About Changanassery

Changanassery is a municipal town in Kottayam district of Kerala. It is located between Kottayam and Thiruvalla. It is also a peaceful place where people belonging to different religions such as Hinduism, Islam and Christianity amicably co-exist. The people of Changanassery are good mannered as well as well known for their hospitality. Changanassery is surrounded by Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kanjirapally and Kumarakom and are the major attractions of Changanassery. All these places have made Changanassery a popular tourist destination and tourists from all parts of the country visit this city throughout the year.

Changanassery was formed in AD 90. It is believed that the town got its name from the place named “Changannattusserry”. Another interesting story is that during the reign of King Udaya Marthanda Varma of Travancore, a Catholic church was built by giving out plots for sowing ‘Changazhy’, ‘Nazhy’, ‘Uri’, ‘Payattupadu’ (Malayalam terms for measuring grains). All these put together formed the ‘Changanasserry’ which was named to that place. It is also said that the place is called Changanasserry which is derived from the name Shamghunadasserry. Some people say that the name is derived from ‘Thenganamsserry’ which is the name of the place ‘Thengana’ which is found in the suburbs of Changanasserry. A market place was formed in 980 AD by the Diwan of Travancore Veluthampy Dalava at the market place of Changanasserry and today it has grown as “Janapath”. A centennial celebration of the place took place in the year 1905 and the people also installed the “Anchu Vilakku” which signifies the ‘unity in diversity’ near the Boat Jetty. 

Changanassery is one among the four municipalities of Kottayam district which is surrounded by Paippad in the south, Vazhapally in the North, Thrikkodithanam-Madapally in the East and Paippad- Vazhapally panchayats in the west. It is situated on Latitude 9^o N and Longitude 76^o E and is 60 Kms from Quilon and the same distance from Cochin.

The total area of Changanaserry is 13.50 Sq Kms. Changanassery is divided into 32 wards to make the administration of the city easier. The total population of the municipality comes around 56000. The municipal office is situated in the heart of the city on the Main Central Road (MC Road). There are 23 co-operative establishments that work actively within the confinement of the municipality. The emblem of the Changanassery municipality is the combination of Hindu, Muslim and Christian worship places. 

The town is strategically located which helps in the growth of economy. The business has grown due to the coming of traders from Alappuzha, Kottayam and Vazhoor. Main business transaction is on agriculture products and consumer goods. The town also has KSRTC bus depot, railway stations, Boat Jetty, two municipal bus stands, three major bridges and all these help in promoting the business transactions. Various multi-storied buildings, increase in the number of automobiles, departmental stores, jewelers, high standard of the life of the people bears testimony of the prosperity of the town.

Festivals are celebrated in Changanassery with great pomp and show. The important festivals of the city are:

Ekadasi Festival: The prominent festival celebrated in the city is Ekadasi festival which is celebrated on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight. The Vrichika Ekadasi has special importance.

Utsam or Annual Festival: This is celebrated on the Pushya day in February and March. This festival is for the purification as well as revitalizing the deity’s powers. 

Saraswathy Pooja: This festival is celebrated during the last three days of Navaratri as these three days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswathy. This evening is celebrated with great passion as the preparations for Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, Krishnanattam begin on this day.

Some other important festivals celebrated are Mandala Pooja, Vaishakha festival, Thiruvonam, vishu festival and Samkrama festival. 

Changanassery also has many tourist places which attract people from across the world. Some of the important tourist places in and near Changanaserry are:

The nearest airport to the Changanassery is Cochin International Airport which is one and a half hour of drive from Changanassery. Thus, it is well connected with the other parts of the country as well as world. The nearest railway station is Changanassery Railway Station and connected to all the major cities of the country. The city is also well connected by road to other parts of the state and the country. There are buses operated by KSRTC and private bus services which makes the travel of the tourists easier. 

Government: Municipal Council  

Population (as per 2001 census): 51,960

Time Zone – IST

Postal Index Number- 686 101

STD Code- 0481

Official Languages - Malayalam & English