Thanikkudam
Thanikkudam is a rapidly growing suburb north-east of Thrissur, in the Indian state of Kerala. The village-town is home to the Thanikkudam Bhagavathi Temple which is popularly known across the central part of Kerala. A small river, which has become perennial in recent times stretches through the middle of the village, oriented in a north-east to South-west direction. The area is also wound around by the Right Branch Main Canal of the Peechi hydro-irrigation project system.
Geography and Landscape
The geography and landscape of Thanikkudam is very typical of the middle-land villages of Kerala, and in particular that of Thrissur district. The land has an overall inclination along the North East to South west direction. This significantly affects the hydrology, precipitation, water drainage and wind flows.The village shares its eastern border at Chenkalli, a hill of heights up to 1000m above sea level with the south-western tips of Vazhani range and north-western slopes of Peechi and Vellani mountains. Except for a few more hillocks such as Meppadam and Thaliyanpara, the land has a generally plain nature with intermediate undulating profiles.
The populated areas have altitudes ranging from 15m to 30m above sea level.
The village has a multitude of soil types such as laterite, clay, alluvial slits and gravel.
Geography
The protected natural forests lining the eastern borders and neighboring high ranges provide for satisfactory precipitation. The drainage is relatively retarded by the natural undulations and mixture of high and low terrains.The short and narrow Thanikkudam river divides the village into two areas. Beginning from the slopes of Vazhani ranges and Chenkalli, the river has become mostly perennial over the last few decades owing to the change in climate and land use. However, it has important effect on the lifestyle, water use and weather of the place.