Vadavannur
Grama Panchayat

At a Glance About Us At a Glance Taluk: Chittur District: Palakkad Wards: 14 Legislative Assembly Constituency: Nemmara Parliamentary Constituency: Alathur Villages: Vadavannur Total Population (2011 Census): 35,706 Area: 17.38 sq. km. Profile & Overview Vadavannur Grama Panchayat was formed on January 31, 1972. Covering an area of 17.38 square kilometers, the Panchayat is divided into 14 wards and is situated in the Chittur Taluk of Palakkad district. According to earlier demographic records, out of a population of 16,215, there were 8,210 females and 8,005 males. Achieving a literacy rate of 90%, the Panchayat relies primarily on wells for drinking water, with 152 public wells and 206 public drinking water taps serving the local populace. The public distribution network includes 5 functional ration shops, while 42 streetlights illuminate the thoroughfares for nighttime transit. Physiographically located in the midland region, Vadavannur Grama Panchayat is broadly classified into plain areas and sloped terrains. The predominant soil varieties include clay, loamy soil, sandy clay, sandy loam, sandy soil, black soil, red soil, and alluvial soil. The Panchayat is bounded by the Gayathripuzha River to the south, Muthalamada and Pattanchery Panchayats to the east, Pattanchery and Puthunagaram Panchayats to the north, and Pallassana Panchayat to the west. Paddy serves as the principal agricultural crop, supported by the Gayathripuzha River flowing through the area. In addition to the river, 265 public ponds along with major canal irrigation networks—including the Meenkara, Moolathara, Chittur, and Vattachira canals—form the backbone of the region's irrigation system. Proper upkeep and utilization of these water resources remain vital to driving the village's agricultural progress. While large-scale industries are absent, medium-scale enterprises such as rice mills, alongside small-scale and traditional industries like mat weaving, operate across various parts of Vadavannur. The Panchayat holds substantial potential for developing medium-scale industrial ventures. Education forms a core pillar of development in the Panchayat. Historically, learning centered around traditional Ezhuthassans (village scribes/teachers) and local Ezhuthukalaris (elementary learning centers). Formal schooling began when Parakkal Achutha Menon established the first school in Vadavannur—the Aided Boys Elementary School. Today, the Panchayat hosts 2 Government schools and 3 Private Management schools. Local infrastructure includes: Healthcare & Veterinary Services: A Primary Health Center operates within the Panchayat, supported by Primary Health Sub-Centers at Malayamballam and Mullalkulambu. Veterinary healthcare is catered to by a Veterinary Hospital under the Department of Animal Husbandry. Ambulance services are also available. Government & Financial Institutions: Major public offices include the Village Office, Krishi Bhavan, and Post Office. The Vadavannur Co-operative Bank and Oottara Co-operative Bank serve as primary financial institutions. Connectivity & Transport: Excellent road networks bisect the Panchayat, including the Kollengode–Palakkad and Kollengode–Thrissur roads, with the Kollengode Bus Stand serving as a key transit hub. The nearest railway stations are Vadakannyakapuram and Oottara (Kollengode), while Coimbatore International Airport serves as the closest airport for air travel. Culture, Society & Facilities: The Panchayat is home to 5 temples and 2 mosques. Cultural traditions are highlighted by celebrations like Kummatti, Oottara Ayyappan Vilakku, Pokkunni Ayyappan Vilakku Festival, and the Alampallam Gramam Chariot (Theru) Festival, which attract cross-community participation. Cultural and social institutions such as the Young Men's Association, Kerala Kalakendra, and Dr. Ambedkar Smaraka Kalasamithi actively enrich local arts. Literacy and community life are further supported by the Vadavannur Grama Library & Reading Room, Pokkunni Rural Library, a community hall, and 2 wedding auditoriums. Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and legendary actor M.G. Ramach