Kuttampuzha Grama Panchayat: History and Life

1. Geographical Background and History

Kuttampuzha is a beautiful hillside village nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, located at the easternmost extremity of the Ernakulam district in Kerala. Falling under the Kothamangalam taluk, Kuttampuzha Grama Panchayat is one of the largest in the district in terms of area. Surrounded by dense forest reserves and tributaries of the Periyar River, this region was historically under the rule of the Kingdom of Travancore. Initially formed for the collection of forest resources and forest conservation, the area later evolved into today's residential settlement with the influx of immigrants. Kuttampuzha was officially established as an independent Grama Panchayat on September 30, 1983.

2. The Unparalleled Natural Beauty of Kuttampuzha

In terms of natural beauty, Kuttampuzha is a miniature version of 'God's Own Country'. Dense forests stretching over kilometers, lush green hills, and silver-like flowing streams make this village breathtakingly beautiful. The Periyar River and its tributary, the Kuttampuzha River, make this region highly fertile and scenic. The presence of wildlife, the morning mist enveloping the hills, and the chirping of birds turn Kuttampuzha into a paradise for nature lovers.

3. Scheduled Tribes: The Guardians of Indigenous Culture

The tribal and scheduled tribe communities play a crucial role in the demographic structure and cultural heritage of Kuttampuzha. People belonging to tribal communities like the Muthuvan, Mannan, and Urali reside in various settlements (Oorus) located deep within the forests of this panchayat. Living in harmony with nature, their unique customs, beliefs, language, and art forms enrich the cultural diversity of Kuttampuzha. They sustain their livelihood by collecting forest produce and practicing traditional methods of agriculture.

4. Primary Occupations and Public Life

The majority of the population in Kuttampuzha consists of hardworking farmers and laborers. The agricultural sector is the primary source of employment here. Apart from farming, people engage in animal husbandry, dairy production, and the collection of forest produce. Additionally, there is a large workforce employed in the construction and plantation sectors. In recent times, with the growth of the ecotourism sector, new employment opportunities related to homestays, tourist guides, and resorts have started opening up for the local youth.

5. Rich Agricultural Practices

Fertile soil and a favorable climate make Kuttampuzha an excellent agricultural region. Rubber is the primary cash crop here. Apart from rubber, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, coconut, and areca nut are also widely cultivated. In the tribal settlements, traditional forest tubers, cardamom, and vetiver (Ramacham) are grown. Furthermore, cassava (tapioca) and bananas, which are the main livelihoods of the hillside population, thrive abundantly in Kuttampuzha.

6. Milestone Years in History

Certain years hold immense significance in the developmental history of Kuttampuzha:

• 1950s–1960s: This was the period when numerous farming families began migrating here from various parts of Travancore and Central Travancore.

• September 30, 1983: Kuttampuzha was officially formed as an independent Grama Panchayat.

• 2018: This was a year when severe floods heavily impacted public life and agriculture in the area. Overcoming the disaster, the village marched forward again with resilience.

7. The Historic Aluva-Munnar Royal Road

Deeply connected to the history of Kuttampuzha is the old 'Aluva-Munnar Royal Road'. Built during the royal reign with British assistance, this road was used to transport tea from the plantations of Munnar to the Cochin Port. This historic route passed right through the forest regions of Kuttampuzha and Pooyamkutty. A major portion of this road was destroyed in the catastrophic Great Flood of 1924 (the Flood of '99 in the Malayalam calendar) and was later completely swallowed by the forest. Nevertheless, this path remains a marvel for trekkers and historical researchers today.

8. Endless Possibilities of Tueday/Ecotourism

Kuttampuzha is a highly noted destination for ecotourism. It can be easily reached from Kothamangalam via Bhoothathankettu. The famous Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary) shares its boundary with Kuttampuzha. Additionally, Pooyamkutty, Njayapilly (where wildlife can be spotted), Urulanthanni (known for its scenic forest beauty), and the beautiful ghats where the Kuttampuzha River meets the Periyar River attract numerous travelers. The region offers several spots suitable for trekking and off-road driving.

9. Major Sources of Income

Agriculture remains the primary source of income for both the panchayat and its residents. The economy is driven by the trade of rubber and other hill produce. Income from the forest department and forest resources (such as reeds, honey, etc.) is also significant. Recently, revenue generated from the tourism sector has begun contributing substantially to the village economy.

10. Pleasant Climate

Kuttampuzha generally experiences a humid and pleasant hillside climate. Being a high-altitude forest area, it is cooler compared to the plains. The region receives heavy southwest monsoons (Edavapaathi) from June to September. Northeast monsoons (Thulavarsham) also hit during October and November. The chilly weather experienced during December and January makes the climate highly favored by tourists.

11. How to Reach

Kuttampuzha can be reached by traveling approximately 16 kilometers from Kothamangalam, a major town in the Ernakulam district.

• By Road: KSRTC and private buses operate regular services from Kothamangalam to Kuttampuzha via Thattekad.

• By Railway: The nearest railway stations are Aluva (approx. 46 km) or Angamaly.

• By Air: Cochin International Airport (CIAL) at Nedumbassery is the nearest airport.

12. Major Places in Kuttampuzha

There are several notable places within and adjoining the Kuttampuzha Panchayat limits. Kuttampuzha Town, Pooyamkutty (the proposed site for the Pooyamkutty Dam project), Urulanthanni, Manikandanchal, Vadattupara, Njayapilly, and the Panthapra Tribal Settlement are the main centers. Many people visit to see the Manikandanchal Chappath (low-lying bridge) and the breathtaking forest views above it. Bringing together nature, humanity, and wilderness, Kuttampuzha stands as a sublime symbol of Kerala's highland culture.

13. Kuttampuzha's Cinematic Background

Blessed with natural beauty, Kuttampuzha Grama Panchayat in Ernakulam district is a highly favored shooting location for Malayalam cinema, especially for movies set against the backdrop of wilderness and forests. The tributaries of the Periyar, the forest ranges of Pooyamkutty and Mamalakandham, and the Manikandanchal Chappath (iron bridge) have served as the backdrop for several hit movies. The major films shot in and around Kuttampuzha include:

Pulimurugan (2016)

The Mohanlal-starrer 'Pulimurugan', a record-breaking success in Malayalam cinema, was predominantly shot in the Pooyamkutty and Mamalakandham forest regions of Kuttampuzha Panchayat. The forest village named 'Puliyoor' in the movie was actually the deep woods of Pooyamkutty. The sequence where Murugan fights the tiger and most of the scenes showcasing the wilderness of the jungle were captured on camera here.

Shikkar (2010)

Pooyamkutty was also the primary location for the film 'Shikkar', directed by Padmakumar and starring Mohanlal. Telling a tale of revenge inside the jungle, the house of Balaraman (a lorry driver), his lorry journeys, and the action sequences inside the forest were filmed on the forest tracks of Kuttampuzha.

Shikkari Shambhu (2018)

The village of 'Kurutimalakkaavu', which served as the backdrop for the Kunchacko Boban-starrer comedy entertainer 'Shikkari Shambhu', was filmed around Kuttampuzha and Bhoothathankettu. The local river and the rubber plantations bordering the forest can be vividly seen throughout the film.

Poacher (2024)

'Poacher' is a highly acclaimed Indian crime-drama web series released based on true events of elephant poaching that occurred in the forest areas of Kerala. This series shares a very close connection with the Kuttampuzha Grama Panchayat. Created by Emmy Award winner Richie Mehta (of 'Delhi Crime' fame), the series features prominent Malayalam actors like Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in lead roles. The wildlife visuals inside the forest and the cruelty of the poachers are visualized very realistically without losing intensity. Kuttampuzha's geographical features and raw wilderness played a massive role in maintaining the suspense of the series.

Other Famous Films and Locations

Apart from these, key portions of numerous big and small films have been canned across various spots in Kuttampuzha.

• Mamalakandham: The hills, mist, and off-road tracks here have served as locations for songs and fight sequences in many new films.

• Manikandanchal Bridge: This ferry-route-turned-iron bridge across the Pooyamkutty River is a constant presence in movies with a forest backdrop.

• Thattekad Surroundings: The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary adjacent to Kuttampuzha Panchayat and its boat rides have been featured in several romantic movies and songs.

The vast reed forests, forest streams frequented by wild animals, and rocky rivers seen in movies make Kuttampuzha a permanent 'Green Canvas' for filmmakers.