Elanji (), also spelt Ilanji, is a village in Ernakulam district, Indian state of Keralam.
Etymology Elanji was believed to be derived from the word Elavanjiyoor desham. During the passage of time, desham (region) has been dropped off, and Elavanjiyoor became Elanji. Elanji is also the name of a tree (Mimusops elengi) with fragrant blooms commonly found in the Elanji village area.
Geography The nearest towns are Piravom, Kuravilangad, Koothattukulam, Peruva and Thalayolaparambu. The taluk headquarters at Muvattupuzha is 27 km away. The village lies about 42 km southeast of Kochi, and there are several buses that ply between Pala and Ernakulam, which connect Elanji with Kochi. Elanji is almost the midway point on the Vaikom–Thodupuzha bus route. Elanji lies about 32 km east of Kottayam town. The central business district of the settlement integrates a localized transit hub managed by the Grama Panchayat, which facilitates systematic inter-municipal connectivity via scheduled private operations and state-owned KSRTC transport networks to peripheral municipal nodes, specifically Piravom (8.6 km) and Koothattukulam (10.3 km). Elanji is located in the Ernakulam district and the last grama panchayath towards the eastern border (towards the Kottayam side) of Ernakulam district.
Demographics census, Elanji had a population of 16,495 with 8,134 males and 8,361 females. The majority of people living in Elanji are Syro-Malabar Catholic Christians. Most inhabitants are engaged in Agriculture, farming and trading, with the main cash crops being Rubber, Paddy, Coconut, Areca nut, Ginger, Turmeric, Kaempferia galanga and pepper.
Religious institutions
There are more than 13 temples in Elanji. Mudhevar Temple, located at Mutholapuram, is the oldest, being over 900 years old. There is also a famous Hindu temple in the name of Shiva; the speciality of this temple is that the main door opens to the west direction. This type of Shiva temple is rare in Keralam.
The most prominent among the churches is the St. Peter's and St. Paul's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, established in AD 1300 and belonging to the Diocese of Pala. Other churches include the Mutholapuram church and Xavierpuram (Kooru) church. The St. Peter's and St. Paul's Church is also a forane church.
Education St. Peter's High Secondary School, Elanji (formerly known as St. Peter's High School, Elanji), one of the oldest and famous high schools in and around Elanji (Monippally, Njeezhoor, etc.). Vijnan Institute of Science and Technology (VISAT), an engineering college established in the year 2011, is 2 km away from this town. The engineering college is AICTE-approved and affiliated to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University(KTU). This college comes under the Vinjyan Charitable Trust.
Tourism Although predominantly categorized as a peri-urban or rural residential zone, the Elanji micro-region and its contiguous borders possess distinct eco-tourism potential. A key topographic feature is the Koorumala viewpoint, a prominent elevated landform rising approximately 169 metres above mean sea level (AMSL) situated north of the central settlement junction. Administered by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), the site integrates observatory infrastructure that affords comprehensive 360-degree views intersecting three administrative boundaries: Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Alappuzha. The site's unique microclimate fosters high morning mist concentration, making it a significant focal point for seasonal landscape observation.
Notable people Sister Mary Benigna, poet Perumbadavam Sreedharan, novelist Jeethu Joseph, filmmaker Srikant Murali, film actor and director
References