Kuthiathode is a gram panchayat in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is only 20 minutes from Kochi city.

Geography

The Kuthiathode or river stream, was once the major waterway for transporting goods to the local market from Kochi via the Vembanad lake.

History

The name Kuthiathode comes from Kuthia (dug)+ thode (canal) means a dug-canal. The Panchayat has a Gandhi memorial inside its office dedicated to Mahathma Gandhi who visited this place during the Pre-Independence period.

Demographics

India census, Kuthiathode had a population of 22,880 with 11,098 males and 11,782 females. The population consists of Ezhavas, Nairs, Nampoothiris, Gouda Saraswat Brahmins, Tamil Brahmins, Pulayas, Kudumbis, Muslims, and Christians living harmoniously together.

Administration

Kuthiathode is under the Pattanakkad development block. Kuthiathode, Vallethode, Parayakad, Nallukulanagara, Pallithode, Chapakadavu, Tirumalabhagom, Thazhuppu, Thuravoor North, and Valamangalam North are the local areas under the panchayat. The panchayat office has a library and a community hall. The excise range office is next door. The Kuthiathode village office, Krishi Bhavan office, government veterinary clinic, and sub-treasury are also located in Kuthiathode. The BSNL telephone exchange is near the Kuthiathode Jamat mosque. Kuthiathode is within the Aroor state assembly constituency.

Schools

Transportation

The village is well connected to the nearest towns by NH-47, Thuravoor-Ezhupunna road and the Pallithode-Chellanam-Kochi beach road. The Alapuzha-Ernakulam Railway has a crossing station at Thuravoor.

Economy

The local market on both sides of the river was a major commercial hub around the locality. Even now, the market exists with a few wholesale traders selling vegetables and other provisions. The vast agricultural lands on the western side, or the Thuravoor Kari, where large-scale paddy cultivation and shrimp farming are done annually and serve as the seasonal livelihood for many of them. A large number of shrimp peeling sheds operating in this panchayat provide large-scale employment.

Industrial Units

Tourism

The landscape of paddy fields on both sides of the Pallithode-Chavady road is really splendid. One can enjoy the evening panoramic view of Chinese fishing nets across the Pallithode backwaters from the Pallithode bridge. A small backwater lake at Tazzupu connects Kuthiathode with Valiathode.During Onam boat racing is held in Tazzupu backwaters and attracts many seasonal tourists.

Religious buildings

Hindu temples

Mosques

Churches