If you are visiting Kerala or trying to make a plan to visit here, it is obvious that you should include popular tourist sites in the itinerary. However, you can go that extra mile, adding a layer of enchantment to your plan if you try to discover the small municipalities of Kerala. One such place stands out, offering a gateway to the lands of typical South Indian culture and heritage. This is Angamaly. If this is the first time you have heard this name, this blog will surely help you, detailing the ideal things and places to see in and near Angamaly.
About Angamaly
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Angamaly is situated on the banks of the Periyar River and is known by various names. Angamaly is well-known for its delicious food, lively atmosphere and rich cultural legacy—slices of which were featured in the movie “Angamaly Diaries.” In addition to being near Kalady, the birthplace of Adi Shankara, Angamaly has long been one of Kerala’s most important Christian hubs. St. Thomas was thought to have arrived in the area via the Manjaly Thodu River in Angamaly, via the Kodungallur port or Muziris and then travelled to Malayattoor.
Angamaly is renowned for its numerous temples, including the Jain, Elavuru, Thirunayathodu, Krishnaswamy and Moozhikulam temples. The block attracts many people every year for its annual festivals. The famous saint and philosopher Sri Adi Shankara was born in the Buddhist town of Angamaly, Kerala. Travellers often love exploring the magnificent church in Malayattoor, which holds sacred significance for all Christians. There are elections every five years for each of the thirty wards that make up the city of Angamaly. 33,465 people live in the Angamaly Municipality, with 16,547 men and 16,918 women, according to a 2011 Census of India report.
There are 2887 children between the ages of 0 and 6, making up 8.63% of Angamaly’s total population (M). The female-to-male ratio in Angamaly Municipality is 1022, compared to the state average of 1084. Additionally, Angamaly’s child-sex ratio is approximately 986, while Kerala’s state average is 964. Angamaly City’s literacy rate is 96.47%, higher than the state average of 94.0 %. Interestingly, in Angamaly, 95.32% of women and 96.64% of men are literate.
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Angamaly History
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According to Father Pius Malekandathil of the Syro-Malabar Church, the words “anke (there)” and “mali (port or land)” contributed to the name Angamaly. As per the records, the Manjaly Thodu River linked Angamaly to the port of Muziris, making it a major trading hub in antiquity. When traders used this river in the past, they would send instructions to land using the phrase “anke mali” (port that way). That’s most likely how the location earned its name. Local residents here remember stories from the past, suggesting that the name Angamaly might have come from conflicts between former kings. “Mali” denotes land or plains, while “angam” denotes combat in the past. Some legends say the name means “Anga-mali,” or “battleground.” Numerous ancient coins and other artefacts have been discovered in the lands of Angamaly, indicating that Buddhists and Jains predominated in the area. The Christian devotional centre Malayattoor is located very close to Angamaly. When Jesus Christ sent St. Thomas the Apostle to this area in AD 58, he travelled from Kodungallur port to Angadikadavu in Angamaly through Manjali Thodu.
There is proof that the churches in the area were constructed as early as AD 822 and AD 409. In the sixteenth century, it served as the headquarters for Mar Abraham, the Assyrian-Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Angamaly and All India (Hendo). Angamaly was first established as a panchayat in May 1952 and it was later incorporated as a municipality in April 1978. In addition, it has been a Legislative Assembly constituency in the Ernakulam district since 1965. The Angamaly police firing in 1959, in which demonstrators were demonstrating against Kerala’s communist government, is the reason for the area’s notoriety.
Temples And Festivals In Angamaly
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Angamaly boasts a rich, multicultural history that includes Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Hindus. The town also has a lot of temples that are popular with pilgrims during the holiday season. Some of the most well-liked temples are the Jains temple, the Elavuru temple, the Venguru temple, the Kidangoor temple, the Krishnaswamy temple and the Thiru Nayathode temple. Another great spot, the reputable Jain shrine Kallil Temple was founded in the ninth century. It took 28 acres to build this rock-cut temple and the shrine is only a short 120-step walk away. Adi Sankara was born at Kalady, which is also home to his Sanskrit university. A network of cultural and devotional centres surrounds and deepens the Angamaly. The town is enhanced by the presence of numerous churches that have hosted numerous gatherings and occasions that shaped the development of contemporary Christianity in Kerala and, eventually, throughout India.
