Kattappana

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 municipality in the district by population, and serves as a major hub for commercial and economic activity for the surrounding region.

Kattappana was formed primarily by settlers from Pala, Kanjirapally, Thodupuzha, 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.

The area was mainly settled by people from Pala, Kottayam, Changanassery and Thodupuzha. 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.

Kattappana eventually established itself as a commercial hub within the high ranges. This development was fueled by its rapid growth in infrastructure and overall development. However, the turning point for Kattappana's commercial success can be attributed to the construction of two key roads: the Kottayam-Kattappana road and the Puliyanmala-Thodupuzha State Highway.

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.

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 Kochi on 18 October 2016.

The average elevation of Kattappana Municipality is 950 m above sea level.

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.