Changanacherry (Malayalam: ചങ്ങനാശ്ശേരി) is a town and a Municipality in Kottayam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is located between Kottayam and Thiruvalla townships-18 km from Kottayam town. This town is known for the peaceful co-existence of Hindus, Christians and Muslims.[citation needed] Nearest town is Thiruvalla. The basic infrastructure of the town is commendable and all major transport modes like road, rail and inland-water are well developed. The population hosts mostly an educated Indian middle-class genre with a traditional but tolerant outlook. It is known as the Gateway to High Range (hill resorts) and Kuttanadu (backwaters). It is ideally located between Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. The nearest beach is only 20 km, the backwaters 3 km and the hill resort 40 km. In the past, the town was known as Anchu Vilakkinte Pattanam in local language, meaning Town of five fire lamps, which symbolises unity and points to old business time.