Kattappana is a fast growing municipality in the Sahyadri (or Western Ghats) of Kerala state, India. It is the main urban centre in the high ranges of Idukki district, situated about 3,600 feet (1,100 m) above mean sea level, in the High Ranges, the high altitude region of Kerala has recently raised to the status of municipality. Kattappana is a CLASS III urban centre. It is the first municipality in high range of Idukki district with the real terraineous touch of Idukki as Thodupuzha municipality is situated in low range. It is a major commercial town and flourished with the boost in production of agriculture and spices. Based on the 2011 Census, it had a total population of 42646, consisting of 21,159 males and 21,487 females.[1] People migrated to this place mainly during 1950s from different parts of nearby townships like Palai, Kottayam etc. However, there were inhabitants even before 100 years. The main occupation was cultivation of commercial crops and spices like Tea, Coffee, Pepper, Cardamom, Black Pepper etc., and the majority of them are farmers.[2] One of the anchor institutions in Kattappana is St. John's Hospital. When it was started in 1968, it was one of the main hospitals in a 100-km radius. Managed by the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, the hospital has grown to a tertiary level of 450 - bedded multi-speciality hospital with sixteen clinical disciplines. Even today, it is the only tertiary level referral center in this area.
