Paippad
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Paippad
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = Census Town
| image_skyline =
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Kerala#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kerala, India
| coordinates = {{coord|9|25|28.8|N|76|35|05.9|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = Kerala
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name2 = Kottayam
| established_title =
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 21,338
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Widely spoken
| demographics1_info1 = Malayalam, Hindi
| timezone1 = IST
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type =
| postal_code = 686537, 686548
| registration_plate = KL- 33
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
Paippad is a vibrant Census Town and Gram Panchayat in the Changanassery Taluk of the Kottayam District in the Indian state of Kerala. It is part of the Changanassery urban agglomeration. It lies approximately 7 km east of Changanassery Municipality center and 5 km north of the Thiruvalla Municipality center.
Geography
Paippad lies within the Madappally Administrative Block. It is bordered by Changanassery to the Northwest, Thiruvalla to the Southwest, Mallappally to the East and Chengannur to the far South.
Demographics
As per the 2011 Census of India, Paippad had a population of 21,338, comprising 10,321 males and 11,017 females. Children below six years constituted about 9.2% of the population. The town boasts a high literacy rate of 97.7%, well above the state average.
Administration
The town is governed by the Paippad Grama Panchayat under the Madappally Block and Changanassery Taluk. It is responsible for managing civic infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, and local development.
- Lok Sabha constituency: Kottayam Lok Sabha constituency
- Assembly constituency: Changanassery Assembly constituency
- District: Kottayam district
Economy
The local economy is driven by agriculture, retail, and construction. Key crops include rubber, coconut, and bananas. Overseas remittances from Gulf Countries form a substantial part of local household income. Migrant workers from northern India contribute to local industries and labor sectors.
Policing
Paippad is served by the Changanassery Police Station under the jurisdiction of the Kottayam Rural Police District.
Education
- Government High School, Paippad
- MST Public School (CBSE-affiliated)
- University College of Teacher Education (UCTE), affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala
Nearby major colleges include St. Berchmans College, Changanassery and institutions in Thiruvalla.
Healthcare
Major multi-specialty hospitals accessible from Paippad include:
- Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla (~2.5 km)
- [https://tmmhospital.org/ Tiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital], Thiruvalla (~4 km)
- Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla (~6 km)
Basic health services are provided by the Government Primary Health Centre (PHC) located within Paippad.
Transportation
- Roads: Located on National Highway 183 (India) (Changanassery–Kaviyoor corridor)
- Bus: KSRTC and private services to Changanassery, Thiruvalla, Mallappally, and Chengannur
- Rail: Nearest stations – Changanasseri railway station (7 km), Tiruvalla railway station (5 km), Chengannur railway station (14 km)
- Airports: Cochin International Airport (~110 km), Trivandrum International Airport (~130 km)
Religious Places of Worship
- Temple - Paippad Sree Puthenkavu Bhagavathy Temple
- Church - Sehion Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Varicadu – Local Christian Worship Center
- Masjid - Paippad Puthanpalli Juma Masjid – A historic mosque, renovated in 2023, originally established in 1897
Climate
Paippad has a Tropical monsoon climate. Average annual temperatures range from 22 °C to 34 °C, and rainfall averages 1,800–3,000 mm per year, concentrated in the monsoon season (June–September).
Utilities and Services
- Electricity: Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB)
- Water: Kerala Water Authority and Panchayat pipelines
- Telecommunications: 4G coverage by BSNL, Jio, Airtel, and Vi
- Banking: Branches of public and private sector banks are operational nearby
- Internet: Fiber/broadband provided by BSNL and private ISPs
- Public Services: Includes post office, village office, and co-operative societies
Real Estate and Development
Land prices in Paippad range from ₹20–40 lakhs for smaller plots. Large independent houses are priced between ₹75 lakhs to 3 crores depending on location and features. The area’s green surroundings, quality of life, and access to infrastructure make it a growing residential hub.
Tourism
Paippad is well-connected to tourism hotspots such as:
- Alappuzha backwaters (~40 km)
- Kumarakom (~40 km)
- Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple (~20 km)
- Sabarimala (via Chengannur, ~90 km)
Its tree-lined roads, paddy fields, and peaceful lifestyle attract both residents and visitors seeking rural tranquility near city conveniences.
Postal and Communication
- PIN code: 686537, 686548
- Telephone code: 0481
- Vehicle registration: KL-33
See also
References
- [https://www.censusindia.gov.in/ Census of India, 2011]
- [https://lsgkerala.gov.in/en Local Self Government Department, Kerala]
- [https://keralapolice.gov.in Kerala Police]
- [https://kerala.gov.in/ Government of Kerala Portal]
- [https://www.bcmch.org/ Believers Church Medical College Hospital]
- [https://tmmhospital.org/ TMM Hospital, Thiruvalla]
- [https://www.pushpagiri.in/ Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital]