, and the establishment of democratic governance during a public meeting in Kozhencherry. This call to action spurred public involvement in the Freedom Struggle alongsideMahatma Gandhi. Keshavan was subsequently arrested and imprisoned. A stone monument in the town center commemorates this event.[4]
In education, Kozhencherry has made significant contributions to central Travancore. St. Thomas High School was established in 1910, attracting students from various regions. St. Thomas College followed in 1953. Recognizing Kozhencherry's prominence, a District Hospital was founded over 112 years ago by the rulers. Additionally, Kozhencherry Panchayath was established in 1953.
According to the2011 Census of India, Kozhencherry had a population of 12,021, with 5,594 males and 6,427 females. The town boasts a high literacy rate of 96.57%, exceeding Kerala's state average of 94%.[5]
The sex ratio of Kozhencherry stands at 1,149 females per 1,000 males, which is notably higher than the state average. The town has a predominantlyChristian population (50.48%), followed closely byHindus (48.86%), with smaller percentages ofMuslims (0.27%) and other religious groups.[6]
The total area of this village includes hill areas, plane lands, semi hill areas and paddy fields.
| Climate data for Kozhenchery, Kerala | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 31.6 (88.9) | 33.2 (91.8) | 33.3 (91.9) | 31.6 (88.9) | 30 (86) | 28.1 (82.6) | 27.8 (82.0) | 27.9 (82.2) | 28.5 (83.3) | 28.7 (83.7) | 28.9 (84.0) | 29.8 (85.6) | 30.0 (85.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 21.5 (70.7) | 22.2 (72.0) | 22.6 (72.7) | 22.8 (73.0) | 22.9 (73.2) | 23 (73) | 23.4 (74.1) | 24.1 (75.4) | 24 (75) | 22.4 (72.3) | 23.4 (74.1) | 22.5 (72.5) | 22.9 (73.2) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 32 (1.3) | 35 (1.4) | 44 (1.7) | 61 (2.4) | 77 (3.0) | 360 (14.2) | 273 (10.7) | 219 (8.6) | 328 (12.9) | 274 (10.8) | 99 (3.9) | 94 (3.7) | 1,896 (74.6) |
| Source: Climate-Data.org[7] | |||||||||||||
Kozhencherry is part ofPathanamthitta district. Before the formation of the Pathanamthitta district in 1982, Kozhencherry belonged toKollam district.
The very famousMaramon Convention conducted in this village at the sand bed of pampa river. The statue of C. KESAVAN, famous for Kozhencherry speech during Freedom Fight is very near to Village office. District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) office is in Kozhencherry village near Panchayath stadium. There is no other tourism spot in thisvillage.
Kozhencherry primarily relies on private buses and many long-distanceKerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.Auto rickshaws are also commonly used and are typically hired for short distances (1–3 km) in areas not serviced by buses.Jeeps are favored for transportation in hilly or rugged terrains.
The nearest railway stations are atThiruvalla 17.7 km (11.0 mi) andChengannur which are nearly 12.1 km (7.5 mi) away.
The proposedSabarimala International Airport,Cheruvally would be the closest airport upon completion, at 25 km (16 mi) from Kozhencherry township.
The nearest extant airport isTrivandrum International Airport, at 111.5 km (69.3 mi).
