About Village
According to legends the place derives its name from Jangama Muni who is said to have done penance in a cave in the munikkal Guhalaya. The place was initially called Jangamanad which later became chengamanad. Another account says that the name Chengamand is due to the special kind of soil . The ancient scriptures record the arrival of three mysterious men to the village. Not much is known about these men, except that they were part of the growth and development of the villagers. They spend much time researching for unknown purposes and communicating with the local people only on occasions for various requirement. The names of these men are mentioned among the people even today. Sightings of these men have also been mentioned in various surrounding parts of Annamanada.
Demography
As of 2001 India census, Chengamanad had a population of 29,775. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Chengamanad has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 82% and female literacy of 78%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Geography
Chengamanad is a small town in Aluva, Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated on the banks of the river Periyar. NH 544 passes right across the village area. The nearest railway station is Aluva (3 KM). The nearest airport is Cochin international airport in Nedumbassery, 3 km from Chengamanad.
Socio-Economic
The main source of income in the panchayat comes from agriculture. Different types of cultivations are there in the panchayat. Brick construction is a major industry in the panchayat.
Ecology
The rice paddy fields in and around Chengamanad were once a granery to the people of Kerala. The paddy fields are fertile because they are close to Periyar river and its branches which fertile the land with abundant crops.
Tourism
1. State Seed Farm maintained by Agriculture Department Kerala at Thuruth. The Aluva Government Seed Farm, India’s first comprehensive organic seed farm, driven by the vision of local produce and healthy eating.The farm was commissioned in 1919 and named ‘Krishi Padasala’ (a school for agriculture) under royal patronage. The scenic 13-acre farm is located on an island in the Periyar river and has set an example for comprehensive farming experience. There is a live paddy museum, with traditional varieties of rice such as Raktasaali, Golden Njavara, Japan Violet, Vellathondi, Vadakkan Vellarikaima and Jaiva in Kerala being cultivated as a field class for visitors. The farm has also been regularly supplying seeds to farmers. The farm has also been following integrated agriculture with local breeds of cows such as Kasaragod Kullan, Malabari goats and Kuttanad ducks providing manure for the farm. There is also an aqua farm, that cultivates genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT). 2. Munikkal Guhalaya Temple, Chengamanad. It is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Subramanyan (son of Shiva). The temple is situated on a large rock resembling the back of an elephant. Munikkal Guhalayam Located atop a hill at Chengamanad (30 km north of Kochi), this is a place shrouded in mythology. It is believed that sage Jangaman had lived here around 2000 years ago, and me place was initially known as Jangaman, which later changed to chengamanad. A famous Lord Murugan temple is located on the spot where the sage is said to have meditated which was later consecrated by Chattambi Swamikal in 1898. The word "Munikkal Guhalayam" literally means "sages rock cave". Another story goes that Lord Murugan also called as "Guhalayam" had made this place as his abode and hence the word "Guhalavam"