Alwaye

Aluva is noted for its cultural, religious, and historical significance. It is best known for the annual Aluva Sivarathri festival, one of Kerala’s largest religious gatherings, held on the sandbanks of the Periyar River. It is also closely associated with Sree Narayana Guru, who founded the Advaita Ashram in Aluva in 1913, establishing the town as an important centre of social reform and spiritual thought. Historically, Aluva developed as a prominent settlement along the Periyar River and grew into a centre for trade, education, and industry.

Aluva also serves as the administrative centre of the Aluva taluk. In 1956, the taluks of villages—including Mukundapuram, Kanayannur, Kunathunad, and North Paravur—were combined to form the Aluva taluk. Despite being part of the Kochi urban agglomeration, Aluva continues to function as an autonomous municipality and remains one of the most significant urban centres in Kerala.