The Fascinating Twin Village of Kodinhi in Kerala

Kodinhi, a village in Kerala, has gained attention for its remarkable rate of twin births, with many families having identical twins. This phenomenon has intrigued scientists who are conducting research to uncover the genetic factors behind it. With around 400 pairs of twins in a community of 2,000 families, the village presents both joys and challenges for its residents. Discover the unique stories and scientific investigations surrounding this extraordinary place.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 16, 2026, 10:08 IST

A Unique Phenomenon in Kerala

Having twins is not an unusual occurrence, but when those twins are identical, it becomes a remarkable phenomenon. In fact, there exists a village in India where a significant number of children born are twins, which may surprise many. Furthermore, it is astonishing to note that all these twins are identical.

This is not merely a figment of imagination; it is a reality that has been observed for decades in a village in Kerala. This unique village has intrigued scientists not only in India but also in London. Let's explore which village is known for its high rate of twin births and what researchers have discovered.

The Village of Kodinhi

Located in the Malappuram district of Kerala, the village of Kodinhi stands out from others. While it may appear like any ordinary village, its name has gained recognition both nationally and internationally.

The village's uniqueness lies in the fact that a majority of the children born here are twins and often identical. This claim may seem hard to believe, but it is entirely true. Most families in Kodinhi have twins, making it a remarkable place.

A Community of Twins

Currently, Kodinhi is home to around 2,000 families, and astonishingly, there are about 400 pairs of twins living in the village. This trend has been ongoing for several decades, leading to the village being dubbed the 'Twin Village.' Interestingly, even newcomers to the village tend to have twins.

Among the residents is 46-year-old Shamasad Begum, who moved to Kodinhi with her husband in 2000. When she had children, they too were twins. Shamasad notes that in her family, no woman had ever given birth to twins in five generations.

Challenges of Raising Twins

For some, this phenomenon is a blessing, while for others, it can be a burden. Auto-rickshaw driver Abhilash shared that he has two sets of twins, making it challenging for him to manage the responsibilities of raising four children.

Scientific Investigations into Twin Births

Researchers from Kerala and even London are studying the high incidence of twin births in this village. Samples ranging from hair to saliva have been collected for analysis. Although the exact reasons for this phenomenon remain unclear, scientists attribute it to genetic factors.

Professor E. Preetam from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies suggests that genetic reasons could explain the prevalence of twins in Kodinhi.