In earlier times, the Periyar River flowed through places such as Muttuthura, Kottuthura and Koduvelithura. These places were probably important centres of water transportation in ancient times.

At a later period, the river changed its course and began flowing through Thannippuzha. It is believed that the name Thannippuzha was associated with a Thanni tree that was used to cross the river.

The area now known as Okkal is believed to have been formed as an island through the deposition of alluvial soil after the river changed its course. The area was initially known as Ekkal, which gradually evolved into the name Okkal.

The region was once part of the Travancore princely state. After the formation of Kerala, the area became part of Ernakulam District.

The proximity of the Periyar River makes Okkal fertile and rich in water resources. Sree Sankaracharya University, Kalady, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, and Malayattoor Kurishumudi are situated nearby.

The Chelamattom Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, known as Dakshina Kashi, and the Thottuva Sree Dhanwanthari Temple are important religious and cultural landmarks in the region.

Agriculture has historically been an important part of the region. Major crops include paddy, rubber, ginger, coconut, banana, tapioca and nutmeg.

The region also has a rich tradition of folk arts and cultural practices including Thiruvathira, Parichamuttu, Chinthupattu, Thoppikkudam and Thullal.

Educational institutions and healthcare facilities have contributed significantly to the social development of the area.

According to local history, a feudal family known as Kooveli Madam lived near the present Ganapathy Vilasam High School. People used to approach the family to present their grievances and seek solutions.

It is believed that the name Koovappady evolved from Koovelippadi, meaning the place associated with the family.

During the early part of the twentieth century, much of the land in the area was controlled by Devaswoms, traditional households and landlords. Progressive movements and land reforms brought significant changes to the land ownership system.

The region has a varied geographical character consisting of hills, slopes and plains. Approximately 70% of the area is plain land. Kunnakkattumala, Mayiladumkunnu and Kayyuthiyal are among the hilly areas.

Agriculture has traditionally been important. Paddy, rubber, ginger, coconut, banana, tapioca and nutmeg are among the important crops.

The Periyar River is the most important water resource of the Panchayat and forms boundaries along several wards.

Koovappady has a rich tradition of folk culture, including harvest songs, Thiruvathira, Parichamuttu, Chinthupattu, Thoppikkudam and Thullal.

The Panchayat has numerous temples, churches and Muslim places of worship. Festivals and religious celebrations are conducted with participation from different communities.

Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, arts organisations and sports clubs have contributed to the development of the Panchayat.

Vengoor was historically a forested region. By the beginning of the twentieth century, agriculture had expanded throughout much of the area.

Channels, streams and low-lying areas between the hills were gradually converted into paddy fields.

Paddy cultivation was initially widespread. Grass cultivation and cashew cultivation were also common in hilly and sloping areas.

The region is surrounded by branches of the Periyar River. The village has several historically significant places and remnants of old settlements and temples.

Munippara is notable for its traditional caves associated with sages.

Vengoor covers an area of approximately 48.01 square kilometres and includes forest areas extending towards Kottappara and the northern side of the Periyar.

The social and cultural structure of Vengoor was influenced by the national freedom movement and various social reform movements.

A large section of the rural population consisted of small and marginal farmers and agricultural labourers. Land reforms subsequently brought major changes in land ownership.

Educational institutions began to develop in Vengoor from the early twentieth century, contributing to the educational progress of the region.

The eastern parts of Rayamangalam are generally elevated. The Panchayat is situated between the Periyar River and the Muvattupuzha River.

The canals of the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project pass through the Panchayat. Many paddy fields were therefore historically suitable for multiple-season cultivation.

Paddy cultivation was the principal occupation of the people. Coconut and rubber were also important crops.

Kuruppampady town was once an important market centre for grass oil and ginger.

The MC Road and Aluva–Munnar Road are important roads passing through the Panchayat.

The activities of the national movement and farmers' movement were present in the area from an early period.

Social reform movements against caste discrimination, social customs and untouchability also gained strength.

The first educational institution in the Panchayat was an LP School established at Keezhillam in 1890.

Land reforms resulted in many families becoming landowners and contributed to significant social and economic transformation.

The Panchayat has a rich cultural heritage associated with Koothu, Koodiyattam, Kathakali, folk songs, Chinth and Kolkali.

Asamannoor has a long historical background associated with the old regional kingdoms of Kerala.

The region has important historical and cultural heritage sites, including the famous Kallil Temple.

The social and cultural development of the region was influenced by agricultural movements, social transformation, education and cultural activities.

The historical development of the region was influenced by the political and social changes that took place in Travancore, Cochin, Malabar and later in the State of Kerala.

Traditional institutions, religious centres and community activities continue to form an important part of the cultural identity of the region.

Mudakkuzha has a long historical background associated with the Venad region and the political developments that followed the period of the Perumals.

The area has connections with ancient settlements, religious centres and traditional communities.

The region has important historical and cultural connections with Kallil Temple and ancient routes linking Mudakkuzha and nearby areas.

Several explanations have been associated with the origin of the place name Mudakkuzha, including references to ancient geographical terminology and local vegetation.

The area contains ancient temples and sacred groves. Anandanath Kavu is associated with traditional local history and cultural practices.

Kalarikkudi, located in the Panchayat, is traditionally associated with martial-arts training. Remnants of an old Kalari are still said to be visible in the area.