Keerikkad
Keerikkad | |
|---|---|
Town | |
Keerikkad Location in Kerala, India Keerikkad Keerikkad (India) | |
| Coordinates: 9°10′0″N 76°29′0″E / 9.16667°N 76.48333°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Alappuzha |
| Government | |
| • Type | Panchayati raj (India) |
| • Body | Gram panchayat |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 20,052 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Keerikkad
കീരിക്കാട് | |
|---|---|
Town | |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Alappuzha |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 20,052 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 690532 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-29 |
Keerikkad is a suburban town located in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.[1] The town is part of the Karthikappally taluk and is close to Kayamkulam and Cheppad.[2]
History
Keerikkad is historically connected with the ancient Odanad region which was ruled by the Kayamkulam royal family. The area has retained many aspects of its traditional village lifestyle alongside modern developments.[3]
Attractions
Keerikkad is known for its religious and cultural landmarks, mainly:
- Evoor Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, noted for its annual festivals and historic significance.[4]
- Ramapuram Bhagavathi Temple, a popular shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali (Bhagavathi), which hosts vibrant local festivals every year.[5]
Demographics
As of 2011, Keerikkad had a population of 20,052 with 9,165 males and 10,887 females.[6] The sex ratio of 1,188 females per 1,000 males is higher than Kerala's state average of 1,084. The town has a literacy rate of 88.61% with male literacy at 89.53% and female literacy at 87.85% according to the 2011 Census.[6] Scheduled Castes make up about 14.54% and Scheduled Tribes about 0.36% of the population.[6]
Economy
Agriculture is the backbone of Keerikkad’s local economy. Coconut cultivation, paddy fields, and coir-making are common sources of income. Many households also benefit from overseas remittances sent by family members working in the Gulf countries.[7]
Education
Keerikkad has access to primary and secondary education through government and private institutions in and around the town. Literacy rates remain high, consistent with the state's overall emphasis on education.[8]
Transport
Keerikkad is well-connected by road through the nearby National Highway 66 (NH 66). The closest major railway station is Kayamkulam Junction, about 8 km away, providing connectivity to major cities across Kerala.[9] The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 105 km away.[10]
References
- ^ "Census of India: Villages with population 5000 & above". Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 10 December 2008.
- ^ District Census Handbook: Alappuzha (PDF). Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala. 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ Menon, A. Sreedhara (2007). A Survey of Kerala History. DC Books. p. 255.
- ^ "Evoor Sreekrishna Swamy Temple". Kerala Tourism. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ "Temple festivals keep traditions alive in Alappuzha". The Hindu. 19 December 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ a b c "Census of India 2011: Keerikkad Town Population". Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ Human Development Report, Alappuzha District (PDF). State Planning Board, Government of Kerala. 2005. p. 23. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ Education Report - Kerala (Report). Department of General Education, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ "Kayamkulam Junction Railway Station". India Rail Info. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ "Airports in Kerala". Kerala Tourism. Retrieved 3 August 2025.