NoeFlandre/osm-polygon-wikidata-only huggingface dataset:
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary

The Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary is a 4.537-square-kilometre (1.752 sq mi) protected area and Ramsar site, located in the Ariyalur District of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The sanctuary is about 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Thanjavur and about 21 kilometres (13 mi) from Ariyalur. This freshwater lake is fed by Pullambadi, Kattalal canal and attracts thousands of birds every year. This lake was declared as a sanctuary in 1999 by the Government of Tamil Nadu and in 2024, it became a Ramsar site. About 200 birds are species recorded from this sanctuary. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary is one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA's) of Tamil Nadu (Code No. IN268, Criteria: A1, A4i, A4iii). Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary is home to migratory birds such as bar-headed goose, Northern pintail, white stork, Northern shoveler, Garganey, blue-winged teal, osprey and common sandpiper. The sanctuary is a large irrigation tank located in the northern alluvial plains of the Kaveri river. It is fed during the northeast monsoons by the Pullambadi canal. It is also referred to together with another nearby tank and called Vettakudi-Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary. Farm lands especially paddy, sugarcane, cotton, castor and maize are surrounded by this lake and irrigated from this lake. Acacia nilotica planted inside the lake is serving as a major nesting site for birds. During winter, the total number of birds recorded is between 20,000 and 60,000, mostly Anatidae. Globally threatened species such as Greater Spotted Eagle, Oriental Darter, Black-headed ibis and Spot-billed Pelican were reported in this site Karaivetti is one of the important active heronries in Tamil Nadu. Spot-billed Pelican, Black-headed ibis, Painted Stork, Oriental Darter, Eurasian Spoonbill are some of the birds species breeding in this sanctuary Other fauna inhabit this region are Golden Jackal, Black-naped hare, Indian grey mongoose and nearly 15 species of fish were reported Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary attracts birdwatchers mainly during the winter season. Interpretation centre explaining the importance of the wetland and waterfowl of this sanctuary was established and opened for public in 2015. The Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary had been declared as a Ramsar site - A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention,[1] also known as "The Convention on Wetlands", an international environmental treaty signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO. It came into force on 21 December 1975, when it was ratified by a sufficient number of nations. It provides for national action and international cooperation regarding the conservation of wetlands, and wise sustainable use of their resources.[1] Ramsar identifies wetlands of international importance, especially those providing waterfowl habitat. References External links http://ibcn.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Tamil-Nadu.pdf https://www.forests.tn.gov.in/pages/view/karaivetti_bs http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.in/2015/10/karaivetti-bird-sanctuary-ariyalur.html https://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L1114340 Gallery
Kundala Dam

Kundala Dam, also known as Setuparvatipuram Dam, is a masonry gravity dam built on Muthirapuzha River in Mattupetty panchayat of Idukki district in Kerala, India. It is part of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project, the first hydroelectric project in Kerala. The dam is considered to be Asia's first arch dam. It has a height of 46.93 m (154.0 ft) and length of 259.38 m (851.0 ft). Release from dam is to river Palar and taluks through which release flow are Udumbanchola, Devikulam, Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha, Kunnathunadu, Aluva, Kodungalloor and Paravur. Spillway Spillways are Ogee-type and are 5 in numbers. Vertical lift, each of size 5.18 x 2.74 m is fitted on the spillways. Location The location of the dam is at a distance of 20 km (12 mi) from Munnar. It is a major tourist destination near Munnar. Kundala dam is located on the way to Top Station. Tourist places like Pampadumchola National Park, Kurinjimalai Sanctuary and Meesappulimalai are close to this dam. Reservoir Full Reservoir Level (FRL) is 1,758.7 m (5,770 ft) and Minimum Drawdown level (MDDL) is 1,735.84 m (5,695.0 ft). Effective Storage at FRL is 77,870,000 m3 (2.750×109 cu ft) and Generation potential at FRL is 22.74 MU. The water stored in the Kundala reservoir is released through the Palar River to Mattupetty dam located downstream. The water stored in the Mattupetty reservoir is released to downstream via a canal to a power house. Kundala reservoir has become a tourist spot. Hydroelectric project Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project, which is the first hydroelectric project in Kerala, uses the water from Kundala dam. The project was completed in two stages. In the first stage, just a run-of-the-river scheme was initially introduced with three units having capacity of 4.5 MW each. The first unit of the Pallivasal power station was commissioned on 19 March 1940. The second unit on 2 February 1941 and the third unit on 19 February. Kundala and Mattupetty dams together contributed about 65,000,000 m3 (2.3×109 cu ft) of storage. See also Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project List of dams and reservoirs in Kerala References External links
St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Forane Church, Chalakudy

