Kattappana ([kaʈ:ap:ɐna]) is a municipality in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is located 32 km (19.8 mi) southeast of the Idukki district headquarters in Painavu, 131 km (81.4 mi) east of major commercial city Kochi and 211 km (131.1 mi) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. Kattappana is the second largest town and one among the two municipalities in the district, and serves as a major hub for commercial and economic activity for the surrounding region.
Kattappana was formed primarily by settlers from Thodupuzha, Pala, Kanjirapally, Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha and Changanassery in the 1950s, and was given the status of gram panchayat in 1962. The town later attained the Municipality status in 2015.
History
Historical development The area was mainly settled by people from Thodupuzha, Pala, Kottayam and Changanassery. Initially, it was a part of the Udumbanchola Tehsil (Taluk) within the Idukki district. Subsequently, it became a part of the newly formed Idukki Tehsil. Notably, Kattappana emerged as the second municipality established in the district, following Thodupuzha. Mr Johny Kulampally became the first chairperson.
The growth of Kattappana as a commercial hub for the High Ranges was supported by improvements in infrastructure, particularly the construction of the Kottayam–Kattappana road and the Puliyanmala–Thodupuzha State Highway.
Economy Cardamom agriculture is the cornerstone of Kattappana's economy, playing a pivotal role in uplifting the town's economic well-being. The Spices Board of India (erstwhile Cardamom Board under Government of India) has an office in Kattappana. A Spices Park is established at Puttaday close to the town of Kattappana.
Recognition for sanitation A significant achievement for Kattappana in sanitation was attaining the distinction of an Open Defecation Free Municipality in Kerala. Kattappana was first civic body in the State of Kerala to achieve this status. This recognition was conferred upon the then chairman, Shri Johny Kulampallil, by the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, during a ceremony held in Cochin on 18 October 2016.
Geography
The average elevation of Kattappana Municipality is 950 m above sea level.
Climate Under the Köppen climate classification, Kattappana has a tropical monsoon climate. Humidity rises from March to April and mid-May. The average annual temperature is 23 °C. The months of June, July, August and October receive significant of rainfall. November and December are the coldest months in the year.
Civic administration
Administration Kattappana is one of the two municipalities in Idukki district. It was formed under the Kerala Municipalities Act 1994 and was officially declared a municipality by the Government of Kerala on 1 November 2015. The municipal council consists of 34 wards, with members elected every five years during the local body elections. The most recent local body elections were held in 2025. The chairperson serves as the executive authority of the municipality.
Kattappana falls within the Idukki Assembly constituency and the Idukki Lok Sabha constituency. The latest Kerala Legislative Assembly election was held on 9 May 2026.
Administrative divisions
For administrative convenience, the municipality is divided into 34 wards.
+ Ward no. Ward name Ward no. Ward name 1 Vazhavara18 Kunthalampara North 2 Nirmala city 19 Kunthalampara South 3 Society 20 Pallikavala 4 Konginippadavu 21 Erupathekkar 5 Vellayamkudy 22 Ambalakkavala 6 Vettikkuzhakavala 23 Mettukkuzhi 7 Nathukallu 24 Vallakkadavu 8 Kallukunnu 25 Kadamakkuzhy 9 Pezhumkavala 26 Nariampara 10 Valiyapara 27 Thovarayar 11 Kochuthovala North 28 I T I Kunnu 12 Kochuthovala 29 Valiyakandam 13 Anakuthy 30 Govt. College 14 Parakkadavu 31 Suvarnagiri 15 Puliyanmala 32 Kalyanathandu 16 Ambalappara 33 Mulakaramedu 17 Kattappana 34 Kounthi
Politics The major political parties active in Kattappana are Indian National Congress (INC), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Kerala Congress. Active trade union are Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).
The current member of legislative assembly (MLA) from Idukki is Roy K. Paulose. He has been the member of legislative assembly of Kerala representing Kattappana town forming a part of Idukki constituency since 2001.
The current member of parliament (MP) from Idukki is Dean Kuriakose. He was elected to the Parliament in 2019.
Demographics As of the 2011 Census, Kattappana had a population of 42,646, with 21,159 males and 21,487 females. Kattappana has an area of with 13,180 families residing in it. Kattappana had an average literacy of 95.25%, higher than the state average of 94%.