After extensive renovations, the 450-year-old St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica is a popular tourist spot and is currently the largest of its sort in India. It was cooperatively utilised in antiquity by Jacobites and Catholics until 1750. There was a chapel inside this church. This is the location of the oldest University for Malpan traditional training, established long before the Portuguese arrived. Angamaly locals celebrate Onam with great joy. The state festival often holds great fanfare and grandeur. The majority of people who commemorate this ten-day event are Hindus. The celebration commemorates King Mahabali, the return of the Malayali kings. This celebration, known as Pookalam, is celebrated by creating flower designs on the ground, symbolising the Malayali New Year. Sadya, the grand Onam feast, is served on banana leaves and includes about 10 different kinds of vegetables. The order in which these vegetables are served and consumed is correct. A delicious dessert called “payasam” that will completely satiate your taste buds comes next.
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Tourist Places In Angamaly
There is an allure about Angamaly that makes it a hidden gem in Kochi. When you visit here, you can explore tons of tourist spots, including historical places, churches and amusement parks. Here is a run-down of these:
1. Bhoothathankettu Dam And Reserve Forest
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The Bhoothathankettu Dam offers a unique opportunity for animal enthusiasts and eco-tourists to see nature up close with its lush reserve forest and stunning views. Enjoy the expansive views from the dam as well as the diverse flora and fauna that make this site home.
It has been attributed to two great floods – one in the 4th century and the other in 1341, which threw open the port of Kochi. The massive landslides during the flood are believed to have caused gigantic rocks to roll down from the mountain and become entrenched in the Old Bhoothathankettu.
Address: Bhoothathankettu Dam, Kothamangalam, Kerala 686681
Timings: 24 hours
2. Periyar River Banks
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There are chances for photography and riverfront walks along the Periyar River as it meanders through Angamaly. For those looking for peace and quiet, the river and its environs offer a relaxing haven due to its natural beauty.
The river’s journey doesn’t end there; it further flows into Vembanad Lake before merging with the Arabian Sea. The river supports a diverse ecosystem, particularly within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Address: Periyar River Bank, Cheranallur, Ernakulam, Kerala 682034
Timings: From 6 Am in the morning
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3. Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
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Visit the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre to witness the majestic elephants in action. Participate in interactions with elephants and, if possible, have a memorable ride on an elephant. It’s a chance to interact closely and personally with these kinds of gentle giants.
Kodanad is situated on the south bank of Periyar river, about 42 kilometres east of Kochi. The village is a major tourist destination because it houses an Elephant training centre.
Address: Vallom Panamkuzhi Road, Malayattoor, PO, Kaprikad, Kerala 683544
Timings: From 8 Am in the morning
4. Angamaly Adventure Park
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Families seeking outdoor thrill and adventure seekers will find paradise at Angamaly Adventure Park. Experience a range of adventure sports and activities, which makes it the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day with loved ones. Besides being close to Adi Shankara’s birthplace, Kalady, Angamaly has been one of the foremost centres of Christianity in Kerala. It is believed that St Thomas came from the Kodungallur port or Muziris to the region via the Manjaly Thodu waterway in Angamaly, from where he headed to Malayattoor.
Address: Municipal Park, SH 1, AJ Nagar, CIALAirport Junction, Angamaly, Nedumbassery, Kerala 683572
Timings: From 8 Am
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Angamaly is not just a part of Kochi, but a place to unravel the mysteries, cultural stories and historical tales. This is a must-visit for anyone who would want an all-inclusive adventure on their trip to Kochi . Plan out now and include Angamaly in your travel itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Angamaly
What is the local language spoken in Angamaly?
The most commonly spoken language is Malayalam.
How far is Angamaly from Willingdon Island?
Angamaly is around 47 km from Willingdon Island.
How is the temperature in Angamaly?
The temperature is usually coastal with warmer days and colder nights.
What is the nearest beach to Angamaly?
One of the closest beaches to Angamaly is Munambam Beach.
Are there good hotels in Angamaly?
Yes, there are plenty of luxurious as well as budget-friendly hotels at Angamaly.
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