[Villages][Places of Importance]

	Headquarters of Cherthala Taluk
	Municipality since 1953
	Has the largest area(320.44 Sq.Km) and population (4.78 lakhs)
	Population density- 1491
	Sex ratio - 1030
	Rural population - 2.79 lakhs (3rd position in the district)
	Density of Rural population - 1465 persons per Sq.Km.
	2 of the 13 villages are partly included in the municipality
	Urban population - 32.54 %
	Lowest urban density (1530)

[ These details are as per 1991 census]

Villages

Aroor

Aroor is situated on the National Highway 47 between Cherthala and Kochi.  Till 1960  there was no bridge and rafts had to be used for transporting vehicles. Now there are many bridges connecting Aroor to Eda Kochi, one rail bridge, bridge connecting Aroor with Kumbalam etc. One of the three industrial estate of this district is located here. It is also one of the fish landing centres of the district.

Arthungal

It is in cherthala south village. It is an important pilgrim centre of Christians and is famous for well known St.Andrews Church, popularly known as St.Sebastuian Church situated 8 Km south-west of Cherthala town facing the sea coast. Hindu pilgrims from Sabarimala used to visit Arthungal and take bath in a tank in the Church premises to formally conclude their penance. The tank is not in existence now.

Cherthala

The town is famous for the well known Devi (Karthyayani) temple located in the centre of the town.  The image of Bhagavathy is said to have been consecrated by Vilwamangalath Swamiyar. Cherthala is well -connected by road and rail. It is a major centre of coir industry. Cherthala padayani and vela thullal are famous .

Kanichukulangara

Situated 13 Km north of Alappuzha town, Kanichukulangara is famous for the Bhagavathy temple. It is believed that the shrine was consecrated by a Brahmin who happened to recognize Devi who had reached the shore. The souls of the brahmin and the maiden who is said to have fallen in love with Brahmin have been consecrated in small shrines inside the temple.

Kokkothamangalam

Situated on the western shore of Vembanad lake is  the seat of one of the two churches in Arch Diocese of Ernakulam. It is said that the apostle St. Thomas, who visited  Kerala and established 7 churches, consecrated a cross there. Later the cross was found missing and it was recovered from Pallipuram and brought back to Kokkothamangalm where a church was built. The present church was built in 1900.

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal known as the mysterious sand of midnight, is a small beautiful island of tourist importance. It is situated in the centre of Vembanad lake, 4 Km east of Muhamma.  This island is full of coconut trees and luxuriant vegetation.

Thannermukkom

It is situated on the western bank of Vembanad lake. The Thannermukkom salt water barrier was  constructed as apart of Kuttanad Development Scheme. The Thannermukkom regulator constructed across Vembanad lake between Thannermukkom and Vechur is to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water. It is the largest mud regulator in India.

Thiruvizha

Thiruvizha is situated about 5 Km south-west of Cherthala and is famous for Shiva temple. The temple attracts large number of devotees on account of the divine prasadam which is supposed to possess medicinal and curative properties for mental illness.

Vayalar

Situated about 2.5 Km north of Cherthala, Vayalar is a politically important place in the history of modern Kerala. The historic struggle at Vayalar by the communist party against Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, Diwan of Travancore, resulted in the relinquishment of the rule of Diwan. Hundreds of communists fell victim to the tragic police firing in 1946. There is martyrs' platform (Raktha Sakshi Mandapam) erected at this place.