People migrated to Kattappana mainly during the 1950s from Central Travancore. The migrations were mainly from Palai, Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha, Changanassery and Kanjirapally taluks of the undivided Kottayam district and Pathanamthitta. Descendants of earlier inhabitants, the tribals of the forest, can still be seen. The Mannan tribe is now concentrated around Kovilmala, near Kanchiyar.
Tourist attractions
Anchuruli Tunnel
This is a 3.5 meters wide, 4 km long tunnel that connects the Idukki and Erattayar Reservoirs. Beyond its functional purpose, the tunnel offers a glimpse of the Anchuruli Waterfalls.
Kalvary Mount Kalvary Mount or Kalliyanathandu is a Christian pilgrimage site atop a hill with a view of the Idukki Reservoir and its surrounding peaks and forests. Once a secluded spot, it gained fame after the Idukki Dam's construction.
During Lent, the area becomes a pilgrimage centre as Christians go in a procession up the hillock.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the primary occupation in Kattappana. The region is a major producer of cardamom. The high-yielding Njallani variety of cardamom was developed by Sebastian Joseph Njallani from Kattappana.
Other important crops include coffee, cocoa, black pepper, and ginger. Several large tea plantations, including those operated by Tata Tea, A V Thomas & Co, Malayalam Plantations, and Kannan Devan, are located in the surrounding areas.
The Spices Board (erstwhile Cardamom Board) has its regional office in Kattappana. A Spices Park was established at Puttadi near Kattappana, and the Cardamom Research Station is located at Pampadumpara.
Healthcare St. John's Hospital, managed by the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, is a major healthcare facility in Kattappana. The St. John College of Nursing is attached to the hospital.
Transportation
Kattappana is well connected by road to other districts in Kerala and to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Highways In 2015 a new national highway named National Highway 185 (India) was announced to Idukki district, through Adimali-Cheruthoni-Kattappana-Kumily.
The Malayora highway, also called Hill Highway, is another major road passing through Kattappana.In 2024 this road was upgraded to 13.5 metre width.
Distances to nearby towns
Nedumkandam - - 18 km Kumily - - 26.8 km Thodupuzha - - 78.6 km Kottayam - - 100.2 km Cumbum - - 31.2 km Palai - - 75.2 km Changanassery - - 114 km Theni - - 68.8 km Thopramkudy - - 21. km Murickassery - - 29. km Adimaly - - 47. km
Major roads connecting Kattappana
Education Schools and colleges in Kattappana:
M.M.H.S. Nariyampara SGHSS Kattappana Ossanam E M HSS Kattappana Govt. High School Anakkara Govt. Tribal H S Chakkupallam STHSS Erattayar Govt. H S Erattayar, Nalumukku SJHSS Vellayamkudy St. Mary`s High School Vazhavara S M H S Marykulam GHS Chempakappara GTHS Kattappana GHS Vazhavara Gandhiji English Medium Govt High School G.L.P.S.Ayappencovil V.M.L.P.S.Ettithope G.T.L.P.S.Kanchiyar G.L.P.S.Pookulam G.L.P.S.Karimkulam L.P.S.Marykulam S.D.L.P.S.Chakkupallam J.M.L.P.S.Ezhukumvayal G.L.P.S.Idinjamala S.P.L.P.S.Chempakappara G.L.P.S.Kozhimala S.M.L.P.S.Kanchiyar L.M.L.P.S.Labbakkada S.G.L.P.S.Kattappana S.J.L.P.S.Kochuthovala S.J.L.P.S.Vellayamkudy S.A.L.P.S.Vallakkadavu A.M.U.P.S.Kalthotty S.M.U.P.S.Marykulam A.K.M.U.P.S.Kochera S.M.U.P.S.Kanchiyar S.J.U.P.S.Kattappana S.J.U.P.S.Kochuthovala S.A.U. P. S.Vallakadavu LFLPS Puliyanmala Ossanam EMLPS Kattappana Marian Public School, Marykulam St.Mary's LP School, Nankuthotty St Pius X English School, K Chappath, Idukki Govt Kattappana College Christ College Kattappana JPM Arts and Science College M.E.S. College, Nedumkandam Sahyajyothi Arts and Science College, Kumily Asramam Training College, Vazhavara Sree Narayana Trusts Arts&Science College Sanjo College Rajakkad
References
External links
Tourist map of Idukki District Idukki District administration