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{{More citations needed|date=September 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Tripunithura
| name = Thrippunithura
| other_name             = Irumpanam
| other_name =  
| settlement_type         = Neighbourhood
| settlement_type = [[Municipalities of Kerala|Municipality]]<ref name="localbodies">{{Cite web | url=https://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf | title=Local Bodies - Grama Panchayath | website=lsgkerala.gov.in}}</ref>
| image_skyline           = File:Nadamel Marth Mariam Church.jpg
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| image_alt              =  
| photo1a = Hill Palace Museum.jpg
| image_caption          = [[Nadamel Marth Mariam Church]], Tripunithura
| photo2a = Kottavathil.jpg
| pushpin_map             = India Kerala#India
| photo2b = Pooja Cricket Tournament TPTRA 2009.JPG
| pushpin_label_position = right
| photo3a = തൃപ്പൂണിത്തുറ ഹിൽ പാലസിലെ കുളം.JPG
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
| photo3b = Thrippunithara@Temple.jpg
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Kerala, India
| photo4a = Kalikkotta Thripunithura.JPG
| coordinates             = {{coord|9.952767|N|76.338673|E|display=inline,title}}
| spacing = 2
| subdivision_type       = Country
  | space = 2
| subdivision_name       = {{flag|India}}
  | position = center
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
  | color_border = white
| subdivision_name1       = [[Kerala]]
  | color = white
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
  | size = 270
| subdivision_name2       = [[Ernakulam district|Ernakulam]]
| foot_montage = Clockwise from top: South block of [[Hill Palace, Tripunithura|Hill Palace Museum]];
| established_title       = <!-- Established -->
Palace Oval Ground; [[Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple]]; Kalikkotta Palace; Pond in Hill Palace; Kotta Vathil
| established_date       =  
}}
| founder                 =  
| image_alt =
| named_for               =  
| pushpin_map = India Kerala#India
| government_type         =  
| pushpin_label_position = right
| governing_body         =Trippunithura Municipality
| pushpin_map_alt =  
| unit_pref              = Metric
| pushpin_map_caption = Locality in Kerala, India
| area_footnotes          = <ref name="thrippunithuramunicipality.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.thrippunithuramunicipality.in/about|title=ആമുഖം - Tripunithura Municipality|website=www.thrippunithuramunicipality.in}}</ref>
| coordinates = {{coord|9|56|38|N|76|20|58|E|display=inline,title}}
| area_rank               =  
| subdivision_type = Country
| area_total_km2         = 29.17
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| elevation_m             =  
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| population_total       = 92522
| subdivision_type2 = District
| population_as_of       =  
| subdivision_name2 = [[Eranakulam district|Ernakulam]]
| population_rank         =  
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| population_density_km2 = auto
| established_date =  
| population_demonym     =  
| founder =  
| population_footnotes   = <ref name="thrippunithuramunicipality.in"/>
| named_for =  
| demographics_type1     = Languages
| government_type = [[Municipal Council]]
| demographics1_title1   = Official
| governing_body = Thrippunithura Municipality
| demographics1_info1     = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], English
| leader_title1 = Chairperson
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| leader_name1 = P. L. Babu ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| leader_name2 = Radhika Varma ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| postal_code_type       = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| leader_title2 = Deputy Chairperson
| postal_code             = 682301
| government_blank1_title = Municipal wards
| area_code_type         = Telephone code
| government_blank1 = 53<ref>https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/thrippunithura-municipality-election-results-2025-full-list-of-ward-wise-winners-party-2025-12-13-1021583</ref>
| area_code               = 0484
| unit_pref = Metric
| registration_plate     = KL 39
| area_footnotes =
| blank1_name_sec1       = [[Lok Sabha]] Constituency
| area_rank =  
| blank1_info_sec1       = [[Ernakulam]]
| area_total_km2 = 29.17
| website                = {{URL|www.thrippunithuramunicipality.in}}
| elevation_footnotes =  
| footnotes               =  
| elevation_m =  
| population_total = 92,521
| population_as_of =  
| population_rank =  
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =  
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kudumbashree.org/sub-district/881019/20 |title=PMAY profile - Thripunithura Municipality}}</ref>
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], English
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type =  
| postal_code =  
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 0484
| registration_plate = KL 39
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] Constituency
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Ernakulam]]
| footnotes =  
}}
}}


