About Chalakudy

Chalakudy is situated on the banks of River Chalakudy on NH 47 in Thrissur District of Kerala. It is a municipality as well as a taluk. It also serves as base camp for all those travelling to Athirapally as well as Vazhacal falls. It is located about 36 Km to the north of Cochin and it is 30 Km away from Thrissur. Chalakudy is surrounded by the Kerala’s commercial capital Ernakulam, Thrissur the cultural capital, the temple city of Guruvayur and the Athirapally waterfalls.

The name Chalakudy is derived from Shalakudy which means the place where sacrifices are made to a larger extent. According to the local legends, several rishis used to come to this place as it was considered a sacred land and used to make sacrifices and hoist a flag next to that which made this place to be called as “yagashalakod”. Later this became Shalakudy and further changed as Chalakudy. It was also the headquarters for Kodassry Nadu. It was Sakthan Thampuran who was the ruler of Cochin formed Kodassery (Chalakudy) taluk in the year 1790 by merging Ayyanezhi Nadu, KuzhurNadu, Korattty Nadu, Kanjur and Malayattur. As per Brahmanical tradition Chalakudy was a part of Adur Grama and also Potta in Chalakudy was part of Irinjalakuda Grama. Chalakudy also has historical importance as it was used by the Tipu Sultan as a base for his army in the south for his war against Travancore as well as other southern provinces

According to 2011 census, Chalakudy’s total population comes to 114,901. The density of the population is 4554 per sq Km. Out of the total population, 55,276 constitute male and 59625 females. The children (aged 6-10) constitute 8.86% and is lower than National Urban average which is 10.93%. The literacy rate of Chalakudy is 96.42% and higher than the National Urban average which is 85%. Of which male literacy rate is 97.53% and female literacy rate is 95.41%. The sex ratio of Chalakudy stands at 96.42% and is higher than the National Urban Average of 926 females for every 1000 males. Among the children, girls constitute 948 per 1000 boys in which is higher than the national average of 902 girls per 1000 boys.

Chalakudy Municipality was established in 1970. It covers 25.23 square kilometer which consists of 36 electoral wards. It is a grade II municipality. It was a segment of Lok Sabha Constituency of Mukundapuram which became Chalakudy Lok Sabha Assembly Constituency later. In 2013, Chalakudy became a Taluk.

Chalakudy houses many important business houses of the country as well as state; it has Government Press. The Peringalkuthu Hydro Project is situated 42 Km to the east of Chalakudy. It is to be noted that Chalakudy occupies important position as it is the largest seller of Beverages Corporation.

Surabi Theatre situated to the south of Chalakudy is the oldest movie theatre and also an important landmark. Chalakudy also houses many banks and other non-banking financial institutions. Chalakudy also houses Federal Bank's one of the first five branches. It has two theme parks which were started a decade ago and also the prime attraction of the town.

For all the nature lovers, Chalakudy is the ideal choice. Chalakudy is a picturesque town that comes with a refreshing weather. It is ideal to visit Chalakudy during December to March. Monsoon season is also an ideal time to visit. It comes with all the amenities that are needed for a suburb and is well connected by railways and National Highway. Some of the tourists’ attractions in and around Chalakudy are

Chalakudy is an ideal place for shopping. The tourists can shop for jewellery, handicrafts, clothing, antiques, brasswares, etc. Some of the prominent shopping centres are:

Chalakudy South Thrissur

Phone No – 0480 – 3275119

Annamananda Junction

Near Chalakudy

Phone No -09869349704

Category: shops suitable for banks and hotels

20/463 Kanichal building

North Junction near

Aynikkal Theatre Chalakudy

Phone No: 480-2701345

Category: Cellphone showroom

North Junction Chungath Road

Near State Bank of India, Chalakudy

Phone No: 480-2702414, 9947104355

Category – Bakery Shop

Akkara building South Junction

Chalakudy Municipal Bus Stand

Chalakudy

Phone No 480-2707247, 294

Category – Watch Store

In Chalakudy, the tourists will find many restaurants that serve traditional Kerala cuisine that are made out of coconut oil, curry leaves, tamarind and paste. The tourists should also taste the delicious fish curries that are made with various spices. Apart from the local cuisines, the tourists will also find many restaurants that serve multi-cuisine, Chinese, north Indian, south Indian and Continental cuisines. The tourists will find quality restaurant serving traditional Kerala food in each and every street of Chalakudy. The tourists will also find high class hotels and authentic Kerala cuisines restaurant in many parts of the city where they can stay comfortably and can dine in the restaurant that serves hygienic and authentic Kerala food

Chalakudy is located on National Highway 47 and falls between Cochin and Coimbatore. Another major road is State Highway 21 that connects it to Vazhachal as well as to the border of Tamil Nadu. Chalakudy also has KSRTC buses as well as private buses throughout the town. KSRTC also connects Chalakudy to other parts of the state as well as to other states. Many private buses are operated to the suburbs of Chalakudy. As regards railways, it comes under Southern Railway zone under Indian Railways and falls under Trivandrum Railway Division. The town comes with two railway station one in Divine Nagar Railway Station and Chalakudy railway station. Both the railway station lies in the busy route of Cochin-Shoranur harbor. 36 express trains and 6 pairs of passenger trains stop at Chalakudy. For local transport, there are several private and public buses, cabs and taxis available. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport which connects it not only to other parts of country but also to the world.

Government: Municipal Council & Taluk

Population (as per 2011 census): 114,901

Time Zone – IST

Postal Index Number- 680 307

STD Code- 0480

Official Languages - Malayalam & English

Utilities and Services in Chalakudy