About Chendamangalam
Chendamangalam is an amazing little town that consists of hillocks, three rivers, green pastures and seven inlets. The town is situated in the Paravur taluk of Ernakulam district, Kerala. Tourists travelling to Cochin also visit Chendamangalam to have a glimpse of the breathtaking Palace of Paliam. It was the official home of Paliath Achans and they were the prime ministers of the former Maharajahs of Kochi which was the meeting place of cultural diversity. The palace is the symbol of sheer architectural splendor.
The Paliath Palace dates back to 450 years but still holds a wide array of historical documents as well as relics. Whoever visits Chendamangalam will also visit Kottayil Kovilakom, the hillock and the uniqueness of the place is that it is the common place for temple, mosque, church and also has the remnant of Jewish synagogue and all these complex system of beliefs are situated within a kilometer. In AD 1614, the synagogue of Jewish was constructed and the precinct at the back of the synagogue has former Jewish graves which include the grave of Jewish lady as well and it dates back to 1264 AD. After Jerusalem was destroyed, the Jews migrated to Chendamangalam in 69 AD and had found a dominion here. Following the major flood in 1341 AD, they settled down in Fort Kochi. The remnants of existence of Jewish could be found on all the sides of Chendamangalam even today from the synagogue which consists of traditional features of Jewish architecture. Vypeenakotta Seminary for Syrians was constructed by the Portuguese in 16th century and the tourists will find the remains of the same even today. Next to seminary is the Church of Syrian Catholic that was established in 1201.
Sree Venugopala Krishna Swami Dewasthan, the popular Hindu temple, was built here in 1900 AD. Previously, the temple was called as Jayantha Mangalam. Venugopalakrishna Swami is the main deity. During the month of Vaisakh, an annual festival is celebrated for six days. This temple is the major attraction for both tourists as well as locals.

A Brief History of Chendamangalam
In ancient times, Chendamangalam came under the Kanayanur taluk which in turn was part of the state of Cochin which was a meeting place of cultural diversity. In 1914, the Panchayat of Chendamangalam was formed. Rivers border the town on North, South and East. Here, Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in harmony. Presence of several immigrants communities till date reminds past industrial as well as business importance. In 60s Jewish community went back to Israel. Currently, the archaeology department takes care of their synagogue here.
The Church of Mar Sleeva was constructed in 1075. During the invasion of Tipu Sultan to Kerala, the church’s old block is supposed to be constructed with special fortified construction.
As a result of Paliyam Satyagraha, declaration of entry into the temple came into existence in the state of Cochin. Every year the annual fair (Mattuchanda or Barter market) is conducted on day before the festival of Vishu which reminds the past history of people coming from far and near buying whatever needed for their home in exchange of their agricultural or handicrafts though today all the transactions are made in cash.
Cochin’s Prime Ministers, the Paliath Achans lived in Chendamangalam during 1663 to 1809.
Geography of Chendamangalam
Chendamangalam is located at 10.1797oN 76.2097oE.
Climate of Chendamangalam
Chendamangalam also comes with a tropical climate like other towns and cities of Kerala. It gets rainfall most of the months and comes with short dry season.
Tourism in Chendamangalam
Apart from the Paliath Palace, the town also comes with many temples, churches and mosques which attract pilgrims as well as tourists from far and near. Some of the temples in Chendamangalam town are Paliam Dewaswom, Kunnathu Tali temple and Arankavu temple and churches like Church of Mar Sleeva at Kottayil Kovilakkam, St Sebastian’s at Gothuruth, Little Flower Church at Kuttukad and Chendamangalam is also famous for Juma Masjid.
Business and Economy in Chendamangalam
Copra is manufactured and exported from Chendamangalam which is also well known for handloom weaving and coir making. It is to be noted that Chendamangalam is important handloom centre in Kerala. Double dhoti, Mundu and Neruyathu are quite famous. The distinction of these fabrics is in its plain structure through which they produce special effect in weft direction.