St. Mary's Forane Church, Chalakudy, is one of the 10 Foranes or deaneries under the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Irinjalakuda, which was established in 1978 by the bifurcation of Thrissur Diocese. Prior to that, Chalakudy was part of Thrissur diocese, the most ancient Diocese of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. Thrissur diocese has since been elevated to an archdiocese, Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Thrissur, within which comes the Irinjalakuda diocese. There are 16 parishes under the Chalakudy Forane. Chalakudy is one of those areas in Kerala with a high concentration of Christian population, most belonging to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. History The origin of Christian faith in Chalakudy is claimed to date from the time when St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, set foot in India with his mission shortly after Jesus's death. According to tradition, Apostle Thomas landed in Kodungallur, formerly known as Musiris, in 52 AD. At that time Kodungallur was a busy commercial center and an important port. St. Thomas travelled about various parts of Kerala preaching the Gospel and forming Christian communities, which began to grow in several places. The early Christian community in Chalakudy, who had been converted by Thomas, established the parish and built their first church in 600 AD. The church was built in an area predominantly occupied by Brahmins, who the granted permission to build the church there. The town has people of several religions. The church was then in the Palace Road, where it remained until about 1300 AD, when it moved to its present site a few hundred meters away. The intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary is claimed to have taken place long ago. The original altar is known as "Swayamvara Altar", a title sparingly bestowed by the Pope. It is said that those who pray at this altar with complete self-surrender will receive special blessings. In 1937, the parish was elevated to the status of a Forane. The church was rebuilt in 1987 but the original intricately carved wooden altar was left intact. In 1966, 432 families were delinked from the parish to form a new parish under the forane with its base at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, West Chalakudy. Holy Land replica The Holy Land replica was accomplished in 2006. Civil structures are built in ancient architectural styles to give as much resemblance to the originals as possible. It depicts events from the life of Jesus, especially his birth, public ministry, passion, crucifixion, and believed resurrection & ascension, and concludes with the scene of his mother Mary being crowned as the Queen of heaven and earth. See also Pindi Perunnal References External links "On Wikimapia". Wikimapia. 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015. "Ambu Thirunnal at St.Marys Forane Church, Chalakudy". Anoomi. 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015. "chalakudy ambu thirunnal 2010". Video. YouTube. 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary

Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary located in Chulanur village in Palakkad district of Kerala state, south India. The place where sanctuary is located is locally known as Mayiladumpara, which literally means "the rock where peacocks dance". As of 2022, it is the only peafowl sanctuary in Kerala. History As per government order numbered G.O.(P) 24/2007/F&WLD, Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary was established on 15 May 2007. Description It's located in Palakkad district of Kerala. This bird sanctuary is under the jurisdiction of the Peechi Forest Division and was established in the memory of the famous Indian ornithologist and writer Induchoodan. The peafowl sanctuary covers an area of 5 km2 (1.9 sq mi). Apart from peafowl, hundreds of other species of birds can also be seen here. As of 2022, it is the only peafowl sanctuary in Kerala. Society and culture When Rajasthan High Court Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma made the highly controversial remark that peacocks do not mate and that female peacocks conceive from the tears of male peacocks, the number of visitors to the peacock sanctuary increased. References
Cheranalloor Mahadeva Temple

