About Panchayat

Topography and Climate

The region features a varied landscape with hills, slopes, and valleys. The highest point in the Panchayat is Kadal Kani Kunnu. Other notable hilly areas include Kottukonam, Malayilpara, Aruvikkavu, and Kanjiramkonam.

The types of soil commonly found in the Panchayat include:

Laterite soil

Red soil

Sandy soil

Alluvial soil

Clay soil

Additionally, large rock formations are found in various parts of the Panchayat. The northwest and southeast regions are relatively elevated, while the central area is more level and flat.

Several small streams originate from the northwest and southeast and flow toward the center, eventually joining the Chittar River. A unique feature of the region is the presence of large rock outcrops where more than a hundred people can take shelter from sun and rain. One such notable formation is Aruvikkavuppara (in Kudayal Ward), which attracts not only tourists but also devotees. The area is also home to a beautiful small waterfall, which adds to its charm. Another prominent rock formation is Pathayapparra in Korani Kottu.

The Panchayat has rich water resources, including:

One river (Chittar)

56 streams

26 water channels

60 ponds

The climate is generally pleasant throughout the year. Seasonal patterns include:

Mild winter: December to February

Northeast monsoon: October and November

Southwest monsoon: June and July

Summer: March to May

Pre-monsoon rains: Also occur in April and May

Agriculture and Irrigation

Located along the southern border of Kerala, Kunnathukal is a predominantly agricultural village. Farmlands are spread across hills, slopes, and narrow valleys.

The Chittar River and its tributaries, which flow through the central part of the Panchayat, provide vital irrigation support.

The main soil type is laterite soil.

Near water bodies, alluvial soil, loamy soil, and occasionally red soil are found.

Rainfall patterns:

Southwest monsoon: May to August

Northeast monsoon: September to November

As rubber cultivation has spread, traditional crops like paddy and tapioca have declined.
Major crops now include:

Rubber

Banana

Coconut

Jackfruit

Tapioca

Rice (Paddy)

Black pepper

Ginger

Hill crops

Due to the lack of canal infrastructure, water scarcity has had a significant impact on paddy cultivation.

Basic Infrastructure
Healthcare

In the past, when modern transportation and medical facilities were scarce, the area relied on traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha/Marma practitioners, including snakebite specialists.

Prominent traditional physicians included:

Parameswaran Pillai (Naranipachupillai)

Appi Pillai Vaidyar

Yesudas Vaidyar of Cheriyakkolla

Modern Allopathic healthcare has a history of over a century in this Panchayat. The Dr. Samuel Memorial C.S.I. Mission Hospital, established by the London Missionary Society in 1894, is located in Karakkonam, the Panchayat headquarters.

In the past, malaria was a major health threat. It's reported that in Malayalam Era 1103, nearly half the population died due to malaria. To combat this, a Malaria Dispensary was established in Kunnathukal around 65 years ago, which later became the Kunnathukal Primary Health Centre.

Education

About a century ago, two major schools were established in the Panchayat:

A Malayalam Middle School in Karakkonam, which is now known as Govt. U.P. School, Karakkonam

Krishna Vilasam L.P. School in Kunnathukal – Konanurkonam, which is currently non-functional

These schools played a key role in the development of education in the region.

Realizing the need for English education, a community leader named Paramu Pillai established an English Middle School in Karakkonam in 1943, starting with preparatory classes.

Industry

Kunnathukal remains industrially backward. The most significant traditional industry is handloom weaving, where most workers are women.