Kundara is a census town in Kerala and is part of the Kollam Metropolitan Area, India. Kundara is situated 13 km east of Kollam city, 14 km west of Kottarakkara, and 24 km north of Paravur. Kundara is significant for its historic involvement in the Indian independence movement. Kundara was once the industrial hub of Southern Kerala, which was the home to prominent industrial companies including Kerala Electricals Limited, the Aluminium Industry Limited of Kundara, and the Lakshmi Starch company. Many of these companies have since failed and Kundara is attempting to revive this industrial tradition by developing Technopark Kollam and The Kerala Ceramics Limited. Kundara is located on the shores of Kanjiracode Lake, a branch of Ashtamudi Lake which has one of the finest quality Green chromide fish available in India. This lake recently received Marine Stewardship council recognition for sustainable fishing.
History
Kundara has a prominent place in the history of Kerala nd independent struggle of India. The place witnessed the historic Kundara proclamation made by then Dalava of Travancore, Velu Thampi Dalawa on 1809 January 11.
Kundara Proclamation
Velu Thambi Dalawa, the Prime Minister/Diwan to King Balarama Varma of Travancore in present day Kerala was one of the earliest opponents of British rule. Velu Thampi dalawa in January 1809 made a proclamation known as the Kundara Proclamation. It was an open call to arms, exhorting the common people to rise up against the British and to overthrow them. There was a massive response to his rallying call. Dalawa had to commit suicide on exile later at Mannadi, In the year 2007, the then Education Minister of Kerala, Shri. M A Baby, unveiled the 'Kundara Vilambaram' memorial at Elampallor from where the proclamation was made two centuries ago. Kallumala Samaram a historic event in Renaissance of Kerala also took place in Perinad near Kundara.
Demographics
As of the 2011 Census of India, Kundara is a census town in Kollam District in the state of Kerala with a total population of 33,959. The population of children aged 0-6 is 3243, representing 9.55% of the total population of Kundara. The female sex ratio is 1096 per 1000 males, against state average of 1084 and the child sex ratio is 993 females per 1000 males, compared to the Kerala state average of 964. Kundara's literacy rate is 93.99%, lower than the state average of 95%. The male literacy is 96.42% and the female literacy rate is 91.80%.
Tourism
Kundara has ample tourism potential due to proximity to Ashtamudi lake. The Kanjiracode backwaters, Kuthiramunambu at Padappakkara, Chittumala Chira, Vellimon Kayalvaram, Kaithakody Kayalvaram, Munroe Island, Maruthimala hills etc. are nearby attractions.
Politics
is one among the 11 legislative assembly constituencies in the district of Kollam. J. Mercykutty Amma is the current elected member from Kundara constituency and she is one of the sitting ministers in the State Cabinet. Kundara is coming in Kollam Lok Sabha Constituency.
Transport
Kundara is connected by both rail and road modes of transportation. Near Technopark Kundara there is also facility for waterways, however it is not yet exploited.
The National Highway 744 and National Highway 183, that connect the city of Kollam with places in Tamilnadu such as Tirumangalam and Theni, pass through Kundara. Bharanicauv - Kundara - Kottiyam Road, Kundara - Nedumoncauv roads are other major roads intersecting at Kundara. Transportation through these roads consists of freight, public transport and private personal vehicles. In public transportation segment, numerous Private bus operators, KSRTC and SETC buses are major players. These buses connect Kundara with Chennai, Bangalore, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kayamkulam, Punalur, Chengannur, Kumily, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Tenkasi, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Velankanni and Tirunelveli. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport which is 67km by road.