'''Thrippunithura''' or '''Tripunithura''', {{IPA-ml|t̪r̥ipːuːɳit̪ːurɐ|IPA}}, is a prominent historical and residential region in the city of [[Kochi]] in [[Kerala]], India. Located about 7&nbsp;km (4&nbsp;mi) from the city centre, Tripunithura was the capital of the erstwhile [[Kingdom of Cochin]]. The descendants of the [[Cochin Royal Family|Cochin royal family]] still live here. The [[Hill Palace]] situated in Tripunithura was the palace of Maharaja of Cochin, the ruler of [[Kingdom of Cochin]]. [[Tripunithura]] is also well known for its historical cultures  and worldwide famous because of [[Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple]] and the annual festival ''Vrishchikoltsawam'' that takes place at the temple.
'''Thrippunithura''' or '''Tripunithura''' ([[Malayalam]]:തൃപ്പൂണിത്തുറ) is a prominent historical and residential region in the city of [[Kochi]] in [[Kerala]], [[India]]. Located about 7&nbsp;km (4&nbsp;mi) from the city centre, Tripunithura was the capital of the erstwhile [[Kingdom of Cochin]]. The descendants of the [[Cochin Royal Family|Cochin royal family]] still live here. The [[Hill Palace]] situated in Tripunithura was the palace of Maharaja of Cochin, the ruler of [[Kingdom of Cochin]]. [[Tripunithura]] is also well known for its historical cultures  and worldwide famous because of [[Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple]] and the annual festival ''Vrishchikoltsawam'' that takes place at the temple.


In local administration, it is a [[municipality]] named Tripunithura Municipality. In the state administrative structure, Tripunithura is part of the [[Ernakulam District]] in the [[Kerala|state of Kerala]].
In local administration, it is a [[municipality]] named Tripunithura Municipality. In the state administrative structure, Tripunithura is part of the [[Ernakulam District]] in the [[Kerala|state of Kerala]].
[[File:Kottavathil.jpg|thumb|Kotta Vathil]]
[[File:Pooja Cricket Tournament TPTRA 2009.JPG|thumb|Palace Oval Ground at Tripunithura]]
[[File:Pathram.JPG|thumb|Vessel at the Museum]]
[[File:തൃപ്പൂണിത്തുറ ഹിൽ പാലസിലെ കുളം.JPG|thumb|Pond at the hill palace]]
[[File:[email protected]|thumb|Thrippunithura temple]]
[[File:Kalikkotta Thripunithura.JPG|thumb|Kalikkotta]]


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
Some latter day [[Sanskrit]] enthusiasts describe the origin of the name to "pūrṇa vēda puri" — the town of [[Vedas]] in its entirety. Another possible origin to name comes from the meaning "the land on the shores of Poorna river" above doesn't give sense. Thirupunithra = Thiru punitha thara (or Thiru Punitha Thura) means the land that which is holy(thara literally means a platform or an elevated stage). Pooni might also refer to the [[Quiver|bag]] used to carry arrows.
Some latter day [[Sanskrit]] enthusiasts describe the origin of the name to "pūrṇa vēda puri" — the town of [[Vedas]] in its entirety. Another possible origin to name comes from the meaning "the land on the shores of Poorna river" above doesn't give sense. Thirupunithra = Thiru punitha thara (or Thiru Punitha Thura) means the land that which is holy(thara literally means a platform or an elevated stage). The word Pooni has multiple means, two of which are 'bullocks', 'a type of water bird'. Pooni might also refer to the [[Quiver|bag]] used to carry arrows.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}


