Thiruvalla, (Malayalam: [t̪iɾuʋɐlːɐ]) also spelled Tiruvalla, is a municipality in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India.
Thiruvalla is also known as the "Town of Non-Resident Indians", as a large portion of its inhabitants form a part of the Malayali diaspora.
Though Thiruvalla struggles with an aging and declining population and experiences a high emigration rate, in recent years the town has experienced growth in its economy and urban revitalisation.
[5] There is plenty of evidence to suggest that the area had been inhabited since 500 BCE, although an organized settlement was only founded around 800 CE.
[7] Thiruvalla was also an important commercial centre with the Niranam port in olden days, which is described by Pliny as "Nelcynda".
[7] By 12th century, we get the picture from the Thiruvalla copper plates, which are voluminous records that centre around the social life around the temple.
[10] Due to the length, the antiquity and the nature of the language, Thiruvalla copper plates form the "First book in Malayalam", according to Prof.
The Thekkumkoor kings lost their control in the course of time and Vilakkili (വിലക്കിലി) Nampoothiris were rulers in 1752–53 when Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore, seized it in a bloody battle in which the ruler was killed, though some dispute it, saying the surrender was peaceful as the Namboothiris were not naive to challenge the mighty army of Ramayyan, the shrewd and sadistic Dalava (ദളവ)- head of administration and advisor – of Travancore.
[5] Thiruvalla lies at an altitude of 14 meters above sea level, along the north bank of the Manimala river.
Thiruvalla and its adjacent areas has a great diversity in soil types due to its position between the low-lying Kuttanad region and the Midlands.
The downtown area has riverine alluvial soil, the eastern parts (classified under the "Southern Midlands" agro-ecological zone) have a laterite loam, and the western parts near Niranam (classified under the Kuttanad agro-ecological zone) have sandy soil resembling that of beaches.
[13] The Niranam region has a sandy-type soil as before the reclamation of Kuttanad from the Vembanad Lagoon the area originally was situated on its shores.
This soil resembles clay loam in texture, has high organic matter content, and is found in areas about 1–2 m above sea level.
The best time to visit this historical town is after the rains as the healthy showers of monsoon leave this place lush green and pristine.
[18] Thiruvalla is home to the Sree Vallabha Temple which is the only one of its kind in the State to have Kathakali performed as a ritual offering almost every night.
The facility is adjacent to the Thiruvalla Municipal stadium and is constructed on 8000 square feet, on 50 cents of land.
The facility also houses a library, multi-gym, board room, KCA district office, and a conference hall.
[24] Thiruvalla hosts cultural events including flower shows[25] and food fests.