How to Reach Chendamangalam
The nearest railway station is Aluva which is located 20 Kms away from Chendamangalam and Ernakulam railway station is 42 Kms away from Chendamangalam. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is 20 Km from Ernakulam towards the north. KSRTC buses ply between Aluva to N Paravoor and from Paravoor frequent buses are available to reach Chendamangalam.
Quick Facts about Chavakkad
Government – Panchayat
Taluk – Paravur
District - Ernakulam
Area – 10.83 Sq Km
Population as per the 2001 census- 28,133
Time zone - IST
Postal Index Number – 683 512
STD Code - 0484
Official Languages – Malayalam, English
Utilities in Chendamangalam
Chendamangalam is a panchayat town located in Paravoor taluk of Ernakulam district. Let’s see here some of the public utility services that are available in the Chendamangalam town.
Panchayat Office
The address of Chendamangalam Panchayat office is
Chendamangalam Panchayat Office
Paliyam Road, Bharanimukku, Chendamangalam, Kerala 683 521
Tel: 0484-2518568
Electricity Services
As we are aware, the Kerala State Electricity Board takes care of the electricity supply of the Chendamangalam. The official website of the electricity board is www.kseb.in and the address of the electricity board office in Chendamangalam is
Kerala State Electricity Board: 11 Main Road, Chendamangalam, Ernakulam 683 512
Tel: 0484-2518446
Water Services
Water supply in Chendamangalam is regulated by Kerala Water Authority and Chendamangalam comes under the Ernakulam office and the address is
Kerala Water Authority
Public Health Circle, Ernakulam HO, Ernakulam 682 011
Tel: 0484-2360645
Website: www.kwa.kerala.gov.in
Banking Services
Though a small panchayat town it comes with several public as well as private banks and let’s see here some of the banks in Chendamangalam.
South Indian Bank Ltd
Door No 237 A, Chendamangalam Nair Samajam Building
Paliam Nada
Chendamangalam
Ernakulam 683 512
Tel: 0484-2518641
Website: www.southindianbank.com
The Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd
6/462 Gothuruthu Junction
Vadakkumpuram
Chendamangalam
Ernakulam 683 512
Tel: 0484-6451605
Chendamangalam Cooperative Bank
11/276 Dasaprabhu Road
Near Sree Venugopala Swamy Temple
Chendamangalam
Ernakulam 683 512
Tel: 0484-2519326
Chendamangalam Service Cooperative Bank Ltd
10/262 Karimpadam
Near DDS High School
Chendamangalam
Ernakulam 683 512
Tel: 0484-2518342
Fire Services in Chendamangalam
As Chendamangalam comes under Ernakulam District, the Ernakulam Fire station takes care of all fire services needs of the town. The address of Ernakulam fire station is
Fire Station
Gandhi Nagar
Ernakulam HO
Ernakulam 681 011
Tel: 0484-2205550
Postal and Courier Services
The address of Chendamangalam post office is:
Chendamangalam Post Office,
Chendamangalam
Ernakulam 683 512
Tel: 0484-2518321
Website: www.indiapost.gov.in
Some private courier services are also available in Chendamangalam.
The Professional Couriers
Ezhava Samajam Shopping Complex
Chendamangalam Junction
North Paravur
Chendamangalam
Ernakulam
Tel: 0484-2447628, 2625653
Tourism in Chendamangalam
Chendamangalam is also renowned
for tourists’ attractions such as Paliam Palace and temples which
attract the tourists throughout the year. Let’s find more about them.
Paliam Palace
The
Paliam Palace was the residence of Paliath Achans who were the prime
ministers to the former maharajas of the State of Kochi. During the 16th
century, the Raja’s security was under threat by the Portuguese, the
then Paliath Achan escorted the Raja to Chendamangalam and was made to
stay incognito in the palace near the Kalari. Hence, it is called as
Paliam Kovilakom (Palace). In appreciation of the services, the Dutch
renovated this building in Chendamangalam and presented it to him.
Hence, it is also called as the Dutch Palace.
The
palace is a two-storeyed building (G+2) and is a highly efficient
functional building of its times. Though it comes with minimum
ornamentation yet it reflects the Dutch influence in the architecture.
The building comes with elaborately carved wooden staircases,
balustrades and thick walls that come with splayed openings. The
building also comes with a circulated space which runs along the
private area of the building and facilitates the movement of air which
results in insulating the interior and making it cooler compared to the
peripheral. During ancient times, women were not allowed to stay there
and only elder members of the family stayed there. There is a prasanga
peedum which lies on top of the entrance passage of the Palace and the
Paliath Achans used it for addressing the people.
This
palace attracts experience seekers, history bugs and photo fanatics
today who throng the palace to marvel at the magnificent architecture
and also to check out the hidden relics within the palace walls.
How to Reach Paliam Palace
Paliam
Palace is well connected by road to all nearby foremost places. KSRTC
and local agencies ply buses within the state as well as from
neighbouring states. The nearest railway station is the Ernakulam
Railway Station and from there the tourists can travel by bus or hire a
taxi. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport.
Sree Venugopala Krishna Swamy Temple, Chendamangalam
Sree
Venugopala Krishna Swamy Dewasthan is the Hindu temple situated in
Chendamangalam in Kerala. This temple came into existence in 1900 at
Chendamangalam which was then called Jayantha Mangalam.
Venugopalakrishna Swamy is the main deity of the temple. The idol is in
the form of Shila Vigrah. Apart from the main idol, the temple has the
Lord’s Utsav idol and also idols of Hanuman and Garuda at the feet.
During the month of Vaisakh, annual festival which spans into six days
is celebrated at the temple.
This temple was built by
Saraswat Gaud Brahmins who settled down in Cochin and spread to the
neighbouring villages and suburbs. Some of them settled in
Chendamangalam. In Chendamangalam, there was no temple and the Gaud
Saraswat Brahmins had to go by foot to the temple in North Parur. So,
they initiated necessary efforts to construct a temple under the
guidance of Chennoth Parambil Sri Dasa Prabhu. They also approached for
the help of Valiyachan of Paliyam, who is also Paliyam Swaroopam who
donated land for the construction of the temple. The donations received
liberally from the local mahajans helped in the construction of the
temple and the Prathishta was made on 30th April 1900. Chennoth Parambil
Ramachandra Prabhu led from the front and, in 1920, twelve of the
community members established Chitty and they bought the necessary land
from the profit made, and the income generated from the land is used in
meeting daily expenses of the temple. Chennoth Parambil Sri Dasa
Prabhu’s children formed an Endowment Trust in 1956. They donated cash
of Rs 65,000/- and land of 10 acres on account of their trust to the
temple. This helped in the further constructions like Anapandal,
Agrasala, etc. In 1995, the temple underwent renovation and copper
plate was laid to Sri Kovil. At this temple, Srimat Sudheendra Tirtha
Swamiji performed his Chaturmasya Vrita in 1973.
How to Reach Sree Venugopala Krishna Swamy Temple
Sree
Venugopala Krishna Swamy Temple, Chendamangalam is well connected by
road to all nearby towns and cities. KSRTC buses as well as private bus
companies operate several buses to nearby cities as well as other
states. The nearest railway station is the Ernakulam Railway Station and
from there the tourists can travel by bus or hire a taxi or a cab. The
nearest airport to the temple is the Cochin International Airport.
Sree Krishna Swami Temple Kotayilkovilakam
This
temple is situated in Kottayil Kovilakom village in Ernakulam district.
This temple is located on the top of a hill. Apart from the temple, a
mosque, a church, a Jewish synagogue also situated within 1 Km of
circumference. Near the Krishna temple, the Tipu Sultan cave is also
situated and on both the sides, Arab cemetery is also situated. This
temple is built some 400 years ago.
How to reach Sree Krishna Swami Temple Kotayilkovilakam
The
temple is located on top of a hill and is connected by road to other
parts of the town and other cities. The pilgrims can travel by taxi or
cab to the temple. The nearest railway station is Ernakulam railway
station and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport and the
pilgrims can travel by bus or hire taxi to reach the temple.