Aroor is situated on the National Highway 47 between Cherthala and Kochi. Aroor is identified as industrial park for sea food exports. It is also one of the fish landing centres.
Arthungal
It is an important pilgrim centre of Roman Catholic Christians and is famous for well known St. Andrews Church, popularly known as St. Sebastuian Church situated 8 km south-west of Cherthala town facing the sea coast. Hindu pilgrims from Sabarimala used to visit Arthungal and take bath in a tank in the Church premises to formally conclude their penance. The tank is not in existence now.
Cherthala
The town is famous for the well known Devi (Karthyayani) temple located in the centre of the town. Padayani and vela thullal of the temple are famous .The idol of Bhagavathy(goddess) is said to have been consecrated by Vilwamangalath Swamiyar (A famous priest). Cherthala is well -connected by road and rail. It is a major centre of coir industry. The well-known politician and the present Union Defence Minister A K Antony hails from Cherthala Town.
Kanichukulangara
Situated 13 km north of Alappuzha town, Kanichukulangara is famous for the Bhagavathy temple. It is believed that the shrine was consecrated by a Brahmin who happened to recognize Devi who had reached the shore. The souls of the brahmin and the maiden who is said to have fallen in love with Brahmin have been consecrated in small shrines inside the temple.
Kokkamangalam
Situated on the western shore of Vembanad lake is the seat of one oldest churches world. It is said that the apostle St. Thomas, who visited Kerala and established 7 churches including one here , consecrated a cross there. Later the cross was found missing and it was recovered from Pallipuram and brought back to Kokkothamangalm where a church was built. The present church was built in 1900.It is a major pilgrim center.
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal known as the mysterious sand of midnight, is a small beautiful island of tourist importance. It is situated in the centre of Vembanad lake, 4 km east of Muhamma. This island is full of coconut trees and luxuriant vegetation.
Thannermukkom
It is situated on the western bank of Vembanad lake. The Thannermukkom salt water barrier was constructed as apart of Kuttanad Development Scheme. The Thannermukkom regulator constructed across Vembanad lake between Thannermukkom and Vechur is to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water. It is the largest mud regulator in India.
Thiruvizha
Thiruvizha is situated about 5 km south-west of Cherthala and is famous for Shiva temple. The temple attracts large number of devotees on account of the divine prasadam which is supposed to possess medicinal and curative properties for mental illness.
Vayalar
Situated about 2.5 km north of Cherthala, Vayalar is a politically important place in the history of modern Kerala. The historic struggle at Vayalar by the communist party against Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, Diwan of Travancore, resulted in the relinquishment of the rule of Diwan. Hundreds of communists fell victim to the tragic police firing in 1946. There is martyrs' platform (Raktha Sakshi Mandapam) erected at this place. You can still find stump of the cocunut tree in which a hole was created due to the police firing. Every year leading communist leaders come down here on the memorial day. This place is home to the late poet Vayalar Rama Varma and Union Minister Vayalar Ravi.
Panavally
Panavally is a serene village that is part of Cherthala taluk and Alappuzha district. It is at the north frontier of old Travancore state. Different branches of the backwaters of Vembanad surround the village. Geologically, this area is part of the seashore sector of Kerala, . The soil and other eco system show, like many regions of Kerala, that this part of the land also emerged from the sea, few centuries ago. The sand in the southern part of this village is a great source of special silica sand, containing high concentration of pure silica. This is being used in many industries, in particular in brick (white) making. The Cherthala- Arookutty bus route goes through this village and runs parallel to the national highway NH 47. The economy in general is agriculture based, but equally supported by the seafood processing industry. Due to the proximity to the Cochin city, this village supplies workforce to the city as well.