Cheranalloor Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva is situated on the banks of the Periyar river at Kalady of Ernakulam District in Kerala state in India. The Cheranalloor Mahadeva Temple is one of the important temples in Cochin Kingdom. According to folklore, sage Parashurama has installed the idol of Shiva in the Treta Yuga. The temple is a part of the 108 Shiva Temples in Kerala. Temple Structure The temple is dedicated to Shiva in the main Sanctum Sanctorum facing east. The main shrine, which has been built in circular shape, is a beautiful in Kerala-Dravidian architecture style. In the eastern porch, the namaskara mandapom has been built in a square-shaped structure. The size of the nalambalam is remarkable and the adjacent thidappalli have been rebuilt. The temple of Cheranelloor is constructed of great craftsmanship in architecture and we can see a rare collection of architecture as well. In ancient times, the Cheranelloor Mahadeva temple had extensive land holdings and was in receipt of approximately 24 tons of paddy (24 thousands hector land) a year. Consequent to agrarian reforms the temple lost all the land except a couple of acres in which the temple is situated. Festival and daily pooja There are five poojas here on a regular basis. (Usha pooja, Ethrtha pooja, Pantheerati pooja, Noon pooja and Athazha pooja). The annual festival of the temple is usually celebrated in the month of Malayalam Kumbha (February - March). It believe that Shiva in Cheranellor is situates together with Devi Sati. So it is believed that the temple main deity is in the form of rina mochaka that bearing the idea of resolving all debts of the devotees. The rina mochaka pooja is performed daily in the temple. See also Temples of Kerala Temple Photos References
Chowara Chidambaraswamy Temple

Chowara Chidambaraswamy Temple is located at Chowara in Ernakulam district. The presiding deities of north shrine are Shiva in the form of Nataraja, in the sanctum sanctorum facing east. It is believed that this temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala and is installed by sage Parasurama dedicated to Shiva. Maha Shivarathri festival of the temple celebrates in the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February - March). See also 108 Shiva Temples Temples of Kerala References
Nalukulangara Maha Devi Temple

Nalukulangara Maha Devi Temple is situated in Kuthiathode Panchayath in Kerala, India. It is a prominent Devi temple in Alappuzha. It is situated 1 km from Pattukulangara Junction. It hosts the idol of the goddess Bhadrakali (popularly known as "Nalukulangara Amma") together with Sivan, Subrahmanyan, Bhalabhadra, etc. It is popularly called "Nalukulangara Mahadevi". The annual temple festival (Kodiyettu Ulsavom – Malayalam calendar Makaram — Makom Thozal and Pooram) is held there. Vrichikom 1st Pongala is a ladies' fest. Festivals Nalukulangara Pooram Nalukulangara Pooram is a popular temple festival in Kerala. It is held on the Pooram (Malayalam: പൂരം, (Malayalam pronunciation: [puːɾam])) day of the Malayalam calendar month of Makaram. Pooram is the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star. People celebrate Pooram without any religious difference. Pongala Other deities In the outer temple shrines for Shiva, Murukan, and Saraswathi are present. References
Nirmalagiri College

Nirmalagiri College (Autonomous) Kuthuparamba established in 1964, is an aided college located in Kuthuparamba affiliated to Kannur University. The college is reaccredited by NAAC with A++ Grade (CGPA-3.57) during the fourth cycle of accreditation in 2023. The college secured 87th position in the NIRF All India Rankings 2018 and 93rd position in 2019. The College was selected under PARAMARSH Scheme of UGC for mentoring NAAC accreditation aspirant institutions in 2019. The College was granted funds under various schemes such as RUSA, DBT- STAR, DST- FIST, UGC and KSCSTE-SARD. Programmes offered Undergraduate programmes Undergraduate programs are: Government aided B.Sc. Mathematics B.Sc. Physics B.Sc. Chemistry B.Sc. Botany B.Sc. Zoology B.Sc. Home Science B.A. Economics B.A. English B.A. History B.A. Malayalam B.Com. Finance Self financing B.Sc. Data Analytics B.Sc. Computer Science B.Sc. Hotel Management & Catering Science B.Sc. Psychology B.A. English B.C.A B.B.A B.Com. Finance Postgraduate programmes Government aided M.A. Economics M.Sc. Chemistry M.Sc. Physics M.Sc. Zoology Self financing M.Sc. Clinical Psychology M.S.W. Ph.D. programmes Ph.D. Chemistry Ph.D. Physics Notable alumni K. P. Mohanan, MLA, former Government of Kerala minister Sajeev Joseph, MLA James Mathew, former MLA K. C. Rosakutty, former chairperson of Kerala Women's Commission Sibi Thomas, Kerala police officer, actor Shinu Chovva, silver medalist, Mr. World 2019 Lucy Kalappurakkal, former nun, public figure References External links Official website
Tirunettur Mahadeva Temple

Tirunettur Mahadeva Temple is located at Vyttila village in Ernakulam district. The temple has two main deities, Sri Parameswara and Maha Vishnu. Deities having separate temple complex; Lord Sri Parameswara in the form of Sri Rudra and Maha Vishnu in the form of Vaikundeswara. Both deities are facing east. It is believed that Shiva temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala and is installed by sage Parasurama dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Vilwamangalam Swamiyar visited Thiru Nettur Shiva Temple and he had suggested the construction of the temple of Vishnu idol. Apart from the temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu; there is Sri Krishna temple. Deities in the Thirunettur temple include Ganapathy, Krishnan, Subramanya, Saraswati, Yogiswaran and Pamban Devan. Vavu Bali Offer Many people visit Maha Vishnu temple to offer their ancestors on Amavasya day of the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam. The temple is famous for "karkidaka vavu "; on the day of Amavasya, devotees visit the temple for paying respect to their ancestors and offer "bali". Temple Structure The temple compound is 5.5 acres; Sri Mahadeva (Lord Shiva) and Lord Vishnu have been built in a separate temple complex. The four sides of the circumference of the Siva temple have been completed and the Nalambalam of Vishnu temple is halved. The temple complex (Nalambalam, Sanctum Santorium) and the lighthouse are built in the Kerala style of architecture. Likewise, the prayer hall and the bellikkal pura are beautiful. Festival of Temple The Kodiyattu festival in the temple is celebrated in Dhanu, lasting for eight days and ending with arattu (holy bath) on Thiruvathira day. Since both the temples have flag masts, the festival is common. Shivarathri and Ashtami Rohini are also celebrated with great pomp and flavour. See also 108 Shiva Temples Temples of Kerala Temple Photos References
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences

Rajagiri College of Social Sciences is an autonomous higher education institution located in Kalamassery, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala. It is managed by the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) congregation and is affiliated with the Mahatma Gandhi University. History The college was established in 1955 under the auspices of the University of Madras. In 1960, it received accreditation to offer degrees in Social Work under the University of Kerala and later relocated to its current campus in Kalamassery, Kochi. Over the years, the institution has grown to include various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in arts, sciences, and professional disciplines. Academics Rajagiri College of Social Sciences offers a range of academic programmes including: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc Psychology) Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLISc) Master of Social Work (MSW) Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc) Master of Computer Applications (MCA) Research degrees (MPhil and PhD) Additionally, the college offers short-term diploma and certificate programmes across various disciplines. Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies (RCBS) Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies (RCBS) is the business school under the Rajagiri Vidyapeetham umbrella. It offers postgraduate programmes in management including: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) International Exchange MBA Programme RCBS has been featured in various national rankings, including the top 100 business schools in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and Outlook magazine. RCBS conducts several events throughout the academic year, including: Inflore – Annual Management Fest Rajagiri National Business Quiz (RNBQ) Rajagiri Business League (RBL) – An inter-corporate basketball tournament Rajagiri Transcend – A social outreach programme for underprivileged children Rankings Rajagiri College of Social Sciences was ranked 20th among colleges in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2024. Notable alumni V. D. Satheesan – 13th Chief Minister of Kerala (2026 - Incumbent) RJ Renu – Radio jockey and actress Vijayarajamallika – Poet References External links Official website – Rajagiri College of Social Sciences
St. Thomas College, Palai

