Padinharathara
Grama Panchayat

Origin of the Name:

During the rule of the Kottayam royal dynasty, this region was known as the westernmost boundary ("Padinjarre Thara") for migrants and royal representatives coming from places like Thalassery and Kottayam in North Malabar, which later transformed into 'Padinjarathara'.

Pazhassi Legacy:

This region is rich in Kurichya ancestral homes that empowered Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja in his anti-British struggles. The fighting spirit and guerilla warfare of Kurichya warriors are deeply embedded in the history of this hilly terrain.

Thariyode Reorganization:

Even when it was part of the Madras State and later after the formation of the Kerala State in 1956, panchayaths were divided for administrative convenience. Following the division of Thariyode Panchayath, a separate Grama Panchayath was formed with Padinjarathara as its headquarters.

Formation of Wayanad District:

With Wayanad district officially formed on November 1, 1980, Padinjarathara became an administrative part of the new district.

Travancore Migration:

Between the 1940s and 1960s, thousands of farming families from Travancore and Central Travancore migrated and settled in the hill slopes and forests of Padinjarathara.

Agricultural Progress:

The hard work of these migrants transformed the region into a major agricultural hub for large-scale production of coffee, black pepper, cardamom, tea, coconut, and arecanut.

Construction of the Dam:

With the initiation of the Banasura Sagar Project (across the Panamaram river, a tributary of the Kabani river) in the late 1970s and 1980s, the map of Padinjarathara underwent massive changes.

Submergence of Old Thariyode:

As the Banasura Sagar Dam—Asia's largest earth dam—filled up, the old Thariyode town and numerous agricultural fields went underwater. Subsequently, the Padinjarathara junction rapidly grew into the new primary commercial center.

Advancement in Tourism:

With the development of responsible tourism centered around Banasura Sagar Dam, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Kurumbalakkotta, and Nayanmoola/Manjoora Saddle Dams, the panchayath secured a place on the international tourism map.

Green Energy Revolution:

Padinjarathara gained prominence in the renewable energy sector with the establishment of India's first operational floating solar power plant on the Banasura Sagar reservoir.

Public Welfare and E-Governance:

Implemented Janakeeya hotels, agricultural collectives, and parallel employment opportunities through Kudumbashree systems. Panchayath administration was made more people-centric and transparent by fully implementing digital services (including K-SMART).