History of Grama Panchayat

Vadasserikkara has long held an important place in the geography of Kerala as the confluence of the Pamba River, often hailed as the "Dakshina Ganga" (the Ganges of the South), and the Kallar River.

According to local tradition, there was once a Brahmin household known as Vadasseri Illam in Kannur district. During the military invasions that took place centuries ago, the family fled southward to escape persecution and eventually settled in Nagercoil. A branch of this distinguished family, which included renowned scholars and ascetics, later migrated to the present-day Vadasserikkara area at the request of the King of Pandalam. The king granted them tax-free ownership of 2 acres and 48 cents of land at the confluence of the Pamba and Kallar rivers, where the Vadasseri Illam still stands. The family was also entrusted with the karayma (traditional hereditary management rights) of the Perunad Dharmasastha Temple, Madamon Rishikesha Temple, and Prayar Mahavishnu Temple.

Surrounded by hills and lush greenery, Vadasserikkara is a picturesque village, with a significant portion of its area covered by forests. In earlier times, water transport was the primary means of moving agricultural produce and forest products. Warehouses and a bungalow were constructed on the banks of the Pamba River for storing these goods before they were transported by country boats to major trading centres such as Alappuzha and Kochi. The river landing where the bungalow stood came to be known as Bungalow Kadavu (Bungalow Ferry Point). The bungalow, owned by British plantation proprietors, was destroyed in the great flood of 1099 M.E. (1924 A.D.), leaving only its memory behind.

Vadasserikkara is widely regarded as the gateway to Sabarimala, one of India's most revered pilgrimage centres, as well as Nilackal, another important pilgrimage destination.

The first educational institution in the village was the Vadasserikkara Government Lower Primary School, established in 1087 M.E. (1912 A.D.) by Charles Brandon, the British manager of the Kavanal Rubber Estate. Several other institutions have since made significant contributions to the educational, social, and cultural development of the region, including:

  • CMS High School, Kumbalampoyka (established in 1907)
  • Vadasserikkara T.T.T.M. Vocational Higher Secondary School (established in 1920)
  • Edakkulam Gurukulam Mar Thoma High School (established in 1936)

The Pamba Irrigation Project, extending across Vadasserikkara and Perunad Grama Panchayats, is one of Kerala's major irrigation schemes. Water is impounded by constructing a dam at Maniyar on the Kakkattar River and is conveyed through an extensive canal network to irrigate the western regions of the state.