Changanassery, (Malayalam: ചങ്ങനാശ്ശേരി; IPA: [t͡ʃɐŋːɐnaːʃeːɾi]) formerly Changanacherry, is a municipality[1] in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India.

Changanassery is an important market town, was historically one of the centres of administration and culture in the Central Travancore region.

The Changanassery market, established in AD 1805, served as the main trading point in the transport of rice, pepper, dry ginger, and piece goods between the coastal areas in the west and the mountains of the east.

The "Anchu Vilakku" lamps were installed by the locals in 1905 near the boat jetty, and continues to serve as a symbol of the religious and ethnic harmony of the region.

[3][4] Changanassery is also famous for SB College, one of the oldest and prestigious institutions established by Catholic Church in 1922 and for providing higher education to Travancore Region in Kerala in beginning of 20 th Century.

According to Sangam era documents, Uthiyan Cheralathan (Perum Chorru Udiyan Cheralathan, Athan I, or Udiyanjeral - AD c. 130) is the first recorded Kera Chera dynasty ruler of the Sangam period in ancient South India.

[7][8] Historically, Changanassery was a major regional centre, serving as a connecting hub.

From the mid-16th century, Changanassery was annexed into Travancore, and remained a part of it till the formation of the state of Kerala in 1956.

The Vazhappally Sala was destroyed by the army of Ramayyan Dalawa during the Battle of Changanassery between Thekkumkur and Travancore in 1790.

The church is famous for its Dravidian Architecture and Makaram Thirunnal dedicated to Saint Sebastian.

Puthurpally Juma Masjid is a famous mosque in Changanassery noted for its iconic Chandanakoodam Perunnal.