Explore Kodinhi Village: The Miraculous Land of Twins

By Tushar [16/Feb/23] Recently the term ‘Twinning’ has been a trend, where the Gen Z individuals deliberately wear the same outfit or other accessories matching with their besties. Doing so, they click pictures and upload them on social media platforms, and eventually have become one of the common posts. But, how would you react to the fact that there is a village in Kerala, that has innumerable sets of twins? Sounds inconceivable. Right? Let’s take a deep dive to stimulate the curiosity.

1. Kodinhi Village- Kodinhi, famously recognized as ‘The Twin Town’, is a quaint village situated in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Positioned approximately 15 miles from Malappuram city, Kodinhi has gained global attention due to its remarkably high birth rate of twins. The village boasts an unusually elevated number of twins born each year, with over 250 pairs and approximately 15 new pairs annually among its estimated 20,000 families. Remarkably, around 10% of the town's population comprises twins, making Kodinhi a unique phenomenon. Visiting this village not only contributes to Kerala Tourism but also offers an opportunity to witness firsthand this intriguing and mysterious occurrence.

2. A Matter of Intrigue- Known as the "God’s Own Country of Twins," Kodinhi has secured a notable position in the Guinness Book of World Records, ranking second globally for the highest number of twins, following Hung Loc Commune in Vietnam, Igbo-Ora in Nigeria, and Candido Godoi in Brazil.

The spotlight first shone on Kodinhi Village in 2008 due to its extraordinary abundance of twins, a phenomenon acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records. According to local doctors, the actual count may even surpass reported figures. The presence of such a substantial twin population undoubtedly adds a unique dynamic to the village, with the oldest twin pair born in 1949. The prevalence of twins extends back three generations, showcasing the enduring nature of this intriguing occurrence in Kodinhi.

Nestled in lush greenery, Kodinhi is a village comprising no more than 2000 families. However, what sets it apart is its extraordinary distinction of having the highest birth rate of twins globally. Upon entering the village, one is greeted by the sight of identical faces scattered throughout – from schools and marketplaces to shops and offices, showcasing a remarkable prevalence of twins, both old and middle-aged.

According to local legends, the enigmatic phenomenon in Kodinhi traces its origins back some 60-70 years. Despite extensive research conducted by both national and international experts, a definitive explanation has remained elusive. Globally, twins represent only 6 out of every 1,000 newborns, but in Kodinhi, this figure spikes dramatically to 42 out of 1,000, signifying a staggering 700% increase.

Adding to the intrigue, women from Kodinhi who marry outside the village also exhibit a higher likelihood of giving birth to twins. These peculiarities have left subject experts, villagers, and researchers alike baffled, as the precise cause or origin of this phenomenon remains unknown.

Several Speculations without Ultimate Conclusion

In October 2016, a team of researchers from India, London, and Germany visited Kodinhi to explore the scientific underpinnings of the unusually high number of twins in the village. During their visit, they gathered hair and saliva samples for a comprehensive DNA study. Despite the extensive research, a conclusive scientific explanation for this mysterious phenomenon remained elusive. Speculations persist about a potential influence from a specific element in the air, water, or diet of Kodinhi villagers, but as of now, no definitive proof has been established.

Despite various speculations, concrete scientific evidence remains elusive. While some doctors suggest that, in addition to genetics, a specific element in the air or water of the village could be a factor, others point to the diet of the villagers. Unlike the global trend where artificial insemination contributes to the increasing number of twins, this is not the case in Kodinhi. Ongoing genetic studies by researchers aim to unravel the mysteries surrounding the high incidence of twins in the village.

A visit to Kodinhi is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves you pondering for days after your journey concludes. Additionally, as you travel to Kodinhi, there are numerous splendid destinations in "God's Own Country" that you can explore within a single trip.