==History and culture==
==History==
{{Main article|History and culture of Thrippunithura}}
{{Main article|History and culture of Thrippunithura}}
Thrippunithura is known as the Raja Nagari (royal city) and is one of the most prominent centers of traditional Kerala cultural heritage. The palaces of the Cochin Royal House are renowned for being patrons of traditional arts, architecture, literature and music. The erstwhile rulers of Kingdom of Cochin were great patrons of art. This made fine arts and architecture flourish under them in many ways. The town is also a prominent centre of learning for classical arts like [[Carnatic music]], [[Kathakali]] and [[Mohiniyattam]] besides [[percussion]] instruments like [[mridangam]], [[chenda]] and [[maddalam]]. Much of this is facilitated by the [[RLV College of Music and Fine Arts|RLV College]] of Music and Institute of Fine Arts was established here in 1956.<ref>[http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_collegiate/list.htm officialwebsite of kerala.gov.in<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080810221656/http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_collegiate/list.htm |date=10 August 2008 }}</ref> Another center of learning is Kerala Kalalayam which was established by Kathakali artist Padmashree [[Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair]] and Mohiniyattam artist [[Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma]] in 1952. Tripunithura has many dedicated centers for stage performances and promotion of art established by the royal family{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}


==History==
==Politics==
The 'Raja nagari' or the royal city is one of the most prominent centers of traditional Kerala cultural heritage. The erstwhile rulers of Kingdom of Cochin were great patrons of art. This made fine arts and architecture flourish under them in many ways. The town is also a prominent centre of learning for classical arts like [[Carnatic music]], [[Kathakali]] and [[Mohiniyattam]] besides [[percussion]] instruments like [[mridangam]], [[chenda]] and [[maddalam]]. Much of this is facilitated by the [[RLV College of Music and Fine Arts|RLV College]] of Music and Institute of Fine Arts was established here in 1956.<ref>[http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_collegiate/list.htm officialwebsite of kerala.gov.in<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080810221656/http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_collegiate/list.htm |date=10 August 2008 }}</ref> Another center of learning is Kerala Kalalayam which was established by Kathakali artist Padmashree [[Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair]] and Mohiniyattam artist [[Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma]] in 1952. Tripunithura has many dedicated centers for stage performances and promotion of art.
Thrippunithura is part of the [[Ernakulam (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency]] in [[Indian Parliament]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf
|title=Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies
|access-date=2008-10-19
|work=Kerala
|publisher=Election Commission of India
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030085443/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf
|archive-date=2008-10-30
}}</ref> The current elected Member of Parliament representing the constituency is [[Hibi Eden]] of the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/PcResultGenJune2024/candidateswise-S1112.htm|title=2024 General Election Result|website=eci.gov.in|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> The Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency elects seven members to the state Legislative Assembly, one each from [[Ernakulam (State assembly constituency)|Ernakulam]], [[Kalamassery (State Assembly constituency)|Kalamassery]], [[Kochi (State Assembly constituency)|Kochi]], [[Paravur (State Assembly constituency)|Paravur]], [[Thrikkakara (State Assembly constituency)|Thrikkakara]], [[Thrippunithura (State Assembly constituency)|Thrippunithura]] and [[Vypin (State Assembly constituency)|Vypin]].


==Temples==
In the [[Kerala Legislative Assembly|state legislative assembly]], Thrippunithura comes under the [[Thrippunithura Assembly constituency]]. As of the 2021 assembly elections, the current MLA is [[K. Babu]], elected from the [[Indian National Congress]].
* [[Sree Poornathrayesa Temple]]
{{Main article|Sree Poornathrayesa temple}}
* Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
{{Main article|Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha temple}}
* Muthukulangara Temple Eroor
* [[ Pisharikovil Temple Eroor]]
* Poonithura Kottaram Sree Krishna Temple
* Poonithura Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple
* Chakkamkulangara Shiva Temple
* Perunninakulam Shiva Temple
* Kumaramankalam Temple
* Pallippattu Kavu Bhagavathy Temple
* Renuka Devi Amman Temple
* Bala Ganapathi Temple
* Kodamkulangara Sree Dharma Shasthra Temple.                       * Maramkulangara temple Eroor
* Pottayampalam temple Eroor
The famous [[Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple|Bhagavathi temple]] in [[Chottanikkara]] village is located just 5&nbsp;km away from Thrippunithura towards the south-east.
 
