Erattupetta
Erattupetta is a Municipal Town located in Kottayam district of the state of Kerala, India. It is located 38 km east of Kottayam, the district capital. Erattupetta Grama Panchayath was founded in 1972 and upgraded to municipality in 2015
As of 2001 India census, Erattupetta had a population of 29,675. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Erattupetta has an average literacy rate of 90%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 76%. In Erattupetta, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Source - Wikipedia [Feb 2021]
The "Eraaru" part in all the variation of the names arose from the geographical location, where the two rivers (aru) merge as single one and “Petta” means Town. Erattupetta is situated in the foothills of High Ranges. Hence the Place is also Known as 'The Gate Way of Highrange/Malanadu'.
Earlier, the town was known as "Eerappili" & "Erapuzha". Erattupetta is a secular place with good religious harmony. Many Mosques, Temples and Churches are situated here. The famous pilgrim centers like St.George Forane Church and Valyachan Hills are near the suburbs of Erattupetta.
The "Eraaru" part in all the variation of the names arose from the geographical location, where the two rivers (aru) merge as a single one. Erattupetta is situated in the foothills of High Ranges. The word "Petta" has Tamil/Telugu origin meaning town. Earlier it was known as 'Erapoli' or 'Erapuzha'. It was the commercial capital of the Poonjar principality until 1949. Erattupetta lies in an ancient trade route originating from Athirampuzha to Tamil Nadu. St. Thomas Travelled from Tamil Nadu to Erattupetta through this trade route.
In the past, hill produce from the Cardamom hills were brought down by the Muthuvans for trade. Erattupetta is a famous trading center for spices, rubber, arecanut and other agricultural products. Wagamon, a Hill Station, lies some 22 km east of Erattupetta . Erattupetta has a good number of expatriate population living in Gulf countries, especially in United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Educational institutions include the following:
Government Muslim LP School,Nadackal ,Erattupetta
MMMUM UP School,Nadackal ,Erattupetta
Thanmiya Islamic School,Nadackal ,Erattupetta
St.Mary’s LP School, Aruvithura,Erattupetta
Al-Fitra Islamic School ,Erattupetta
Guidance Public School ,Poonjar,Erattupetta
Al-manar Senior Secondary School,Vattakkayam,Erattupetta
Government Higher Secondary School,Thekkekkara,Erattupetta
St.George Higher Secondary School, Aruvithura,Erattupetta
Muslim Girls Higher Secondary School,Nadackal ,Erattupetta
University College of Teacher Education,Thekkekkara,Erattupetta
ST.Georges College, Aruvithura,Erattupetta
Georgian College, Aruvithura,Erattupetta
St.Alphonsa Public School & Junior College, Aruvithura,Erattupetta