St. Thomas College, Pala (Autonomous) is a government aided college of higher education located in Pala town, Kerala, India. It was founded on 7 August 1950 by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Palai. The college is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam and was re-accredited with A++ grade by NAAC in February 2021. The college is recognized under the sections 2(f) and 12B of the UGC Act 1956. The Government of Kerala has recognized the college as a Special Grade College. History Founded in 1950. The main block, "Tisserant Hall", called A-block, stoutly built with an enormous roof span and massive columns was ready to house the administration, classrooms, laboratories and libraries in 1953. The first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the college in 1954. In 1981, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Pallickaparambil took over as the Bishop of Palai and the patron of St. Thomas College. In 2005 H.E. Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangattu became the Bishop of Palai and the Patron of the college. The college celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1976 with Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi as the chief guest. The preceding decade had been one of hectic academic activity during which more Post graduate courses- English, Physics, Economics and Mathematics were started, new hostels inaugurated, more blocks added to the cluster of buildings in the campus etc. Rev. Dr. N.M. Thomas, who succeeded Fr. Joseph Kureethadam as principal in 1968, retired from service in the jubilee year passing the baton to Prof. P.M. Chacko. Fr. James Vellankal followed Prof. Chacko in 1984. The successors of Fr. Vellankal included an illustrious line of academic administrators combining erudition with sharp acumen - Fr. Enas Ottathengumkal (1986-1991), Fr. Philip Njaralakkattu (1991-1995), Rev. Dr. Kurian Mattam (1995-2001) and Rev. Dr. M.M. Mathew Maleparambil (2001–06). During 2006-09 Rev. Dr. Mathew John K was officiated as the drawing and disbursement officer. Indian President Droupadi Murmu visited the college in October 2025. Accreditation The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has awarded A++ Grade to St.Thomas' College with CGPA score 3.56. Furthermore, UGC has recognised St. Thomas College as one among the six colleges in Kerala accorded with the status of 'College with Potential for Excellence'(CPE). Notable alumni V. Joseph Thomas - IPS, ex-DGP of Kerala Anto Antony - Member of parliament Don Max - film director and editor Jimmy George - Volleyball player Roshy Augustine - Minister for Water Resources, Government of Kerala Sibi George - civil servant, ambassador of India to Kuwait Paul Zacharia - Writer Miya George - Actress Jose Chacko Periappuram - Cardiac Surgeon References External links Official website
Hosdurg taluk

Hosdurg is one of four taluks that constitute the Kasaragod District, Kerala. Others are Kasaragod, Manjeshwaram and Vellarikundu taluks. In the north, it borders Kasaragod taluk; in south, the Kannur District; in the east, Vellarikundu taluk; and in the west, the Arabian Sea. With an area of 900.3 km2 (90030 hectares), it was the smaller of the two taluks. Then Hosdurg bifurcated into Vellarikund and Hosdurg taluks in 2013 for ease of administration. Kanhangad and Nileshwaram are the municipalities within the taluk. Hosdurg (after which the taluk is named) is a kilometer south of Kanhangad town, the latter being the taluk headquarters. Other major settlements include Thrikaripur, Cheruvathur and Udma. Bekal Fort tourism is situated in the taluk. Etymology The name Hosdurg is derived from the Kannada word Hosa ("new") and Sanskrit word Durg ("fortress"). Demographics As per the 2011 census, Hosdurg taluk had a total population of 625641 persons, which included 295,859 males and 329,782 females. The literacy rate is 85.82%, higher than the national average. In Hosdurg taluk, 12.42% of the total population is between the ages of 0–6 years. Malayalam is the administrative language of the region. Taluks of Kasaragod Constituent Villages Hosdurg taluk has 31 revenue villages. They are ; Ajanur, Ambalathara, Balla, Bare, Cheemeni, Cheruvathur, Chithari, Hosdurg, Kanhangad, Kayyur, Keekan, Kilayikode, Kodakkad, Madikai, Maniyat, Nileshwaram, North Trikkarippur, Padanna, Pallikkara, Pallikkara-II, Panayal, Periya, Perole, Pilicode, Pudukai, Pullur, South Trikkarippur, Thimiri, Thuruthi, Uduma, Udinoor and Valiyaparamba. See also Kasaragod taluk Vellarikundu External links Official_Website_of_Kasaragod_district References
Hosdurg

Hosdurg (malabar: ഹോസ്ദുർഗ് താലൂക്ക്) es un taluk del Estado indio de Kerala, perteneciente al distrito de Kasaragod. En el censo de 2011 tenía una población de 625 641 habitantes, pero posteriormente se bifurcó en dos taruk para facilitar su administración. El topónimo es de origen canarés y viene a significar "fuerte nuevo". Dicho topónimo hace referencia a la fortaleza de Bekal, una fortificación construida a mediados del siglo XVII por Shivappa Nayaka de Keladi que todavía se conserva en la costa de Hosdurg.​ Se ubica en la costa meridional del distrito.​ Referencias