===Restaurants and hotels===
There are many restaurants and hotels in and around Tripunithura. There are several eateries which offers excellent vegetarian choices and sweets. The Statue Junction of the town is filled with many refreshment centres including restaurants and juice bars. The main lodgings available are in Vadakkekota - ''Prasanth Hotel'' and also many others. The ''Abhishekam Convention Hall'' is one of the meeting halls available in Tripunithura.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Tripunithura has a population of 92,522.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thrippunithuramunicipality.in/about|title= ആമുഖം|publisher= Tripunithura Municipality}}</ref> Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Thrippunithura has an average literacy rate of 94.34%, higher than the national average of 71.5%: male literacy is 97.37%, and female literacy is 91.52%. In Tripunithura, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. Religion Hinduism 82.78%, Christianity 15.28%, Islam 1.35%.
{{Historical populations|align = left
|1991| 51,078
|2001| 59,884
|2011| 69,390
|footnote = Source: <ref>Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner (web), Delimitation Commission of India (web), Rand McNally International Atlas 1994, School of Planning & Architecture (web)</ref>
}}
As per the [[2011 Indian census]], Thrippunithura has a population of 69,390 and a population density of {{convert|3,713|PD/km2|PD/sqmi|}}. Of this, 48.9% are males and 51.1% are female. 8.18% of the population is under 6 years of age. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] constitute 9.44% and 0.24% of the population respectively. The total literacy rate was 97.71% (98.61% for males and 96.85% for females), which is higher than the state average of 94% and the national average of 74.04%.


==Local government==
===Religion===
Thrippunithura is administered by an elected municipal council headed by the chairperson. [[United Democratic Front (India)|LDF]] is currently ruling the municipality with Rema Santhosh as its chairperson.
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = '''Religion in Thrippunithura''' (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web |title=Population by religion community – 2011 |url=https://www.censusindia.com/towns/thrippunithura-population-ernakulam-kerala-803290}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Hinduism in Kerala|Hinduism]]
|value1 = 82.78
|color1 = darkorange
|label2 = [[Christianity in Kerala|Christianity]]
|value2 = 15.28
|color2 = Blue
|label3 = [[Islam in Kerala|Islam]]
|value3 = 1.35
|color3 = Green
|label4 = None
|value4 = 0.54
|color4 = black
|label5 = Other
|value5 = 0.05
|color5 = grey
}}
Thrippunithura is one of the most homogenous areas in Kerala in terms of religion. According to the 2011 census, [[Hinduism in Kerala|Hindus]] are the majority with 82% of the population adhering to the religion. [[Christianity in Kerala|Christians]] form a small minority, constituting 15% of the population. [[Islam in Kerala|Muslims]] constitute 1% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thiruvalla Municipality City Population Census 2011-2023 {{!}} Kerala |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/803303-thiruvalla-kerala.html |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref>


===Villages in Tripunithura municipality===
Thrippunithura is home to the [[Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple]], widely known throughout Kerala for its yearly ''Vrishcikotsavam''. It is the first of the eight royal temples of the erstwhile [[Kingdom of Cochin]]. Thrippunithura also has had a long presence of [[St. Thomas Christians]] from antiquity. The [[Nadamel Marth Mariam Church]] (Nadamel Pally), established in A.D. 1175, is the oldest church in Thrippunithura.
* Tripunithura-Nadama
* Thekkumbhagam
* Thiruvankulam


==Education==
==Education==
Tripunithura has many educational institutions which makes the place a good haven for education. Primary, High and Higher Secondary School education is available in many schools. The Government schools functioning in Tripunithura include the Government Sanskrit High School, Government Girls High School, Government Palace High School and Government Boys High School as well as private management schools like The Convent School and The Shree Venkiteshwara School.
Tripunithura has many educational institutions which makes the place a good haven for education. Primary, High and Higher Secondary School education is available in many schools. The Government schools functioning in Tripunithura include the Government Sanskrit High School, Government Girls High School, Government Palace High School and Government Boys High School as well as private management schools like The Convent School and The Shree Venkiteshwara School.


