The Heart of India's Sweetest GI Tagged Pineapple Cultivation and an Emerging Center for Business & Living.
Explore Business & LifestyleVazhakulam, a vibrant village in the Muvattupuzha Taluk of Ernakulam district, Kerala, is officially known as the 'Pineapple City' due to its large-scale farms. Situated about 9 km east of Muvattupuzha, it is a unique blend of rich agricultural heritage and booming opportunity. Strategically located near major cities, it offers a peaceful yet progressive environment. It is distinct from another village named Vazhakulam in Aluva.
Located in Muvattupuzha Taluk, Ernakulam district, near Kochi, airport, and railway, making it a preferred location for both residency and business.
Rapidly developing with warehousing, timber, and commercial sectors supporting small-scale industries. The main economy is focused on pineapple and rubber cultivation.
A region known for people of different religious beliefs, largely Syrian Catholic Christians , living together in complete harmony.
Officially recognized with a Geographic Indication (GI) tag (GI No. 130 since 2009), the Vazhakulam Pineapple is reputed as the sweetest pineapple in India and is the largest market in Asia. It is locally known as 'Kannara' or 'Kannarachakka' .
It is a Mauritius variety (Ananas comosus), known for its unique pleasant aroma, slightly conical shape, crisp golden yellow flesh , and exceptional sweetness, with a high sugar content of 14-16° brix and low acidity of 0.50 – 0.70%.
Supported by the Pineapple Research Station established in 1995 by the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), focusing on research and development support for the growers.
The cultivation began on a small scale in the 1940s and became commercial by the 1950s . It is the center of a strong farmer-producer company, dedicated to cultivation, processing, and export.
Vazhakulam is the largest Asian pineapple market and the largest market in India, supplying the fruit to all South Indian states and most North Indian states, including Delhi, Mumbai, and even Jammu and Kashmir.
The pineapple trade has a significant impact on the local economy, contributing to an annual turnover estimated to be about ₹200 to ₹250 crores . During peak season, up to 1,000 tonnes of the fruit are transported to Mumbai every day.
While rice was the main crop in the 1960s and 70s, the advent of rubber cultivation led many rice fields and estates to be converted into rubber plantations. Pineapple is successfully grown as an intercrop in rubber and coconut plantations.
The town hosts several major banks, providing crucial support to the local economy: Canara Bank , Federal Bank , State Bank of India , South Indian Bank , Kerala Gramin Bank , and the Service Co-operative bank No:751 .
Vazhakulam has a strong socio-cultural foundation, with a population largely consisting of Syrian Catholic Christians and Hindu families, known for their harmony.
Key places of worship include St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church , Carmel Monastery , Holy Family Church (Bethlehem) , Assemblies of God Church, India Pentecostal Church of God, Zion Gospel Church & Ministries, and St. Sebastian's Church (Arikuzha).
Notable Hindu temples are the Lord Subramanya temple , Vallikkada Bhagavathi temple , and Pudussery Kalari Bhagavathi temple . Nearby temples include Sree Dharma Sastha Temple (Manjalloor) and Bhagavathi Temple (Kalloorkad).
The town has a notable volleyball culture centered around St. George's Volley Ball Club. The founder of the Kerala Congress, K. M. George , is also from Vazhakulam. Basketball facilities are provided at the Carmel CMI Public School indoor stadium.
Vazhakulam is an educational hub with several institutions providing technical and general education, alongside public and private healthcare facilities.
The area is home to Viswajyothi College of Engineering and Technology and St. George College , both located in Vazhakulam.
Schools include Chavara International Academy , Carmel CMI Public School , Infant Jesus High School, St. Little Theresas High School, St. Thomas School (Vengachuvadu), and St. George's TTI (Teachers' Training Institute).
Healthcare is provided by the St. George's Hospital Vazhakulam and the Government Hospital Vazhakulam .