Ayyappancoil - kuchewar

Ayyappancoil, also spelt Ayyappankovil is a village in newly formed Idukki taluk in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. The place is popular for having a suspension bridge with a length of 200 meters and an old historic Sastha temple on the banks of Periyar river.

Ayyappancoil is 15 km (9.3 mi) far from Kattappana, which is a nearby major town. Ayyappancoil is located 45 km (28 mi) from District headquarters Painavu and 230 km (140 mi) from its State capital city Thiruvananthapuram . Ayyappancoil was a big township in early 1960s. During the construction of Idukki hydro-electric project, the township was evacuated by the Kerala government.

Demographics

As of 2011 Census, Ayyappancoil village had population of 34,267 of which 16,943 are males while 17,324 are females. Ayyappancoil village spreads over an area of 85.73 km² (33.10 sq mi) with 8,736 families residing in it. In Ayyappancoil, 9.3% of the population was under 6 years of age. Ayyappancoil had an average literacy of 93.5% higher than the national average of 74% and lower than state average of 94%: male literacy was 95.4% and female literacy was 91.7%.

Economy

Ayyappancoil is predominantly an agrarian based economy. Cash crops like cardamom, pepper and tea are widely cultivated here.

Administration

Ayyappancoil panchayath was formed in 1977 and it spreads over an area of about 42.68 km². It is divided into 13 wards for administrative convenience. It is surrounded by Kanchiyar panchayath in north, Kumily in east, Upputhara in west and Elappara in south.

Wards in Ayyappancoil panchayath

Ayyappancoil
Aanakuzhi
Mattukatta
Chembalam
Dorland
Palanikkavu
Sulthaniya
Pachakadu
Heavenvalley
K. Chappathu
Aalady
Poovanthikudi
Marykulam

Places of interest

Ayyappancoil suspension (hanging) bridge

Ayyappancoil hanging (Suspension) bridge is built across the Periyar River, connecting the Ayyappancoil Grama panchayath and Kanchiyar Grama Panchayath in Idukki district, Kerala. The older road bridge over the Periyar River is submerged by the waters of the Idukki Reservoir for about 6 months in the year. The suspension bridge gives year round pedestrian access. This bridge is the longest hanging suspension bridge in the district. The suspension bridge draws a lot of tourists owing to its picturesque scenery.