There are also a few privately managed [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]] schools, namely, Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Sree Narayana Vidya Peetam Public School, the Nair Service Society (NSS) Higher Secondary School, The Choice School which function in various parts of the town to provide the necessary basics and also higher education for children. The landmark of the town is the RLV Music College which provides proteges with training in Classical music and has also produced many great singers most notably K. J. Yesudas.
There are also a few privately managed [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]] schools, namely, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Sree Narayana Vidya Peetam Public School, the Nair Service Society (NSS) Higher Secondary School, The Choice School which function in various parts of the town to provide the necessary basics and also higher education for children. The landmark of the town is the [[RLV College of Music and Fine Arts|RLV Music College]] which provides proteges with training in Classical music and has also produced many great singers most notably [[K. J. Yesudas]].


Tripunithura also has colleges like the Sanskrit College, Chinmaya College of Arts Commerce and Science and the NSS College for Women.
Tripunithura also has 4 government colleges such as Government College Tripunithura (Arts College), Sanskrit College Tripunithura, RLV College of Fine Arts, and Government Ayurveda College.


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
Thripunithura is surrounded by stretches of ''Vembanad Lake'' and Canals which sustain inland navigation. The town is situated almost 8 meters above [[Mean sea level|Mean Sea Level]]. The town is extends up to the East Till [[Thiruvankulam]].
In the south, Thrippunithura borders the [[Vembanad]], the longest lake in India. The lake provides facilities for inland water navigation, with the Champakkara canal stretch of the [[National Waterway 3]] forming its western boundary with [[Kochi]] and [[Maradu]]. The canal then merges with the Chithrapuzha river in the north, near [[Irumpanam]]. Thrippunithura has an average elevation of {{cvt|8|metres}} above sea level, with the areas near [[Thiruvankulam]] in the easternmost boundaries rising to 30m.
{| style="right; margin:0 0 0 0;"
|+'''Neighbouring cities & towns'''
|
{{Geographic Location
|title = '''Destinations from Thrippunithura'''
|Northwest = [[Ernakulam]]
|North    = [[Kakkanad]]
|Northeast = [[Muvattupuzha]]
|West      = [[Fort Kochi]] 
|Centre    = Thrippunithura
|East      = [[Puthencruz]] 
|Southwest = [[Aroor]]
|South    = [[Vaikom]] 
|Southeast = [[Piravom]] 
}}
|}


==Transport==
==Transport==
Tripunithura has a main bus-stand in its main centre with buses going from and coming into from different locations. Furthermore, it has bus-stops in almost every part of the town which makes travel by bus easier. Railway transport is also available. NH 85(Kochi Madurai highway) or Old [[National Highway 49 (India)|NH 49]] passes through Karingachira. Ernakulam-Ettumanoor State Highway(SH 15) also passes through Thrippunithura.
Tripunithura has a main bus-stand in its main centre with buses going from and coming into from different locations. Furthermore, it has bus-stops in almost every part of the town which makes travel by bus easier. Railway transport is also available. NH 85 (Kochi Madurai highway) or Old [[National Highway 49 (India)|NH 49]] passes through Karingachira. Ernakulam-Ettumanoor State Highway(SH 15) also passes through Thrippunithura.


[[Tripunithura railway station]] is a major railway station in Ernakulam to Kottayam route with many passenger trains and express trains having a stop here.
[[Tripunithura railway station]] is a major railway station in Ernakulam to Kottayam route with many passenger trains and express trains having a stop here.
Thripunithura metro station has started its operations since 6 March 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/05/21/kochi-metro-final-trial-run-along-tripunithura-begins.html | title=Kochi Metro: Final trial run along Tripunithura stretch commences }}</ref> The [[Iron Bridge (Thrippunithura)|iron bridge]] at Thrippunithura is one of the oldest iron bridges in India.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-09-18 |title=The bridge over the Padinjare Puzha |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-bridge-over-the-padinjare-puzha/article7665128.ece |access-date=2023-07-22 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


==Royal Heritage==
==Royal Heritage==
Line 173: Line 182:


{{Kerala}}
{{Kerala}}
{{Municipalities of Kerala}}
{{Kochi (India) topics}}
{{Kochi (India) topics}}
{{Ernakulam district}}
{{Ernakulam district}}
{{Neighbourhoods of Kochi}}


