Kodungallur

Kodungallur (Malayalam: കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂര്‍, anglicised name: Cranganore) is a municipality in Thrissur District, in the state of Kerala, India on the Malabar Coast. Kodungallur is located about 29 km northwest of Kochi city and 38 km Southwest of Thrissur, on National Highway 17 (India). Muziris the ancient seaport at the mouth of the Periyar River (also known as Choorni Nadi) was very near to Kodungallur. Kodungallur was the capital of Kulasekhara dynasty (Second Cheras), called Mahodayapuram or Shinkli, who ruled Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu from 9th century to 12th century AD. Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple is one of the ancient temples in Kerala. Cheraman Juma Masjid is prime Mosque of Kodungallur . The Cheraman Masjid is said to be the very first mosque in India, built in 629 AD. During AD 52's, Thomas the Apostle (The apostle of Christ) came here through Muziri port, near to Kottapuram Fort. Cranganore Fort, also known as Kottappuram/Kottapuram Fort, was built by Portuguese in 1523 and later in 1565 it was enlarged. The fort was named as Fortaleza Sao Tome, by the Portuguese. The Dutch took possession of the fort in 1663. The remains of the fort show that the original fort wall was 18 feet in thickness. The ruin is also known as Tipu's fort.
Currently, Kodungallur is the Taluk Headquarters of Kodungallur Taluk of Thrissur Revenue District.The villages of Ala, Azhikode, Chendrappini, Edathiruthy, Edavilangu, Eriyad, Kaipamangalam, Lokamaleswaram, Pullut, Koolimuttam Madathumpady, Methala, Padinjare Vemballur,Pallippuram ,Panangad ,Pappinivattom ,Perinjanam and Poyya constitute the Kodungallur Taluk. Kodungallur Taluk is shared into two legislative constituencies Kodungallur and Kaippamangalam. Kottapuram market of Kodungallur is one of the biggest vegetable markets in kerala. It is located on the shores of Kodungallur backwaters .
A project, named Muziris Heritage Project, was launched by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Kerala in 2006 to scientifically retrieve and preserve the historical heritage of the region, extending from North Paravur to Kodungallur. The project envisages a combination of heritage management initiatives in its restoration, conservation and access to the public. Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR), identified as the nodal agency for Muziris Heritage Project, provides academic guidance and undertakes archaeological and historical research in the region.
Read more about KODUNGALLUR here> en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodungallur