Elappara is a village in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala and one of the panchayaths in Peerumedu taluk. Cool climate is experienced as the region is situated at a height of more than above the sea level. Elappara is noted for its vast tea plantations.
History
The history of present Elappara begins from 1836 by the clearance of Vembanadu region by Henty baker, a cms missionary. The first estate to start tea industry in highrange is the Tyford estate and first plantation Penshwarast, both of these are situated in Elappara panchayath. During the Kollam era, the regions including elappara was the part of Thekkumkur kingdom and later acquired by Manavikrama kulasekara perumal, the founder of Poonjar dynasty. Legends says that Manavikrama on his journey to Poonjar took rest at 'Thangalpara' near Kolahalamedu. Even today we can see the remnants of Minakshi idols in the rocks indicating the history. In 1870s, various plantations had emerged in this region. At these times, the estate owners used to reach here by horses. The tea cultivated here were known by the name Peerumedu hybrid tea, brought from China. By 1896, the area was fully utilized for tea cultivation. Later in the 1900s, people worked in these plantations settled here. The first school which got started here is the Typhord estate L.P.S.
Elappara is predominantly a plantation township with its abundant tea plantations. Most people works in these plantations, especially the Tamil community settled here.
Religion
Majority of people are Hindus and Christians. Important pilgrim centers are Luther mission church at Bonami and Uppukulam sree Krishna swami temple. Muslims are comparatively less here. infant Jesus Roman Catholic church,alphonsa syrian catholic church here
Tourism
The natural environment and landscapes of Elappara attracts visitors. There are views from the roads leading from here to Kuttikkanam and Vagamon. The Annan Thambi and Pullikkanan hills, meadows at Kolahalamedu, scenic Vedikuzhi, Elappara streams and the numerous tea plantations are the main attractions here. Vagamon, a hill station in Idukki, is 15 km from Elappara. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Mullaperiyar dam is situated near to this panchayath.
Transportation
Elappara is located on the Kattappana - Kuttikkanam state highway, situated about from Kuttikkanam and from Kattappana. Major long route busses to Kottayam and Changanassery stops for a while here. Bus services are also available to places like Vandiperiyar, Kumily, Vagamon, Erattupetta and Pala regions.
Demographics
Indiacensus, Elappara had a population of 26094 with 12908 males and 13186 females. The panchayath had a literacy of about 82%. This hill area is known for the Elappara Tea estate and their brand MASCO. Kerala's main agricultural products are cultivated in this region. Elappara is surrounded by tea estates namely the Tyford Tea Ltd, MMJ Plantations, Haileyburia Tea Estates Ltd., etc.