[[Category:Neighbourhoods in Kochi]]
[[Category:Neighbourhoods in Kochi]]
[[Category:Regions of Kochi]]
[[Category:Regions of Kochi]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Ernakulam district]]
[[Category:Kathakali]]
[[Category:Kathakali]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
[[Category:Former capitals in India]]
[[Category:Suburbs of Kochi]]

Latest revision as of 16:36, 17 March 2026

Thrippunithura
Clockwise from top: South block of Hill Palace Museum; Palace Oval Ground; Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple; Kalikkotta Palace; Pond in Hill Palace; Kotta Vathil
Thrippunithura is located in Kerala
Thrippunithura
Thrippunithura
Locality in Kerala, India
Thrippunithura is located in India
Thrippunithura
Thrippunithura
Thrippunithura (India)
Coordinates: 9°56′38″N 76°20′58″E / 9.94389°N 76.34944°E / 9.94389; 76.34944
Country India
StateKerala
DistrictErnakulam
Government
 • TypeMunicipal Council
 • BodyThrippunithura Municipality
 • ChairpersonP. L. Babu (BJP)
 • Deputy ChairpersonRadhika Varma (BJP)
Municipal wards53[2]
Area
 • Total29.17 km2 (11.26 sq mi)
Population
 • Total92,521
 • Density3,200/km2 (8,200/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Telephone code0484
Vehicle registrationKL 39
Lok Sabha ConstituencyErnakulam

Thrippunithura or Tripunithura (Malayalam:തൃപ്പൂണിത്തുറ) is a prominent historical and residential region in the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. Located about 7 km (4 mi) from the city centre, Tripunithura was the capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Cochin. The descendants of the Cochin royal family still live here. The Hill Palace situated in Tripunithura was the palace of Maharaja of Cochin, the ruler of Kingdom of Cochin. Tripunithura is also well known for its historical cultures and worldwide famous because of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple and the annual festival Vrishchikoltsawam that takes place at the temple.

In local administration, it is a municipality named Tripunithura Municipality. In the state administrative structure, Tripunithura is part of the Ernakulam District in the state of Kerala.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Some latter day Sanskrit enthusiasts describe the origin of the name to "pūrṇa vēda puri" — the town of Vedas in its entirety. Another possible origin to name comes from the meaning "the land on the shores of Poorna river" above doesn't give sense. Thirupunithra = Thiru punitha thara (or Thiru Punitha Thura) means the land that which is holy(thara literally means a platform or an elevated stage). The word Pooni has multiple means, two of which are 'bullocks', 'a type of water bird'. Pooni might also refer to the bag used to carry arrows.[citation needed]

History[edit | edit source]

Thrippunithura is known as the Raja Nagari (royal city) and is one of the most prominent centers of traditional Kerala cultural heritage. The palaces of the Cochin Royal House are renowned for being patrons of traditional arts, architecture, literature and music. The erstwhile rulers of Kingdom of Cochin were great patrons of art. This made fine arts and architecture flourish under them in many ways. The town is also a prominent centre of learning for classical arts like Carnatic music, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam besides percussion instruments like mridangam, chenda and maddalam. Much of this is facilitated by the RLV College of Music and Institute of Fine Arts was established here in 1956.[4] Another center of learning is Kerala Kalalayam which was established by Kathakali artist Padmashree Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and Mohiniyattam artist Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma in 1952. Tripunithura has many dedicated centers for stage performances and promotion of art established by the royal family[citation needed]

Politics[edit | edit source]

Thrippunithura is part of the Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency in Indian Parliament.[5] The current elected Member of Parliament representing the constituency is Hibi Eden of the Indian National Congress.[6] The Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency elects seven members to the state Legislative Assembly, one each from Ernakulam, Kalamassery, Kochi, Paravur, Thrikkakara, Thrippunithura and Vypin.

In the state legislative assembly, Thrippunithura comes under the Thrippunithura Assembly constituency. As of the 2021 assembly elections, the current MLA is K. Babu, elected from the Indian National Congress.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Historical population
YearPop.±%
199151,078—    
200159,884+17.2%
201169,390+15.9%
Source: [7]

As per the 2011 Indian census, Thrippunithura has a population of 69,390 and a population density of 3,713 inhabitants per square kilometre (9,620/sq mi). Of this, 48.9% are males and 51.1% are female. 8.18% of the population is under 6 years of age. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes constitute 9.44% and 0.24% of the population respectively. The total literacy rate was 97.71% (98.61% for males and 96.85% for females), which is higher than the state average of 94% and the national average of 74.04%.

Religion[edit | edit source]

Religion in Thrippunithura (2011)[8]

  Hinduism (82.78%)
  Christianity (15.28%)
  Islam (1.35%)
  None (0.54%)
  Other (0.05%)

Thrippunithura is one of the most homogenous areas in Kerala in terms of religion. According to the 2011 census, Hindus are the majority with 82% of the population adhering to the religion. Christians form a small minority, constituting 15% of the population. Muslims constitute 1% of the population.[9]

Thrippunithura is home to the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, widely known throughout Kerala for its yearly Vrishcikotsavam. It is the first of the eight royal temples of the erstwhile Kingdom of Cochin. Thrippunithura also has had a long presence of St. Thomas Christians from antiquity. The Nadamel Marth Mariam Church (Nadamel Pally), established in A.D. 1175, is the oldest church in Thrippunithura.

Education[edit | edit source]

Tripunithura has many educational institutions which makes the place a good haven for education. Primary, High and Higher Secondary School education is available in many schools. The Government schools functioning in Tripunithura include the Government Sanskrit High School, Government Girls High School, Government Palace High School and Government Boys High School as well as private management schools like The Convent School and The Shree Venkiteshwara School.

There are also a few privately managed CBSE schools, namely, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Sree Narayana Vidya Peetam Public School, the Nair Service Society (NSS) Higher Secondary School, The Choice School which function in various parts of the town to provide the necessary basics and also higher education for children. The landmark of the town is the RLV Music College which provides proteges with training in Classical music and has also produced many great singers most notably K. J. Yesudas.

Tripunithura also has 4 government colleges such as Government College Tripunithura (Arts College), Sanskrit College Tripunithura, RLV College of Fine Arts, and Government Ayurveda College.

Geography[edit | edit source]

In the south, Thrippunithura borders the Vembanad, the longest lake in India. The lake provides facilities for inland water navigation, with the Champakkara canal stretch of the National Waterway 3 forming its western boundary with Kochi and Maradu. The canal then merges with the Chithrapuzha river in the north, near Irumpanam. Thrippunithura has an average elevation of 8 m (26 ft) above sea level, with the areas near Thiruvankulam in the easternmost boundaries rising to 30m.

Transport[edit | edit source]

Tripunithura has a main bus-stand in its main centre with buses going from and coming into from different locations. Furthermore, it has bus-stops in almost every part of the town which makes travel by bus easier. Railway transport is also available. NH 85 (Kochi Madurai highway) or Old NH 49 passes through Karingachira. Ernakulam-Ettumanoor State Highway(SH 15) also passes through Thrippunithura.

Tripunithura railway station is a major railway station in Ernakulam to Kottayam route with many passenger trains and express trains having a stop here.

Thripunithura metro station has started its operations since 6 March 2024.[10] The iron bridge at Thrippunithura is one of the oldest iron bridges in India.[11]

Royal Heritage[edit | edit source]

Location[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Local Bodies - Grama Panchayath" (PDF). lsgkerala.gov.in.
  2. https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/thrippunithura-municipality-election-results-2025-full-list-of-ward-wise-winners-party-2025-12-13-1021583
  3. "PMAY profile - Thripunithura Municipality".
  4. officialwebsite of kerala.gov.in Archived 10 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  5. "Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies" (PDF). Kerala. Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 October 2008. Retrieved 19 October 2008.
  6. "2024 General Election Result". eci.gov.in. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  7. Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner (web), Delimitation Commission of India (web), Rand McNally International Atlas 1994, School of Planning & Architecture (web)
  8. "Population by religion community – 2011".
  9. "Thiruvalla Municipality City Population Census 2011-2023 | Kerala". www.census2011.co.in. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  10. "Kochi Metro: Final trial run along Tripunithura stretch commences".
  11. "The bridge over the Padinjare Puzha". The Hindu. 18 September 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 July 2023.

External links[edit | edit source]